Cricket has a long history in Newfoundland, and we hope to provide a collection of essays and other resources here.
The earliest mention we know of is in the Newfoundland Mercantile Journal, Thursday September 16, 1824, indicating the St. John’s CC was an established club at this time- perhaps the first bin what is now Canada. It reads
“On Tuesday last the Members of the St. John’s Cricket Club entertained a large and respectable party, at the Navy, Army, and Commercial Hotel, to celebrate the anniversary of this institution. They sat down to an excellent dinner at half-past five o’clock – and after the cloth was removed the following Toasts were drank:-
The King
His Majesty’s Ministers
The Land we live in – free of Taxation
May we as subjects be loyal without servility – and as citezens, free without factions
May the Tree of Liberty flourish around the Globe, and every human being partake of its fruits
May we never engage in a bad cause, or fly from a good one
The Ladies of Terra Nova, and may they be resplendent in beauty, virtue and honour.
Many other loyal and appropriate Toasts were drank, and several good Songs sung. Much hilarity and good humour prevailed during the evening, and the party broke up at a late hour.
