History
Hawthorn Bowling Club
The Hawthorn Bowling Club was formed in 1880, making it one of the oldest enduring bowling clubs, in not only the State, but also Australia wide.
Still on the original site, it is set in the picturesque St James Park, and the layout of greens and paths has remained relatively unchanged over the years.
The location was officially reserved early in 1861, opposite the original Hawthorn township reserve, which was surveyed in 1837. This is immediately east of the Yarra River, where Church Street meets Burwood Road, and is easily recognized by the Christ Church ( 1853 ), and the West Hawthorn Primary School ( 1853 ) north of Burwood Road.
The first bowling green and pavilion was on a site intended for a police station and courthouse.
The Bowling Club was founded on April 22nd 1880 when a provisional committee was appointed. Minutes dated 14 May 1880 record that "The secretary has applied to the Borough Council for occupancy of the site in the reserve ( St. James Park ) and that the same had been granted".
On June 18th 1880, the Hawthorn Bowling Club was formed, and the Mayor, Cr W Cleverdon was elected first President, with F L Flint the first Secretary.
A three rink green was laid down in St James Park. The opening took place on December 16th 1880, celebrated that evening at the Sir Robert Mickle Hotel. Two more rinks were added in 1882, another in 1899, and two more in 1903.
The club joined the Royal Victorian Bowling Association in 1882.
Also in 1882, the local MLA Mr. Walker opened the first pavilion. This was moved in 1889 to the small green, and this served the club until 1938 when the present clubhouse was erected. The clubhouse has two levels and overlooks the park and the bowling greens.
The Diamond Jubilee was in 1940, and with substantial support from the Hawthorn City Council, there were many improvements and additions to the playing area, the pavilion, and the property generally. In 1945, overhead lighting was installed.
The women’s bowling club was formed in 1950.
A cottage for a resident green keeper was built in 1958, and at around the same time, the disbanded women’s croquet club green was converted into a bowling green to be used extensively during the winter. The Camberwell Petanque Club now uses this.
The rich tapestry of history of the club may be seen through the honor boards, photographs, and pennants that are displayed on the walls in the Clubhouse.
