150 years of WARC
WARC crew from 1925, including club legend George Rogers in stroke seat (photo courtesy of Warren Anderson)
We could write a history here, but like many history books, that would probably tell you more about the club now than it would about our past.
Instead, this website is part of a project to load as many original documents, newsletters, committee notes, pictures, magazine clippings and anything else we could find to create an online museum where you can make your own mind up about the history of WARC.
Perhaps you'd like to download our original rules and bye-laws (riveting reading), or perhaps check out some of our galleries.
Or even better: tell us your WARC story and help fill in the gaps of WARC's history.
For quick overview, the club was founded in 1868 (we think). The clubhouse was built in 1905 and over that time, club members have fought wars, rowed interstate and overseas, have watched their beloved clubhouse fall so far into disrepair to the point it was condemned for demolition (twice), and then used their collective might to rebuild her.
For the long version, you can download these books, written by former Life Member and Patron, Guy Negus:
So far as buildings go, the WA Rowing Club has some tales to tell.
It was life member Don Fraser who said at the centenary of the Clubhouse in 2005 that he wished he could be refurbished and repaired in the same way his much-loved club had been. He was 95 at the time.
So, here's some bits and pieces to get your historical journey on Perth's last remaining clubhouse in the central business district.
If reading isn't your thing, here's an easy shortcut for an overview on WARC's back-story, both in terms of the building and the club members.