HISTORY
19th CENTURY
Early History
Croquet is believed to have been first played by 13th century French peasants who created crudely made mallets to hit balls through hoops made of willow branches. However, the beginnings of the modern game of croquet have been traced back to 1852 when a game called “crooky” was introduced to England from Ireland where it had been played since the 1830’s.
It wasn’t until the Civil War ended after 1865, however, that the game became popular in the United States.
And this is where our story begins.
Croquet arrived in the United States during the Civil War from England. At this time there were no agreed upon rules, however, it became very popular in the Northeast, where the cities were growing and the ladies were looking! It quickly became a courting game.
Croquet became the first outdoor game played by women, and the first sport played by both men and women together.
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Godey’s Lady’s Book” played a significant role in the popularity of croquet in the Northeast. Edited by Sarah J. Hale, a women’s activist, she promoted the sport because it was healthy and something the whole family could do together.
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In this game there were no fastballs. The atmosphere genteel and soon croquet became the new pastime. Twenty years after the Civil War ended, a home with a croquet court became a mark of distinction.
As croquet continued to flourish, it was soon featured and promoted by Guest Houses for travelers seeking accommodations on their vacation. Wachusett House, became very popular for families visiting Wachusett Mountain in Massachusetts.
Carlisle Indian Industrial School incorporated the game of croquet into their curriculum as a tool to facilitate cultural assimilation of their resident Indian children. This photo shows Indian girls in American clothing playing croquet.
Throughout the Victorian Age, 1876-1915, croquet consumed American life. The strict moral codes of the early days allowed young lady players to be joined by their younger brothers or the curate, who was considered of impeccable rectitude and was therefore considered harmless.
In spite of croquet’s popularity, Boston banned the sport in 1890.
Their criticism of the game included the following:
1. Anger on the court resulted in bodily injuries from mallets.
2. Flirtations during the game created hurt feelings.
3. The showing of a lady’s ankle was considered risqué.
4. Physicians warned that constant play could curve the spine.
