"As Our Dreams Are, Such Are We"
A Decades-Long Marina History
The marina that became Prairie Harbor Yacht Club has deep roots (and channels... wink, wink!), dating back to 1938. With nearly 90 years at our beautiful location nestled in the serene Chiwaukee Prairie of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, decades of change and perseverance have shaped what PHYC is today.
With the installation of our state-of-the-art docks in the early 2020s, Prairie Harbor Yacht Club is both a part of deep and beautiful history and ahead of the curve for the needs of boaters.
Take a ride through our history as a marina; throw out the anchor and soak it all in. It's the stuff of old (and new) maritime enchantment, and is sure to shiver your timbers!
The Marina throughout the 1900s
1938 - 1991
Walter H. Mayer, Sr. and Harriet Mayer
1938
Walter H. Mayer, the founder of a Chicago-based linen supply company, decided to begin constructing a marina in southeast Wisconsin on Lake Michigan.
Artist's Rendering of Pompeii Del Lago
1938
Proudly christened Pompeii Del Lago, the architecture of the original clubhouse was inspired by the ruins of the Roman city, Pompeii. It included a marble bathhouse, formal gardens, a gazebo, and more.
Original Inscription at Pompeii Del Lago, resides at PHYC still today
10/27/1938
With construction finished, the inscription "AS OUR DREAMS ARE, SUCH ARE WE" is installed at the Marina. This was a favorite of Mayer's, and the date was his and his wife's 20th wedding anniversary.
Harriet Mayer and her two children, 1935
1954
Walter H. Mayer passed away, and Harriet Mayer subsequently sold Pompeii Del Lago for $60,000.
Pompeii Del Lago prior to sale
1965
Plans were approved by Kenosha County for an ambitious 1,000-slip marina named Pompeii on the Lake. Dredging of the marina and installation of docks commenced.
Chiwaukee Prairie
Courtesy of Phil Sander
1967
40 docks were built out of the original goal of 1,000 slips. After discussions and negotiations with a local conservationist group, the marina and the group reached an agreement that allowed the marina's construction with protections in place for the nearby natural prairie land.
This conservationist group would later become the Chiwaukee Prairie Preservation Fund, Inc. This nonprofit still exists and works to preserve and protect the untouched prairie land and that is home to hundreds of native plants and animals.
Pompeii Villa Clubhouse, 1985
1980s
Pompeii on the Lake was sold in the mid-1980s and became Trident Marina. A severe 1987 storm caused significant damage to the grounds and the clubhouse. The original Pompeii de Lago clubhouse, turned Pompeii Villa, needed to be completely torn down as a result. The following year, the marina was sold to investors.
Prairie Harbor Yacht Club Clubhouse, 1990s
1991
In 1991, a new leaf was turned - and the Prairie Harbor Yacht Club as we know it came to be. With big ideas and a passion for the open water, a fresh and iconic era of the marina was born.
Keep reading for modern-era history, including the story of PHYC's innovative new dock install - the first its kind on western Lake Michigan.
The Modern Era
1991 - Present Day
Prairie Harbor Yacht Club Entrance, 1990s
1980s and 1990s
The clubhouse was completely rebuilt, and modernized - while creating a cozy Wisconsin vibe - and 159 slips were built.
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Prairie Harbor Yacht Club Clubhouse, 2000s
2000s
After the rebuilding of the clubhouse and addition of docks, the Prairie Harbor Yacht Club team went full-steam ahead in developing modern amenities for our members that go beyond just providing a place for docking their boats. From events, to our pool and tennis courts, and constant maintenance, upgrades, and modernization, our team is always improving and innovating.
Dock Reconstruction
2021 - 2024
As the 2020s made their entrance, Prairie Harbor Yacht Club set sail on the largest dock reconstruction project on the west side of Lake Michigan.
While other marinas were only thinking about replacing their deteriorating docks, PHYC was taking action. Our boaters come first, and we dreamt of being at the forefront of lakefront innovation. And so, it began.
B Dock Project: Winter 2021 - 2022
C Dock Project: Winter 2023 - 2024
