History

Lawn Bowling

In August 1901 three Scottish immigrants namely James Brown, James Baillie, and James Rodgers investigated the procurement of sand, turf, and equipment needed for the development of a bowling green. They drew up an open letter to the Westmount public advertising the proposed club and on September 6 at a public meeting a provisional committee was appointed to get the project off the ground. The first formal meeting at the Club took place on May 28, 1902 with the election of a Board of Directors who were empowered to arrange for a clubhouse to be built at a cost not exceeding $500. The opening ceremony of the club took place on Saturday June 28, 1902.

The club continued to grow and flourish with a membership increasing to 155 gentlemen by 1903. The Secretary William Brown, eldest son of James Brown the President wrote in his Annual Report for 1903 that,

The originators may take credit for having established in Westmount in the short period of two years , a Club which is a credit to the Town. A feeling of comradeship, of sportsmanship and of generous rivalry seems to pervade the whole membership.

Throughout the span of half a century Willie Brown made outstanding contributions to the spirit and operating methods of the club. An annual tournament and trophy is awarded in his name.

Croquet

Most cultures around the world enjoy one or another game played with a stick, ball, and hoop. Native American cultures played such a game from the Atlantic to the Pacific before the arrival of Europeans. Several games are versions of billiards played along the ground. Both Polo and Golf are examples. Another is croquet. Although a version called Pall-Mall was played by the court of Charles II in England on an extent of land more resembling a golf course, many games occurred on a court of a prescribed size. In all cases, the aim of the game was to knock a ball with a mallet through a hoop of bent iron. The 1860s saw the acme of the sport in Great Britain, although it has waxed and waned in popularity ever since, especially in Commonwealth countries or countries, like the USA, that were have British origins. Croquet has been enjoyed at Westmount for more than thirty years.

A notable feature of Croquet, or “crooky,” as it was popularly known in the mid-nineteenth century, is that it has long been a social sport; that is, both women and men have long enjoyed and excelled at it. It provides mild outdoor exercise, fellowship, and competition.

Several variations of the game called Croquet are popular around the world today. Members of the WLBCC commonly play what is known as Golf Croquet, with two players each playing two balls or four players, divided into two teams, each playing one ball through hoops to a winning score of seven. This variation of Croquet began to be enjoyed roundabout 1900. When played by four proficient players, a game takes little more than a half-hour, but games of fifty minutes often occur, especially if they are hotly contested and reach a maximum score (7–6). A club championship normally occurs annually. White clothing is the customary dress for play; members are encouraged to uphold this tradition.