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OUR HISTORY

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The first meeting to establish a permanent home for a Tennis Club in the Rockcliffe area was held on September 9, 1922. At that meeting the following officers were elected: President: D.P., Cruikshank, Vice President: Col. F.L. Armstrong, Secretary-Treasurer: Lawrence J. Burpee and the Executive Committee consisted of H.S. Southam, Dr. R.E. Wodehouse and H.W. Brown. On September 8, 1923, Letters Patent were issued incorporating the Club as the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club.

The current locataion was leased October 28, 1923 from Charles H. Keefer to H.S. Southam at an annual rent of $1.00 with an option to purchase the property for $2,250.00 The option was not acted upon until October 1, 1938 when a sales price of $5000.00 was agreed to. However, after the Club continued to make further payments, the title was transferred by the executors of the estates of Wilson M. Southam and Harry S. Southam for a payment of $4000, on July 25, 1956. Other transfers of land occurred on December 29, 1948 while other residents either sold small pieces of land or waived their rights to land encroaching on their property (such as the practice court area) to allow the Club to expand its property to what it is to day. There were temporary clubhouses beginning in 1923 but the current one was a Lindal Cedar Home, which was erected in 1972.
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Over the years, the Club has enjoyed members from all walks of life including some distinguished Canadians such as The Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson, Her Royal Highness Princess Juliana (later Her Majesty the Queen Juliana of the Netherlands,) The Right Honourable John Turner as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps. Our President in 1946/47 was Howard Measures, Canada’s First Chief of Protocol and his son Michael Measures was our President from 1962-1970.
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A more detailed History of the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club is available at the Clubhouse.

OUR MEMBERS

Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club members have included historically distinguished Canadians such as RH Lester B. Pearson, HRH Princess Juliana (later Her Majesty the Queen Juliana of the Netherlands,) and the RH John Turner.  

 

Our club continues to draw a wide range of fascinating members, many with significant global presence, yet an undeniable connection to our local community club. 

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Over 100 Years of Tennis in Rockcliffe

Established in 1923, the Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club has been a cherished pillar of the community for over 100 years. For generations, it has served as a welcoming hub for recreation, connection, and tradition in the heart of Ottawa. This photo captures the unveiling of a memorial plaque commemorating the Club’s centennial celebration. The photo features club president Laurie Maybury, Gord Cudney, a descendent of the Southam family who donated the land the club still stand on, and David Clendenning, Chair of the Historic Committee behind the tribute.

Our International Footprint

The Rockcliffe Lawn Tennis Club (RLTC) in Ottawa, Ontario, holds a proud legacy as a gathering place for global dignitaries, including foreign ambassadors to Canada, many of whom were active members, as seen in the historic photo where players' names are accompanied by their countries of representation. This image, notably the last taken under the club's traditional all-white dress code, captures a unique moment in RLTC’s storied past. Over the years, the club has also welcomed Canadian Prime Ministers, internationally renowned professional athletes, and celebrated public figures, reinforcing its reputation as a prestigious and culturally significant institution in the nation's capital.

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RLTC Centennial Photo
1932 - 2023


Thursday Mixed Doubles Tennis, 3 pm to 5 pm

1st Row: Gavin Murphy, Jean-Pierre Huard, Joelle Khoury, Francis (Chips) Filleul, Charlotte Gray,
Blake Ferris, Gary Dunmore, Shelia Hayes, Barry Frewer, Hugh Winsor, David Clendenning

2 nd Row: Scott Hannant, Geoff White, David Adam, Jean Tanquay, Pam Murray, Zhenya
Kondatrovski (Tennis Coach), Michael Bowen (Club Manager), David Cuthbertson, Frederic Vairel,
Absent: Tina Berretta, Tony Sitkeman, Philip Anido, Robert Collette, Chris Westdal, Robert Fowler,
Liz Kinston, Karl Ruban, David Dyer, Chris Sullivan, Larry Lederman, Ferry de Kerckhove, Michael
Kergin, Richard Addleman, Blair Dickerson, Graham Mitchell, Kathie Swim, Harrison Houston, Bill
Turner, Ellen Bruce

Past Club Presidents

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Platinum:

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Gold:

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Silver:

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Bronze:

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