Art of the Club

GPYC BELL

During the construction of the present clubhouse in 1928, a bell for the belltower was ordered from the Meneely Company of Watervliet, NY. This historic company produced bells for the USS Constitution and the US Military Academy at West Point as well as an 1876 Centennial replacement for the original Liberty Bell that now hangs in the belfry of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The GPYC bell, just over five feet high, five inches thick and weighing more than two tons, cost $14,000 in 1928. In 1982 an electronically controlled striking system was installed and from that time to the present the great bell has been tolling perfect ships’ time throughout the harbor. The bronze sculpture gracing the front courtyard of the clubhouse entitled “The Mariner” was created by Norwegian American artist Kirsten Kokkin.

Dedicated on July 4, 2002, it was a gift to the Club from Past Commodore John Boll and his wife Marlene. The 10-foot-high sculpture depicts a captain at the helm of his ship seeming to be correcting its pitch with the wheel. The artist’s name is on the base along with “AP”, which denotes this as the artist’s proof.

About 50 yards east of the Grog Shop stands the bronze sculpture of a young boy seated on a rock appearing to be launching a toy sailboat. The signature of artist Dennis V. Smith appears on the base along with the edition number 5/15. A plaque notes that the piece was donated by the GPYC Yachtsmen Committee and includes the names of its members who donated to fund the 12 annual scholarships presented to participants in the Junior Sailing Program.

“At the River” by American sculptor Karl Jensen resides on the East Lawn in the small garden near the harbor. This two-toned bronze depicts a young boy in shorts tipping a two-handled jug as if watering plants. Signed and marked as edition 2/59, this sculpture was donated to the Club by Tom and Carol Campau.

A second East Lawn sculpture, also by Karl Jensen and also a two-toned bronze, stands in the small garden that flanks the walkway along the swimming pool wall. It depicts a young girl running with arms outstretched and shoes in hand; hence the name “Carefree.” Donated by Anthony Soave and Family, this piece is also signed and marked edition 10/59.