History

THE PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES
PORT OF CHICAGO


The Chicago Propeller Club was chartered on February 3, 1933 and is one of the oldest
propeller clubs in the United States.
The International Propeller Club of the United States
The Propeller Club of Chicago is part of a much larger association of port clubs that
comprise the International Propeller Club of the United States, an international business
network dedicated to the promotion of commerce, global trade and the maritime
industry. Propeller Club programs educate the public and elected officials about the
importance of waterborne commerce.
A rich maritime history
From humble beginnings, the Propeller Club has grown to include more than 80 Ports in
maritime locations around the world, including almost 30 in countries outside the U.S.
Conceived in 1922, the Propeller Club started as a small group of maritime
professionals meeting informally each day over lunch to discuss industry issues. As the
group became too large for casual conversation, speakers were invited to address the
group.  The club continued to grow, and in January of 1923 the “Propeller Club of the
Port of New York” was formed, with 33 members in attendance choosing the name and
scheduling regular meetings.
News of the club spread to other port cities, and Propeller Clubs were formed in Boston,
New Orleans, and at Yale University.  On Nov. 7, 1927, The Propeller Club of the United
States as a national and international organization was formed, with individual member
clubs designated as “Ports.” Ports followed in Tampa, Seattle, Jacksonville and Miami. 

The first overseas Propeller Club Port was formed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1932, by
Americans engaged there in the maritime business.
Chicago Propeller Club then incorporated in 1933 becoming one of the most powerful
voices in the city for many years.

Membership comprises a cross section of the maritime industry throughout the United
States and in many cities overseas. The Propeller Club is particularly well equipped to
promote, further and support the merchant marine. “Propeller” in the name refers to the
propulsion of ships and is symbolic of the driving force required to communicate the
need for an adequate, privately-owned merchant marine for both overseas and
domestic commerce.
Today, the International Propeller Club of the United States is an international business
network dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, commerce and global
trade.
The International Propeller Club holds two major events a year the Salute to Congress
and Annual Convention where members from around the world can meet and network.
It further issues a monthly newsletter featuring news from clubs around the world.
Other Propeller Clubs in the Great Lakes region include Cleveland and Detroit.
Visit: International Propeller Club – Promoting the Maritime Industry Since 1927