Victoria Amateur Swim Club - Island Swimming history... · Victoria Amateur Swim Club 1920...
Transcript of Victoria Amateur Swim Club - Island Swimming history... · Victoria Amateur Swim Club 1920...
Victoria Amateur Swim Club
1920
Competitive swimming on the Gorge peaked in the early 1920‟s. Several clubs dedicated to
the sport had set up headquarters on the Gorge, YMCA(YSC) was first in 1908, then the
Victoria Amateur Swim Club (VASC) and Victoria Ladies Swim Club (VLSC) started up in
1913, the Victoria and Island Athletic Association (VIAA) formed in 1914 and the Elks
Swim Club (ESC) started up in 1920. Each club was located within a few hundred yards of
the Gorge Bridge and held its own weekly handicap races, several hosted Provincial and
Pacific Northwest championships.
Annual meeting of VASC at Carter Hall on January 6th
1920 at 8pm
Election of Officers
President Mr. C. Hopper
Vice President Mr. T.N. Hibben, Mrs.Bertha McAllister
Secretary Gerald Eley Wellburn
March 8 1920
Discussion on registering the lease for the clubhouse site
Fees- membership- .50 per year
Swimmer privileges: 9&under, $1.00 per year
16&under, $2.00 per year
over 16, $3.00 per year
March 16 1920
Club applies for sanction for meet on July 1st to hold BC champs for water polo, ladies 100
yards and Junior 50 yards
Moved that lease to be registered
April 14 1920
Sanction approved for meet to hold BC champs for water polo, ladies 100 yards and 200 yards
junior relay
May 19 1920
Opening of clubhouse Saturday May 22nd
1920 at 3:30pm with basket picnic and swimming
programs
Picnic July 1st at Telegraph Bay (transportation to and back $0.60)
May 25th
– membership Adults $3.50 Juniors $2.50
July 5 1920
Mr. J.D. McNeil thanks club members for wedding presents
July 20 1920
Application to CASA for sanction to hold annual club gala August 28th
1920
August 3 1920
Permission granted by CASA for Club Gala, 100 yd Ladies BC Championships be adopted
for the event Mrs. Barrett donated $15.00 towards medals for this meet
August 17 1920
Paid a plumbing bill for two showers for the clubhouse
December 6 1920
Yearly club fees for membership effective January 1 1921 set at $1.00
Swimmer privileges
9 and under $ .50
16 and under $1.50
16 and over $2.50
On December 25 1920 the VASC hosted the first Invitational Christmas Day Swim, nine
swimmers (two of the were female) braved the cold waters to do a few laps. Tom Wellburn
won the first race followed by Dave Barcley and George Silburn. Captain M. Harbord
offered the club a Challenge Cup as long as the swim remains an annual event.
.
1st Annual Christmas Day Swim
1920
1921
January 3 1921
Election of Officers
President Mrs. Bertha McAllistar
Vice President Mrs. Plunb, Dr. Patterson
Secretary Gerald Evey Wellburn
Land leased by club – “a portion of lot „C‟ section 15 Victoria District, Municipality of
Saanich
April 6 1921
VASC awarded three BC Championships
220 yards open
50 yards ladies
50 yards mens
June 1 1921
VASC applies for Gala on July 23 1921 and permission is granted on July 6th
1921.
June 21 1921
VASC writes a letter to Mr. Butchart asking for permission to hold the clubs annual picnic at
his gardens on July 9th
or 10th
. Permission was granted on July 6th
1921.
July 6 1921
Butchart Gardens turn out not to be suitable for the club picnic and it was moved to Deep
Cove on Sunday July 17, to leave on BCER at 10:30 am.
Club Picnic Deep Cove, Sunday July 17 1921
It was reported that Mr. Henry Bird was building a boat for the club at cost price.
July 23 1921
Three Provincial (50 Free ladies, 220 Breaststroke mens, 50 Free mens) and one Vancouver
Island Championship (Water Polo) for the Little and Taylor Cup were at stake at the VASC
Gala.
50 Free ladies – K Wellburn 2nd
50 Free mens – E Squire 3rd
Water Polo results - VASC 4 YMCA 2
August 3 1921
Saturday September 3rd
1921 set as the date
for the Dominion swimming
Championships run by the CASA BC
section.
Club picnic held at Butchart Gardens,
August 10 1921
Kathleen Wellburn, a fourteen year old
swimmer, won first place in the BC
Championship Ladies 100 yard free style
event with a time of 1:18.15 in a gala held
in the early summer of 1921 (September 3
1921).
1922
January 28 1922
Kathy Wellburn presented an award
(bracelet) for outstanding 1921 season,
Colin McFayden coaching/training Miss
Wellburn
Hibberson Cup awarded to Doris Graves for
highest point total for handicap races for
1921
February 6 1922
Election of Officers
President Mr.Henry Bird
Vice Presidents Mr. Robert William
Hibberson,
Miss Doris Graves
Sec/Tres Gerald Evey
Wellburn
Mr. J Wenger to donate a cup for the club
handicap races held through out the season
April 6 1922
Club applies to the CASA for sanction for
the BC Championships on July 29 1922 for
the following races, 440 freestyle mens, 100
freestyle ladies, 100 senior freestyle ladies
relay and water polo
September 3 1921
May 9 1922
Club awarded BC Championships for 440 freestyle mens and 100 freestyle ladies
Opening day for the club May 20th
1922
May 31 1922
Purpose of the meeting was to discuss the purchase of the waterfront lot in front of G
Humpheries residence Gorge Road with a frontage of 60 feet for a price of $600.00
Motion to purchase the lot was MSC unanimously
June 7 1922
Club championships to include 50 yards, 100yds, 440 yards and 88 yards
Waterfront lot was purchased and first payment made
Club incorporated with Benevolent Societies Act
July 5 1922
10th
annual club gala held on July 29th
1922
Annual Club Picnic, need to write to Mrs. Cresswell in regards to using Deep Cove on August
6 1922
On a Saturday afternoon, July 27 1922 at 3:15pm, the VASC held a gala, in which two BC
Championship were at stake, at the Canadian Amateur Outdoor Swimming Championships,
which took place on the Gorge. Tom Wellburn won the BC Championship 440 yard freestyle
event and set a new Provincial Record with a time of 6:19.15 while Gracie and Kathleen
finished second and third in the BC Championship 100 yard freestyle event. This was the
tenth type event which the VASC had hosted
July 27 1922
Canadian Amateur Outdoor Swimming Championships
On July 31st of 1922, the club again hosted a swimming gala with provincial championship
races held on the Gorge. Tom Wellburn won the BC Championship 880 yard free style event.
August 9 1922
Financial committee progressing with incorporation of club
President Bird called for plans to be submitted for a two story club house
Colours and Emblem.
27. The colours of the society shell be green and white and the emblem of the society shall
consist of the letters V .A.S.C. formed in the following manner
DATED at Victoria, B.C. this 24th day of November, A.D. 1922.
WITNESS:
Henry Bird 3234 Glasgow Ave. Saanich, B.C. Boatbuilder
John Davidson McNeill, 430 Alpha st., Victoria, B.C. Dyer
Robert William Hibberson, 1619 Hampshire Road, Victoria, B.C. Timber Cruiser
Alice Naomi Hibberson 1619 Hampshire Rd, N. Victoria. Housewife
Annie Borders Armstrong, 124 Government Clerk
Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett, Land Surveyor, Cecil Hotel,Victoria, B.C."
Bertha McAllister, 30 Cambridge St., Victoria, B.C. Wife of C.W McAllister
Ada Emily Catterall, 1016 Linden Wife of Harry Catterall
Gerald Eley Wellburn, 2874 Austin Ave, Victoria, B.C. Salesman
Mary Wellburn, 1331 Grant St., Victoria. Clerk
George Silburn, 3200 Douglas St. (Victoria, B.C.) Clerk
Witness to the signature of Henry Bird,
Isaac Chadwick, 1282 Kings Rd. Victoria, B.C. Boatbuilder
Witness to the signatures of, Alice Naomi Hibberson and Mary Wellburn
Ruth Helen Melville, 129 Clarence St.,Victoria. B.C.Stenographer
Witness to the signatures of ; John Davidson Mc Neill, Robert William Hibberson, Annie
Borders Armstrong, Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett, Bertha McAllister Ada Emily
Catterall, Gerald Eley Wellburn, George Silburn
George Watt Stott, 103 Menzies Street, Victoria B.C.
1923
February 7 1923
Election of Officers
President Mr.Henry Bird
Vice Presidents Mr. Robert William Hibberson, Miss Dorothy Georgette Long
Sec/Tres Gerald Evey Wellburn (to July) / L. Russell /Thomas Brooke
Paperwork for Benevolent Societies Act to go through later this month
Plans for a new clubhouse submitted and work to be started at the earliest date
March 14 1923
Work continues on the laying out and surveying of the new lot, floorplans for clubhouse
looked at
Club applies for BC Championship for the 440 yard freestyle mens and the 100 yard freestyle
ladies or the ladies 50 yard ladies freestyle and 800 yard mens freestyle
April 27 1923
Special Meeting
Held to discuss the issue of debentures, $300.00 to be issued by the club for construction and
furnishing of a new clubhouse, value of debentures to be $5.00
May 2 1923
Opening of the swim season to be May 19 1923 with a swimming programme
June 13 1923
Mr. Henry Bird resigns as President.
Club gala set for August 11 1923
Club Picnic to be held at Deep Bay August 12 1923
August 1 1923
Mr. Henry Bird agrees to stay on as President for his remaining time in Victoria or until the
end of the year.
September 5 1923
Ladies of the VASC joined a basketball league and used the club name for the name of their
team (they did ask the executive for permission to use the name)
1924
February 6 1924
Club handicap award for 1923 Tommy Wellburn
Election of Officers
President Percy Pitt
Vice President Mens Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett
Ladies Miss Dorothy Melville
Sec/Tres Joe Ross
March 5 1924
Gracie Wellburn reported that the VASC Basketball Team went through the season
undefeated and was in possession of the league cup.
April 2 1924
The title for the club lot was received and was to be put in the land registry office for
safekeeping.
May 7 1924
Clubhouse official open Thursday May 22 in the evening
A club basket picnic was to be held at Witty‟s Lagoon on Sunday July 6 1924
VASC applies to the CASA for the following BC Championships mens and ladies waterpolo
and the 440 yard mens freestyle
July 2 1924
VASC applies to the CASA for the following BC Championship 200 yard junior mens relay
VASC gala to be held on Saturday August 9 1924
Club picnic to be held at Deep Bay August 11 1924 (some Vancouver swimmers also
attended)
1925
January 7 1925
Good report on the Christmas day swim
Club handicap award for 1924 was Brian Hunnings
February 4 1925
Election of Officers
President John Davidson (Jock) McNeill
Vice President Mens Percy Pitt
Ladies Miss Dorothy Melville
Sec/Tres Thomas Brooke
New Fee Schedule
16 and under $1.00
16-18 $2.00
Ladies $2.50
Mens $3.00
Motion made to contact the management of the new Crystal Gardens to have a gala on the
opening day
March 4 1925
Reunion Party at Mrs. McAllisters on Friday February 27 1925
Letter from Saanich Council regarding rent arrears and that Saanich would accept $50.00 as
full payment for 1923 and 1925
March 8 1925
A visiting Hawaiian swimmer named M. Wehsehlau swam to a new Canadian Open record in
the 220 yard freestyle with a time of 2:52 2/5.
April 14 1925
Team photo taken at Curtis Point Sunday April 26th
1925 at 10:30 am
Proposed list of events for May 24th
or 25th
Gala at the Crystal Gardens (Gala didn‟t happen)
Official opening of the club headquarters Wednesday May 20th
1925 with a basket picnic and
a swim program.
VASC Team and Trophies
Team photo taken at Curtis Point Sunday April 26th
1925 at 10:30 am
Front row, left to right
Doris Graves, Grace Wellburn, Mrs. R.W. Hibberson, Jessie Stott, Ann Balnave, Iris
Philbook, Dorothy Mellville, Kathy Wellburn
Second row
Mollie Wellburn, Foubister, Jackie Clyde, Brian Hunnings, Dave Balnave, W.T. Barrett, Art
Stott,Steve Barclay, Earl Squires, Tommy Wellburn, Frank Gibbs
Back row
Percy Pitt, Mrs. Pitt, Tom Brooke. Mrs. Armstrong, “Jock” McNeil President, Mrs. C.W.
McAllister, Vincent J. Dunn, R.W. Hibberson, C Foxall
June 14 1925
Application made to the CASA for a Swimming Gala at the Crystal Gardens for August 2nd
or 3rd
1925. (meet later set for Tuesday August 4th
1925)
The Crystal Garden was built in the mid-1920's by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a
saltwater swimming pool for the Empress Hotel and the residents of Victoria. The Crystal
Garden officially opened June 8th, 1925 The Crystal Garden‟s first big function was on June
26th, 1925 surrounded by fanfare and a great Carnival, featuring balls, swimming
competitions and other events. The Daily Colonist described it as the “Greatest Swimming
Gala in Victoria‟s History”. It was hosted by the CASA and was billed as "the greatest gala,
either indoor or outdoor, that Western Canada has ever seen. Kathleen Wellburn of the VASC
swam the first length at the new facility. After twelve years of swimming outdoors on the
Gorge (1913 – 1925) the VASC moved indoors to the new pool. Four Canadian
Championships, including the men's 100 and 500 yard and the women's 100 and 200 yard
races were held. It was held in the largest saltwater swimming pool in the British Empire and
all under an incredible glass roof. Designed by world renowned architects Rattenbury and
James, the Crystal garden was constructed in the tradition of the great glass halls of Europe
and included grand ballrooms, tea rooms and a conservatory.
Crystal Gardens 1925
July 15 1925
Annual picnic at Deep Bay on Saturday August 9th
1925 and the club would use the Tally Ho
as a means of transportation
The VASC‟s first major swimming event at the Crystal Gardens was held six weeks after it‟s
opening in June, on Tuesday August 4th
1925. The Daily Colonist headline of August 4 1925
states “World Records Expected to Fall at Tonight‟s VASC Swimming”. The British
Columbia 100 yards championship race was held at the clubs 13th
/14th
annual event.
Swimmers and divers from the Illinois Athletic Club, Cincinnati, Seattle and the VASC took
part in the gala. Events to be held: BC Polo Championships, 100 yard mens championship.
Over the three day gala, amateur races, diving and lifesaving events involved competitors
from up and down the west coast, including Illinois, Washington and Oregon States. John
Weismuller, Stubby Kruger, Robert Skelton, Conrad Mila all from the IAC in Chicago took
part in the gala with Weismuller bettering his World Records in the 100 yard freestyle with a
time of 51 and 2/5ths of a second and Mila setting new World Records in the 440yard
backstroke. Tom Wellburn, of the VASC, set a new Canadian record in the 100 yard freestyle
race with a time of 1:02.45.
World Record Holder
August 13 1925
Minutes suggest that a children‟s gala be held by the VASC in the Crystal Gardens Pool
sometimes in October
Description of August Gala at the Crystal Gardens Pool
September 2 1925
Arrangements under way for the children‟s gala at the Crystal Gardens Pool, letters to be sent
to firms looking for prizes
November 23 1925
Children‟s gala to be held on either Saturday December 19th
or Friday 18th
with 8 races
December 8 1925
Friday December 18th
chosen as the date for the Children‟s Gala at the Crystal Gardens Pool
1926 January 13 1926
Fee reduced
Full Privilege $1.00
Associate Juvenile $ .50
February 3 1926
Election of Officers
President John Davidson (Jock) McNeill
Vice President Mens Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett
Ladies Miss Dorothy Melville
Sec/Tres Percy Pitt
March 3 1926
Club Gala to be held at the Crystal Gardens Pool March 8th
1926
Club hosts a PNA meet March 26th
and 27th
at the Crystal Gardens Pool (see March 11 1926
for more details)
April 14 1926
JD McNeill given permission to go ahead with pile driving for a new course
Application made to Dominion Government to put up piling
July 21 1926
See May 16th
and June 2nd
1926 regarding clubhouse and new course and July 21st 1926
regarding the building of new quarters and course
Club picnic set for Sunday August 1st at Elk Lake
September 1 1926
Club to host Gala at the Crystal Gardens Pool Monday September 6th
1926 (Labour Day)
September 15 1926
Championship Gala to be held at the Crystal Gardens Pool November 8th
1926
The 2nd
annual Children‟s Gala to be held Friday October 15th
1926 at the Crystal Gardens
Pool
Club handicaps to be held at the Crystal Gardens Pool September 22nd
to December 15th
on
Wednesday nights and a new series to begin after Christmas
October 6 1926
Old club quarters on the Gorge ordered to be disposed of (see Treasurers books)
December 10 1926
Motion made that the Annual Christmas Day‟s Swim to be held at the Elks Quarters, if
permission given.
December 22nd
1926
Discussion held regarding amalgamation with the JBAA, a committee of seven was formed to
meet with them
Motion made that the 2nd
set of handicap races be held on Wednesday nights at the Crystal
Gardens Pool be continued starting January 2nd
1927
1927 January 17 1927
Nominations held for executive positions
February 16 1927
Report on amalgamation talks between the VASC and the JBAA, little progress made and
another meeting was to take place
Annual Meeting
Election of Officers
President John Davidson (Jock) McNeill
Vice President Mens Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett
Ladies Mrs. CW (Bertha) McAllister
Sec/Tres Percy Pitt
Handicap race award for the period from September to December was given to Frank Hyslop
August 12 1927
Upcoming meet, 15th
Annual VASC Gala, to be held on Labour Day Saturday, September 5
1927 at the Crystal Gardens Pool. Races to be held
Men‟s 100 Yards for the BC Championship
Men‟s 50 Yards for the BC Championship – winner Tommy Wellburn
Junior Men‟s 100 Yards for the BC Championship
Ladies 50 Yards for the BC Championship
Men‟s 200 Yards Relay for the BC Championship – VASC
Men‟s Fancy Diving for the BC Championship – Art Stott
November 3 1927
Intercity gala to be held at the Crystal Gardens Pool on Monday November 7th
1927
November 17 1927
Children‟s gala to be held at the Crystal Gardens Pool on December 9th
1927
December 6 1927
See minutes on this date for arrangements for the Children‟s gala to be held at the Crystal
Gardens Pool on December 9th
In 1927 the 8th
Annual Invitational Christmas Day Swim event was moved to the Inner
Harbour for the 1st time.
1928
In 1928 R.W. Hibberson was President of the VASC.
January 10 1928
Nominations held for executive positions
Motion made that the club‟s night at the Crystal Gardens Pool be changed to Tuesday and
Friday night
The Annual general Meeting for the VASC be held at the Victoria Club Room on Tuesday
February 7th
1928
February 7 1928
Motion made to reconsider moving the VASC club nights back to Tuesday only
Annual General Meeting
58 members in attendance including 8 non-members
Election of Officers
President Robert William Hibberson
1st Vice President Percy Pitt
2nd
Vice President Mrs. CW (Bertha) McAllister
Sec/Tres Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett
Executive given permission to appoint a coach or coaches
In regards to amalgamation of the VASC and the JBAA it was decided to leave it in the hands
of the executive to meet with the JBAA and report back to the membership
March 6 1928
Intercity gala with the YMCA to be held on March 8th
1928
Mr. Hibberson meet with the President of the JBAA with the view of obtaining swimming
privileges for VASC swimmers and was informed that the JBAA would not likely have
suitable quarters for swimmers this year.
April 3 1928
Club nights for practice are moved to Tuesday and Thursday nights
July 10 1928
A club picnic was to be held on Sunday July 13 1928 at Elk Lake
August 13 1928
Tentative date scheduled for the Children‟s Gala Friday October 5th
1928 with the addition of
October 4th
if needed.
Gala for November 12th
1928 set with the same financial arrangements as the gala held on
June 23rd
1928 …. $75.00 guarantee for the Crystal and then a cost sharing of 40% of the
profit to the Crystal and 60% of the profit to the VASC
October 1 1928
School gala to be held on October 5th
1928
Finances
$100.00 to the Crystal and they pay all expenses then 40% of the remaining profit to
the Crystal and 60% of the remaining profit to the VASC
December 10 1928
Kathleen Wellburn proposed that the VASC provide Polar Bear Pins for the Christmas Day
Swim
1929
February12 1929
Annual meeting
Outstanding event of the year was a new Canadian record for the 50 yard freestyle on May
25th
1928 by Tom Wellburn @ 26 1/5th
seconds.
Tom Wellburn also won the 3 mile Times “Swim through Time” race on the Gorge.
The Children‟s School Gala on October 5th
had over 200 entries.
Annual VASC Gala was held on November 12th
1928 with about 30 swimmers from
Vancouver and 2 from Portland
Still looking for a swimming quarters on the Gorge
Election of Officers
President Tom Wellburn
1st Vice President Warren Long
2nd
Vice President Mrs. Alice Naomi Hibberson
Sec/Tres Willis Theodore McNaughton Barrett
Mr. F Gilbert elected as swim coach.
April 9th
1929
A lot was reported for sale near the JBAA building that might be suitable for the club. A
committee was struck to investigate.
April 12 1929
Special Meeting held regarding land/lot
Committee found a lot on the Gorge, owned by the HBC, price of lot 2 $4,250.00 term would
be ¼ cash remainder at 7% rough building and good rafts, Taxes @ 176.40, feeling of the
membership was that this was too much of a liability for the club.
May 18 1929
VASC offered the Boy Scouts $50.00 for the use of their premises for a summer swimming
quarters.
President and Secretary to interview Mr. Ellison to see if he is suitable to coach VASC
swimmers.
June 10 1929
Motion made that no swimmers privilege fees be charged to members for the 1929 season,
moved, seconded, carried.
Mr. Ellison was appointed club coach.
July 15 1929
School Gala to be arranged
Annual Club Gala to be held in November (around Thanksgiving)
Picnic to be held on Sunday July 28th
1929 at the Boy Scouts ground.
August 11 1929
The Handicap Race award for swims from January to May was won by Miss Betty Pollard.
A picnic was to be held on August 25th
1929 at the Gorge.
September 9 1929
School Gala to be held on October 5th
1929
October 14 1929
Annual club gala to be held on November 11th
1929.
December 2 1929
Each club in BC to give $3.00 to the CASA towards a fund for swimmers expenses at the next
Olympic in LA in 1932, all other provinces have already done this.