LOOKING AFT
Surprising people, places and events from our past.
George Osius: A Co-Founder of the GPYC ?
B
y 1911, a rapid increase in the number of substantial homes being built along Lake Shore Road north of Grosse Pointe Farms resulted in the incorporation of the community of Grosse Pointe Shores. One of those homes, at what is now 900 Lake Shore Road, was owned by George Osius. When residents ratified the charter, he was elected their first village president. Osius migrated from Germany to Ann Arbor in 1878. Unlike so many immigrants, he was not penniless or without skills, but already possessed a college and commercial education. By 1887, he had moved to Detroit as a founder of the Michigan Ammonia Works, followed closely by the Canadian Ammonia Works in Toronto. German scientists had recently developed a method for mass production of ammonia, essential in synthesizing many chemical products including several used by the military. During World War I, he was appointed to chair the Ammonia Board for the U.S. War Department. Early in his presidency, Osius led the GPS village council in approving construction of a pier located approximately where the main drive to the GPYC clubhouse now exists. When completed in 1915, the pier was 1,300 feet long with a 150 x 300-foot harbor at the deep end; larger than any other pier in the Grosse Pointes. Meanwhile, the first organizational meeting of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club had been held on December 3, 1913 at 840 Lake Shore Road, the home of George Marsh. Elected to lead the new club were: George Marsh, Commodore; John Long, Vice Commodore; and George Osius, Rear Commodore. (From 1914 to
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1926, Osius served as rear or vice commodore, becoming the longest serving flag officer in the Club’s history.) Several GPYC directors were also members of the GPS city council. This author suspects that the formation of a yacht club, led by many of the same people who had approved the construction of the new pier, was not a mere coincidence. The pier’s success would be greatly enhanced by reliable rental fees from yacht club boats, so it is reasonable to speculate that if George Marsh was the driving force behind the establishment of the GPYC, the new pier approved by George Osius and his council members could very likely have been a catalyst that helped to ensure its success. In the ensuing years, GPYC board meetings were held in members’ homes or at the GPS municipal building. In 1925, GPYC directors began discussing a permanent clubhouse, to be located at the end of the GPS pier and necessitating a complete renovation of the pier and harbor. Meeting minutes reflect the strong support of Osius for the endeavor, and a pledge to apply his considerable political Had history taken a different turn, his substantial clout to its successful outcome. involvement in the GPYC founding and clubhouse construction would be more obvious today, and The new pier and harbor were completed in 1928, therefore it is reasonable to consider George Osius and the elegant new GPYC clubhouse opened in as a co-founder of the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. In summer of 1929. At this point, Osius would surely 1932 the Grosse Pointe Shores park was christened have considered the project to be one of his most Osius Park, officially recognizing his contributions satisfying achievements. One can easily imagine to the township. Hopefully today George Osius is him enjoying thanks and admiration from fellow smiling down with great satisfaction on both the Club members for his role in the success of their park named for him and our beautiful Club next Club. Instead, this source of pride was suddenly door. turned on its head by the Great Depression. By Larry Stephenson, M.D.
