Her Majesties Colonies in North America 1850-1906

Her Majesties Colonies in North America 1850-1906

Friday, 26 September 2014

Garrison life in Victorian Halifax: SPORTS

To be blunt, Halifax can be a pretty dreary place in the middle of winter. Its cold, lots of snow, and being next to the ocean, can be drapped in fog.
The officers and men of the garrison had to find ways to fight the tedium of boredom. They established several sporting clubs.

From Cutherbertson's The Halifax Citadel: Portrait of a Military Fortress, (Formac, Halifax, 2001)

The main sport which seemed to occupy the garrison, that of the lower ranks was football, or soccer. The garrison grounds at the foot of Citadel Hill provided ample space for surch pursuits.

In the summer months, the officers were interested in horseback riding. Flat racing, began in 1825, where a course would be set out on the Halifax commons, behind Citadel Hill.

The Halifax Polo Club was established by the officers in 1889. Prince George, later George V while a Naval officer, spent several summers on the Halifax station and helped to ensure the popularity of this sport.

Cricket, Rugby, and football (known today as soccer) were all played by officers and men alike.

To help the soldiers find more suitable ways to pass the time, a garrison gymnasium, recreation room was built.

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