Historical information

Photocopy of damaged photograph of a large group of men and women posing for a photograph on the first Eltham tennis court. Group includes people identified with an 'X' as Maisie with Laura Williams and Pop. The photo is the same group of people taken at the same time as SEPP_0721 (Lady Premiers 1909-1910).

This is not a typical formal sports group pose, with only two women identified as holding racquets. 33 individuals, including men and children and one dog pose for the camera, the majority of whom are not dressed to play tennis.

The court shows clear markings for tennis and a flag is flying in the background. The photograph is taken from inside the wire enclosure. There are mature gum trees in the background. The tennis court was situated in Eltham South at Bremner’s Flats (near present day Wingrove Park).

The information included with the photocopy suggested this was the opening of the first Eltham Tennis Court however this is inaccurate.

The Eltham Lawn Tennis Club was formed on a Saturday evening, the 29th of October, 1898 at a meeting held at the Eltham State school. The meeting was large and representative. Twenty members were enrolled, and eight more have since been added. Officers and a committee were duly elected, and the Treasurer was instructed to purchase the necessary requisites without delay. By the end of the first week in November all the requisites were to hand, two courts were marked out, and practice begun. The formal opening of the Courts of this Club took place on Saturday, November 12, 1898, when 26 members and their friends assembled. After several sets had been contested an adjournment was made for tea provided by the members and nicely laid out under the shade of the trees. Afterwards, sets were again formed and the game was proceeded with in a lively spirit till nearly dark, when all dispersed having thoroughly enjoyed themselves during the afternoon. (Evelyn Observer, and South and East Bourke Record (Vic. : 1882 - 1902), Friday 18 November 1898, page 2)

Physical description

Photocopy of damaged photograph