North End West in Hamilton, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Leander Boat Club

Photographed By Tim Boyd

1. Leander Boat Club Marker

Inscription.

Leander Boat Club. . , Hamiltonians first developed a passion for rowing in the 1870s. Sportsmen found the natural beauty and unpredictable waters of the bay irresistible and summertime regattas drew huge crowds., Two of the earliest and most successful clubs were the Leander Rowing Club and the Nautilus Club. By 1895, however, a combination of factors, including the new bicycling craze, had led to the collapse of both organizations., The Leander Boat Club was revived in 1927 when four local rowing enthusiasts - Jack McAllister, Alexander Muir, Seppi DuMoulin and Russell Frost - raised enough funds to build and equip a new clubhouse. , To promote the sport, they enlisted the help of Robert Hunter, a popular teacher and rowing coach. Hunter inspired his crews with the credo "mileage makes champions" - making them row until it hurt and then row some more. On July 30, 1927, the talented young club won the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta., Since then, a steady stream of champions has worn the red-and-white singlet of the Leander Boat Club. Leander rowers have been strong competitors at numerous Pan American Games, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, World Championships, and the Olympics., A fierce rivalry existed between Leander and the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. In 1932, the Argos were so heavily favoured to represent Canada at the Los Angeles Olympics that they had already been fitted for their uniforms. But, in a huge upset, the Leander Boat Club defeated them during the trials. Clad in their oversized blazers, grey flannels, singlets, and shorts, the Leander crew went on to win the bronze medal in front of more than 100,000 spectators. Less than half a boat length separated them from the American gold-medal winners., Today's club boasts five separate rowing programs: high school; competitive; masters; recreational; and corporate heart and stroke fundraiser teams. In this way, Leander continues to encourage rowers of all ages to participate in and love this challenging sport.

Hamiltonians first developed a passion for rowing in the 1870s. Sportsmen found the natural beauty and unpredictable waters of the bay irresistible and summertime regattas drew huge crowds.

Two of the earliest and most successful clubs were the Leander Rowing Club and the Nautilus Club. By 1895, however, a combination of factors, including the new bicycling craze, had led to the collapse of both organizations.

The Leander Boat Club was revived in 1927 when four local rowing enthusiasts - Jack McAllister, Alexander Muir, Seppi DuMoulin and Russell Frost - raised enough funds to build and equip a new clubhouse.

To promote the sport, they enlisted the help of Robert Hunter, a popular teacher and rowing coach. Hunter inspired his crews with the credo "mileage makes champions" - making them row until it hurt and then row some more. On July 30, 1927, the talented young club won the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.

Since then, a steady stream of champions has worn the red-and-white singlet of the Leander Boat Club. Leander rowers have been strong competitors at numerous Pan American Games, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, World Championships, and the Olympics.

A fierce rivalry existed between Leander and the Toronto Argonaut Rowing Club. In 1932, the Argos were so heavily favoured

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to represent Canada at the Los Angeles Olympics that they had already been fitted for their uniforms. But, in a huge upset, the Leander Boat Club defeated them during the trials. Clad in their oversized blazers, grey flannels, singlets, and shorts, the Leander crew went on to win the bronze medal in front of more than 100,000 spectators. Less than half a boat length separated them from the American gold-medal winners.

Today's club boasts five separate rowing programs: high school; competitive; masters; recreational; and corporate heart and stroke fundraiser teams. In this way, Leander continues to encourage rowers of all ages to participate in and love this challenging sport.

Erected by City of Hamilton/ Hamilton Waterfront Trust.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1927.

Location. 43° 16.427′ N, 79° 51.999′ W. Marker is in Hamilton, Ontario. It is in North End West. Marker can be reached from Leander Drive. The marker is at the Hamilton West Harbour waterfront, in Pier 4 Park, approx. 130m from the Pier 4 parking lot off of Leander Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 Leander Dr, Hamilton ON L8L 1N2, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ice-Fishing in Hamilton Harbour (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Royal Hamilton Yacht Club

Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 12, 2023

2. Leander Boat Club Marker

(about 210 meters away); The Burlington Glass Works 1874 (approx. 0.3 kilometers away); Hamilton Customs House / La Maison de la douane de Hamilton (approx. 0.8 kilometers away); HMCS Haida - NCSM Haida (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); Hamilton CN Station / La gare du CN de Hamilton (approx. 0.9 kilometers away); Harmony Apartments (approx. one kilometer away); St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral (approx. 1.2 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hamilton.

Also see . . . History of the Leander Boat Club.

In 1877 on the pilings at the end of Bastine’s Dock at the foot of Peel Street, the Leander Rowing Club was born. This is not to be confused with the Leander Boat Club of current fame. The greatest Hamilton club of the age, the ‘redoubtable’ Nautilus Club was established the following year by local glassworkers. One can only assume that this was because they didn’t want to row at Leander. After some years the former decided to shut up shop and ceased operations in 1895: the Nautilus men, not willing to be out done did likewise. Thinking it a good
Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 6, 2023

3. Leander Boat Club Marker detail
idea to have another try at the oar the Hamilton Rowing Club moved into the old Leander boathouse in 1900.

(Submitted on April 16, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario.)

Leander Boat Club Marker detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 6, 2023

4. Leander Boat Club Marker detail

Photographed By Tim Boyd, April 6, 2023

5. Leander Boat Club Marker detail

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 16, 2023, by Tim Boyd of Hamilton, Ontario. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.