|
History of the New Westminster Tennis Club |
 |
 |
 |
|
Page 1 of 3 The early years - 1890-1938
At the corner of Carnarvon and Blackwood Streets in the 1890's, tennis enthusiasts of the New Westminster Lawn Tennis Club met for a game on grass courts. Ladies wearing full-length dresses and fashionably large hats posed gracefully at one end of the court. Over the nets, also suitably dressed, were their male partners. It was the man's responsibility to get the ball square into the centre of the lady's racquet. It was a gentleman's sport, after all, and only the most uncouth would think of hitting the ball hard to a lady. It is believed that Mr. F.J. Coulthard and Mr. L.A. Lewis were the original founders of the New Westminster Lawn Tennis Club. It was established before the turn of the 20th century, the first official record is a picture of the courts and players taken in 1897. In 1901, the club moved “temporarily” to an area in Tipperary Park which had originally been set aside for the provincial legislature buildings. Three courts and a modest clubhouse were built. Activity continued at the club with the ups and downs of World War I and the Depression. Membership at the club reached its peak in the early 1930's when there were as many as 160 entries for a tournament.
Ken Wright remembers – In the thirties, appropriate dress on the courts for gentleman players consisted of a long sleeved white shirt and long white flannel slacks (which had to be dry cleaned). Great rejoicing when “white ducks” which could be laundered at home were allowed.
|
|
Last Updated on Tuesday, 17 June 2008 15:48 |
History of the New Westminster Tennis Club
