Newtown Bowling Club and Victoria Park Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club minute books

MLMSS 12191/1X

fonds

6 December 1887-20 December 1893, 16 June 1894-3 June 1908

Textual Records, Clippings, Ephemera

9680936

0.29 metres of textual material (1 outsize box) - 34 x 23 cm - manuscript, typescript

The Victoria Park Bowling Club was formed on 25 February 1887, following the approval by trustees of a "formation of six rinks" on the grounds of Victoria Park. The following office-bearers were elected: President, Mr T.J. Gibbes; Vice-presidents, Messrs W. Crispain, J.H. Beale, A.T. Flay, F. Pepper; Treasurer, Mr W.H. Goddard; Secretary, Mr J. Cowley. The green was not established immediately and the club became dormant.

The Newtown Bowling Club was then established on 6 October 1887 with 26 members. Members from the previously proposed Victoria Park Bowling Club were appointed as office-bearers: F.J. Gibbes was elected as the first President, Mr W.H. Goddard as treasurer, and Mr J. Cowley as secretary. The members were initially given the use of a bowling green on grounds adjoining the residence of Mr Fleay, 'Gowrie House' on Erskineville Road.

During the late 1880s and into the early 1890s there was debate amongst club members over their interest in utilising a portion of Victoria Park for green, and transferring at least some of their operations to that centre. In 1890, the club split and those in favour of moving to Victoria Park decided to establish a new club called the Victoria Park Bowling Club. There was also significant public opposition to use of a portion of the public-owned Victoria Park for private purposes. Despite the protests, and the apparent club split, the official opening of a green and pavilion took place on Saturday 1 October 1892 presided over by the President of the Newtown Bowling Club, Mr James Toohey.

On 15 October 1894 the Newtown Bowling Club's name was changed to the Victoria Park Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club. The Newtown Bowling Club however continued in name for some years, and apparently with its own committee, and was considered by some the 'mother club' of the Victoria Park Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club.

References:
Bowling. In The Sydney Morning Herald, 26 February 1887, page 13. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13628031 (Accessed 22 July 2024)
The Victoria Park. In The Australian Star, 26 February 1887, page 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228184707 (Accessed 22 July 2024)
Victoria Park. In The Australian Star, 10 January 1891), page 5. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228167251 (Accessed 22 July 2024)
The Victoria Park Bowling Club. In The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 24 September 1898. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163806906 (Accessed 22 July 2024)

Two minute books contained in bound ledgers. Subjects include: special and regular meeting minutes, state of the courts, ball subscriptions, appointing of office holders, challenges to matches from other clubs, and match reports.

Newtown Bowling Club minute book, 6 December 1887-20 December 1893.

Victoria Park Lawn Tennis Club minute book, 16 June 1894-15 September 1906

Other documents, October 1897-June 1908:
Includes clippings, match reports, notes, balance sheets, correspondence, and the Tennis Handbook for New South Wales (1907)

Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales