2. Sport and Leisure in British North America Two periods: 1763-1840; 1840- Confederation in 1867 Family Compact - Chateau Clique Patronage English, French, Scots, Irish, United Empire Loyalists Religion - Anglican - Catholic

3. Legislation and the Parameters of Social Conduct Liquor: 1.regulation (control ~ Sin taxes ) Gambling: public vs. private Sabbath Day: public vs. private Game Laws - Hunting and Fishing

4. Billiards – public nuisances And whereas much inconvenience has arisen from the increased number of billiard tables throughout this province; and whereas it is essential to the happiness and welfare of all his Majesty’s subjects therein, that the licensing of billiard tables, in future, for the more effectual prevention of the evils and inconveniences arising therefrom, be considered an object of legislative interference

8. 1840-1866 Rebellions – Promoted Social Activities – fairs, Agricultural Assoc, Mechanic’s Institutes, Libraries

9. 1840 “Grand Menagerie ad: ~ typical travelling circus described in its language of the day

10. 1840-1866 Classic pioneer period 1821 pop ¾ mill; 1851, 2.3 mill = X 3 so massive immigr, $ stabil > sport ? Lower classes had very little time, experience or inclin to sport Recr & amusements: 25 cents per gallon whiskey, weddings, auctions, animal-baiting, tavern ‘sports’, the chivaree

19. What Activities? Montreal Curling Club 1807 Hunt Clubs - likeminded Hunting, Fishing – the science of nature Horseracing Bees Taverns – tavern sports Hunting, fishing for subsistence

20. An institution to lean on… Sport today is an institution When did Br pub schools begin to bring sport back to West world? Inconceivable then that there could be organized sport much before Confederation, if then Thus, relied on existing institutions like The Bee, the Tavern, Garrisons

21. The Formation of the Montreal Curling Club, 1807 [ see handout ] 1 st The club is to meet every Wed at 12 o’clock to play til 3 and no member shall absent himself, without giving a sufficient excuse one day before, to the Secretary of the Club, that the party may otherwise be made up under the penalty of 2 clubs 2 nd The Club shall meet at Gillis on Wed every fortnight at 4 o’clock to dine on salt beef and greens. The Club dinner and wine shall not exceed 7 shillings, 6 pence… 3 rd Each absent member shall pay… 4 th Any member shall ask a friend…

22. The Lord’s Day Act Statutes of Canada, 1845, 8 Vict., c. 45. [ see handout ]

23. Single exception to the leaning rule… horseracing

25. The Garrisons “The paramount influence [ on the development of sport ]...

26. What’s a garrison ? Almost every town, city b4 1867 had military presence so was a ‘garrisoned’ town /city the officers – privileged u class, purchased their commissions; so wealthy, well educated and after 1850, that educ in Br Public School ~ therefore imbued with Br pub school sporting tradition

27. Garrison officer – real skills for sport ? –Admin experience –Opportunity –Inclination –Tradition

28. Garrison officers – which sports ? Horseracing – prov the horses, prizes, riders, officials, venues Tandem and sleighing ‘clubs’ or groups in winter, some ice-trotting races Cricket – challenge matches Fox hunting Even tr & field, 1844 “Montreal Ol Games” – events... From MG 29 Aug 1844 [ see handout ]

29. Garrison officers – how prevalent was their sport ?

30. A milieu for baseball ? The Great Baseball Game of 1838 Where, how, who, why ? Likelihood it happened ? Evidence ? Did we invent baseball ?

31. The American Game ? ? See handout, Ford’s letter Adam Enoch Ford June 4, 1838; Beachville, Ontario