Historical information

Sir John Madden, Chief Justice of Victoria, opened the Auburn Heights Recreation Club in Barkers Road in December 1904. Two years later the greens were improved and a new croquet lawn established. In September 1906, a ceremony was held to open these and also the new pavilion designed by Harry Tompkins.

Significance

Rare and important early photograph of the opening of a significant sports club in Melbourne

Physical description

1/4 plate glass negative (and accompanying print) of the crowd at the opening of the new greens and croquet lawn in 1906 at the Auburn Heights Recreation Club in Barkers Road, Kew. Spectators, including many women, watch the opening game of bowls on the redeveloped green. While there are no photographs of women playing in the four glass negatives, the Club made a point in its statements to the press that women were invited to ‘indulge in this enjoyable recreation’.