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Reflections: The history of lawn bowling in Perth County

Interest in the summertime game began growing at the end of the 19th century

Lawn bowling is one of many summertime games that have been enjoyed year after year in Perth County. Over the past century, many towns and cities throughout the county have had a lawn bowling club. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia, lawn bowling was brought to Canada by British garrison officers, and the first bowling green was built on the garrison grounds at Annapolis Royal, N.S. Interest in the game grew from the end of the 19th century up to the 1930s. It was during this period that many of the lawn bowling clubs in Perth County were organized.

Even before an official lawn bowling club was organized in Stratford in 1898, members of the Stratford Fire Department were playing games against the public as early as 1891. In the years following the formation of the club, members played at greens on Albert Street from 1899 to 1901 and at 272 Ontario St. until 1915. After being forced to move from the last location, the club successfully negotiated with the board of park management to obtain a piece of land on Lakeside Drive.

Reflections: The history of lawn bowling in Perth County Back to video

The grand opening of this location was held Tuesday, July 11, 1916. The first ladies’ lawn bowling club later........

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