The challenges facing sports clubs in the Victorian era were highlighted in this article from the Glasgow Herald, published on 25 June 1877. Rowing was a major sport on the River Clyde in the 19th century, with thousands lining the banks for regattas and competitions; it is under-researched but the newspapers are full of interesting anecdotes, some of which I will be publishing in the near future.
THE GLASGOW ROWING CLUB - DIFFICULTIES
On Friday last the effects of the Glasgow Rowing Club (including two boats, one of which was simply stored in the club-house and the other the private property of a member) were brought to the hammer in a somewhat summary manner. From the information we have received, it would appear that the club was in a state bordering on impecuniosity, or at all events the treasurer was unable to pay the rent of their premises.
Summary steps were threatened to realise, and some ten days ago a letter was, we understand, sent to the treasurer stating in effect that unless the rent, amounting to some-where about 10 guineas or so, was not forthcoming by a certain date the stock-in-trade of the club would be sold by auction. This letter was left in a shop near the club-house, where the treasurer's letters were generally left, but unfortunately, as it is said, the treasurer did not turn up within the given time, and an officer, armed with the proper authority, arrived at the club-house and caused the boats of the club, valued, we are told, at least £30, to be brought out for sale.
As usual at such summary sales brokers are not far distant, and on this occasion one of the fraternity had "smelt a rat." The auctioneer asked whether or not there was any member of the rowing club present, but he received no answer; but on putting the question a second time, he was answered in the affirmative. He then asked the member if he was prepared to pay the rent, and a negative reply was given. The sale then went on, and the boats and oars, which were disposed of in lots, were knocked down to a broker for £8 odds. As the story goes, the broker in "turning the penny" sold his bargain within an hour afterwards for £19 odds. One of the private boats thus sold will in all likelihood form the basis of litigation. When the news spread on Friday evening that the stock of the rowing club had changed hands several of the members, who were entirely ignorant of what had been going on, expressed themselves in no measured terms at the apathy of their "friends" who knew of the sale and who in their absence did not come to the rescue.
THE GLASGOW ROWING CLUB - DIFFICULTIES
On Friday last the effects of the Glasgow Rowing Club (including two boats, one of which was simply stored in the club-house and the other the private property of a member) were brought to the hammer in a somewhat summary manner. From the information we have received, it would appear that the club was in a state bordering on impecuniosity, or at all events the treasurer was unable to pay the rent of their premises.
Summary steps were threatened to realise, and some ten days ago a letter was, we understand, sent to the treasurer stating in effect that unless the rent, amounting to some-where about 10 guineas or so, was not forthcoming by a certain date the stock-in-trade of the club would be sold by auction. This letter was left in a shop near the club-house, where the treasurer's letters were generally left, but unfortunately, as it is said, the treasurer did not turn up within the given time, and an officer, armed with the proper authority, arrived at the club-house and caused the boats of the club, valued, we are told, at least £30, to be brought out for sale.
As usual at such summary sales brokers are not far distant, and on this occasion one of the fraternity had "smelt a rat." The auctioneer asked whether or not there was any member of the rowing club present, but he received no answer; but on putting the question a second time, he was answered in the affirmative. He then asked the member if he was prepared to pay the rent, and a negative reply was given. The sale then went on, and the boats and oars, which were disposed of in lots, were knocked down to a broker for £8 odds. As the story goes, the broker in "turning the penny" sold his bargain within an hour afterwards for £19 odds. One of the private boats thus sold will in all likelihood form the basis of litigation. When the news spread on Friday evening that the stock of the rowing club had changed hands several of the members, who were entirely ignorant of what had been going on, expressed themselves in no measured terms at the apathy of their "friends" who knew of the sale and who in their absence did not come to the rescue.
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