The Propeller Club idea was first conceived in New York in 1922 when a small group of men engaged in the marine industry, gathered frequently at luncheon to discuss mutual problems and the future of American shipping. As a result of the World War I shipbuilding program, there were a large number of vessels available, and the most pressing problem was how to make the best use of them. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 had pointed the way – it provided for the sale of government owned ships to both citizens and aliens, and directed the United States Shipping Board to determine and establish world trade routes “for the promotion, development, expansion and maintenance of the foreign and coastwise trade of the United States.”
The original group expanded and on January 24, 1923 formal organization took place.The Propeller Club of the “Port of New York” was established – the keel of the Propeller Club of the United States which was founded four years later, on Nov. 9, 1927.The name “Propeller” was chosen as being emblematic of the driving force.
At first growth was slow but the organization grew steadily and in 1932, the first overseas Port was established in Hamburg, Germany.
Today, there is a Propeller Club Port in practically every city of consequence in continental United States – on the seacoasts, the Great Lakes, and the inland waterways.There are Propeller Club Ports in Guam, Hawaii, and 28 clubs in 14 different countries overseas.
The Propeller Club, Port of Istanbul was founded in 1951 by five American citizens residing in Istanbul:
- Colonel W. F. Britton, U.S. Army, SA
- A.Dingee, General Mgr. Sokoni Vakum, Istanbul
- Charles Waggoner, Operating Mgr. PAA, Istanbul
- Steve Diehl, Manager, General Electric Co. Istanbul
- Frank Butler, U. S. Consul General, Istanbul
