On a magnificent afternoon, mid-March in 2004, the Island Beer Club (IBC) was founded. Jeff "Bones” Wilkens (Mbr#1), John “Old Doc” Morton (Mbr#2), John “Cruncher” Muncy (Mbr#3) and Wayne “Big Oly” Oldendorph (Mbr#4) decided to sample hand-crafted, full-bodied beers from local microbreweries in the San Diego, California, area. After multiple thirst-quenching stops, our four boys ended up at the Ballast Point Brewing Company near the University of San Diego campus. It was there that a kegerator, on display for sale, caught the guys' interest. The thought emerged… “Wouldn’t it be cool if we could enjoy a cold, hand-crafted, micro-brewed beer without the hassle of traveling off of the "Rock?"
Since great ideas require intense thought and discussion, our four-man brew crew adjourned to the VFW bar in Coronado, CA for further liquid refreshment. At the “V” the team agreed to form a beer club. Bones would be the “capital” man--he would purchase a kegerator and allow his garage to be used for micro brew-beer-sampling sessions. Other Club members would purchase kegs of beer, as required. Having established the basic charter for the club, the guys then adjourned to the Little Club bar, in Coronado, to celebrate their brilliant thoughts and begin the membership campaign.
Our man of action, Bones, purchased the kegerator just a few days later. And, on Monday, March 22, 2004, Old Doc delivered the first keg, Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale. Shortly thereafter, our Original Four designated Rob "Crenny" Crenshaw Fifth Founder, who joined in on the afternoon beer sampling sessions for Coronado's new beer aficionados. He became Member#5 after he purchased his first keg.
Meeting at 4 pm, the five grew fond of watching Jerry Springer (not much else on the tube at that time) and discussing the happenings in the universe. It was here that the boys developed the IBC motto--“More Time than Money” -- to reflect the retired status of most of the Beer Club's stately members. The Founders also developed the club's membership obligation: Buy a keg of hand-crafted beer and you are a member.
About ten months into our new Club activities, we needed to solve a problem for Jeff's spousal unit, Loie (aka Mrs. Bones). All this time from inception, Club members were allowed to visit the restroom facilities in the house. Unfortunately, those waiting outside for the facility to "clear" would relieve themselves in Loie's garden... This was intolerable.
On the first anniversary of the Beer Club, the first urinal was installed. In 2013 the original urinal was retired and replaced with a waterless urinal. Unfortunately, nowadays, our meeting location may not offer a lady's restroom.
Always alert and "forward observant" (looking to the future), Bones purchased the domain name, www.islandbeerclub.com. He knew that it might be worthwhile, but he had no idea what to do with it or how it would be helpful... so we sat on it until July of 2006. At this point, Crenny had gained some experience in website development and was hosting the website for the Sea 'N Air Men's Golf Club. That was all we needed. A few pages were developed, and the IBC website was officially published in July 2006. This award-winning website is the envy of beer clubs everywhere.
Signage plays a big part at the Island Beer Club. In August 2006, our alley became "Beer Belly Blvd." A year later a permanent brass marker was installed commemorating the site of the IBC Headquarters. October 2007 had John Clampitt (Mbr#18) deliver and install a hand-crafted, kiln-fired tile plaque to identify the clubhouse of the IBC.
John Weiman (Mbr#151), Weiman Design, designed our logo in late October 2007; allowing us to acquire our now highly sought after, custom apparel and glassware.
In our first fourteen years of existence, we have continually improved and upgraded the facility to include a commercial popcorn maker (compliments of Mike Herlihy {Mbr#57}), two additional beer kegerators (thanks Bones {Mbr#1}), a granite wash sink (thanks to IBC plumber Bob Ryan {Mbr#120} and granite donator Ed Carney {Mbr#58}), two flame-thrower outdoor heaters and numerous beer-oriented signs. Also, the Island Beer Club banner has been on many photo ops including the top of Kilimanjaro, 2012 Super Bowl and, a $16 million cocaine bust off Costa Rica. Between, 2011 and 2018, we more than tripled our membership as we focused on recruiting beer aficionados with enough disposable income to provide a keg of hand-crafted beer. As of June 2020, we have 407 members.
Every March, on the Wednesday closest to 22 March, we celebrate the anniversary of the Island Beer Club by holding a Founders Day party. This event honors the five Founders for creating Coronado’s favorite weekly alley beer gathering.
We lost Jeffery “Bones” Wilkens, {Mbr#1}, on 6 Jul 2019. On 7 Aug 2019, a huge turnout joined together in Beer Belly Blvd to recognize Jeff, celebrate his life and salute his passion for and contribution to the Island Beer Club. On 4 Sep 2019 IBC Headquarters, at 851 J Ave, was retired and on the same day, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the IBC Clubhouse next door at 857 J Ave, Rod Neilson’s (Mbr #169) house.
The J Ave Clubhouse now hosts Beer Club sessions at least twice a month. Other Beer Club sessions are at our local venues, VFW Coronado, The Little Club, Attitude Brewing Co, and Feast and Fareway restaurant at the Coronado Golf Course.
On 18 Mar 2020, because of COVID-19 precautions, Beer Club halted weekly meetings until further notice. As of 23 Jun 2020, no IBC full-membership meeting has been conducted at the Clubhouse.
Our first order of business when we resume alley-socializing is to celebrate Founder’s Day 2020.
The IBC meets every Wednesday from 4 PM to 6 PM (Standard Time); 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM (Daylight Savings Time) in the alley (Beer Belly Blvd) on J Avenue in Coronado as well as our “satellite” locations. Guests, especially ladies, are always welcome when accompanied by a Beer Club member. Please join us.
