Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
ODBC
Making Waves in Our Community…
The Old Dominion Boat Club's objective is to promote charitable and community service, athletic and water-related activities, and fellowship among its members.
Alexandria's Sportsman's Club
1947 - Present
Founded on an idea by ODBC member Tommy Ennis, a local athlete and WWII decorated hero, ASC promotes athletic and scholastic achievement among Alexandria's youth. The strong bond between ACS and ODBC continues with more than 80% of scholarship funds donated by ODBC members.
Children with Disabilities
1970s - Present
ODBC hosts events for children from several Alexandria Public School classrooms. In the spring, the children enjoy a luncheon and boat ride on the Potomac River. In December, the Club hosts a holiday party with a visit from Santa.
ODBC Salvation Army Bell Ringers
1980s - Present
Club members volunteer to ring the bell at the familiar red kettles on corners throughout Old Town, Alexandria. The Club donates use of the clubhouse for other bellringers as a place to warm up and take a break.
George
1970s - Present
Club members participate in the annual parade that honors our first President and features historic reenactment groups, military bands, veterans' groups, floats, and representatives from local business and community organizations.
Alexandria's Annual Boat Parade of Lights
2000 - Present
Every December, boaters come together to light up the Alexandria waterfront with a spectacular show that was started by a club member. ODBC celebrates this tradition hosting the Captains' Parade Coordination & Safety Meeting followed by a reception. The parade has grown to over 50 boats, with club members often bringing home the trophies.
Waterskiing Santa
2014 - Present
ODBC is now the official sponsor of the annual Christmas Eve waterskiing show featuring Santa and other favorite characters on the Potomac River. The Club provides crew facilities, refreshments, staging area, and support for the show that started more than three decades ago.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLC)
Poker Run — 2006 - Present
ODBC has partnered with LLS of the Mid-Atlantic Region to create a Power Boat Poker Run fundraiser. The Club is the sponsor and host for this event. Held each summer, participants have contributed more than $150,000 to fight blood cancers.
EOD Warrior Foundation
2014-2015
Partnering with the Alexandrida's Sons of the American Legion, ODBC co-sponsored fundraisers for the EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) Warrior Foundation. Donations of food, beverages and silent auction items contributed to more than $185,000 raised in two years.
Bicentennial of the War of 1812
2014
In 2014, members of ODBC helped the City of Alexandria commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. A year-long series of events paid tribute to the longstanding friendship between the U.S. and Great Britain.
ODBC served as a sponsor and host of the yacht race on the Potomac River between an American crew and a British crew This time, the Americans won.
ODBC Foundation
2019 - Present
The Foundation supports the Club's philanthropic goals and objectives, and promotes community service, charitable, educational, and water-related activities.
The ODBC Foundation raises money through members for specific programs that promote history, culture, and environment in the City of Alexandria and supporting areas.
Erected by Old Dominion Boat Club.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War of 1812 • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #01 George Washington series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.
Location. 38° 48.171′ N, 77° 2.381′ W. Marker is in Alexandria, Virginia. It is in Old Town. Marker is on The Strand just south of Prince Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 0 Prince St, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Rich History on the Alexandria Waterfront (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named ODBC (here, next to this marker); Waterfront Archaeology (within shouting distance of this marker); Industrialization of the Strand (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Mill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Raise the White Flag (about 300 feet away); The Domestic Slave Trade (about 300 feet away); The History of the Pineapple (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 3 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 15, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on April 14, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.