Hello Everyone.
I am searching for Information regarding W. B. Rogers and his Boat Witchcraft II raced in 1903. Rogers was Comdr. in 1905 and was from Boston but owned a cottage on Kellogg's Island.
The boat we are interested in historically wise, is the Witchcraft II, A Lawley built, Crowingshield design which put in its first appearence on the lake in spring of 1903.
We would like to know all we can find out about her former owner, Rogers, and what happened to her whilst on the lake.
You will be happy to learn that this fine yacht is still very much afloat, known now as just Witchcraft, and living on the Chesapeake. She was fully restored some time ago and has been recently aquired by the son of one of her former owners, one David Butler. The person who restored her from a near loss is still aboard as her Capt. and is bringing her back up to standards. So you see she is in loving hands. I have been asked to put together as much history as possible on this over 100 year old yacht.
We would also like to know what became of her predecessor, Witchcraft, which was co-owned and raced by W. B. Rogers and his Partner Henry F. Kellogg.
Any help anyone could give me would be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance
John Dodd
W.B. Rogers and Witchcraft II
To John Dodd -
I am one of the historians of LCYC, and as such I have the old club logs in my possession. You did not leave any address for me to contact you, so if you read this please either write to me at Dale Hyerstay, 1775 Dorset St, Charlotte VT 05445, or email me at dale@hyerstay.com. I will be glad to provide you with whatever data we have on W.B. Rogers and his boat(s) - he had three, one of which was the Witchcraft II.
witchcraft II and Witchcraft I
Had the great pleasure of sailing on Witchcraft II (now just Witchcraft) last week ... The current owner, David S Butler, his wife, my self, my wife, the captain (Paul Itzel who restored her) and best of all the Granddaughter and GreatGrandson of the first owner, William B. Rogers. We are still seeking information related to both of the Witchcraft sailboats and WB Rogers. Pictures of the restored yacht are available and a website will soon be up on her history. Its wonderful to set foot on a 106 year old craft and think about all the families who have trod her decks. I can be contacted via email at jedodd@....... gmail .. com (just leave out the dots
heres a link to an article about her restoration
http://www.bayweekly.com/year05/issuexiii40/leadxiii40.html
thanks
John Dodd
Historian for the sailing yacht Witchcraft