In July of 1999, Lady Patricia launched the first issue of The Lady's Book with this article, "Croquet in the Garden." We thought only fitting that it should be the first of many original Lady's Book items to be placed in The Victorian Library.

CROQUET IN THE GARDEN

Croquet has always been considered one of the most elegant and civilized games. Croquet is charming and fun, competitive and provides a lovely way to spend time with one's family and friends. The game of croquet has been surrounded by an atmosphere of quiet graciousness. It is a game for everyone. It does not require the possession of great strength or powers of endurance, or severe muscular exertion on the part of the player. A correct steady eye, steady hands and nerves, and a good judgment are the essential qualifications for a good croquet player.

Croquet was initially a game for the well-to-do. During country house weekends, social activities would begin with a game of croquet at 4 p.m., followed by a dinner and dance at 10:30 p.m. Eventually the dinner was done away with but interest in the game remained.

One reason for its continuing success was croquet's strong appeal to women. It was a game they could play as equals with men. The game gave women the opportunity to exercise both body and mind and most importantly it was a socially acceptable physical activity in mixed company. Women responded to it with great enthusiasm.

Croquet made its way to America in the late 1860's. Soon everyone was in a croquet craze. Images of croquet appeared in popular magazines such as Harper's Weekly and Harper's Bazaar and graced the covers of sheet music. A Boston music publisher introduced the "Croquet Polka."

By the mid-1890's, popularity of croquet began to decline and by the turn of the century had all but disappeared and would not resurface until the 1930's and 40's when it became one of Hollywood's favorite pastimes. Many American homes in the 1930's through the 1950's utilized the game of croquet as the family's favorite yard game.

The object of croquet is to complete the course of nine wickets and hit the finishing stake before your opponents do. A ball scores a wicket by passing through each wicket, however, there are rules governing the manner and means by which a player may enter a wicket. Although we no longer have to contend with etiquette concerning ladies moving across the court with their long skirts in which they move the balls about, there are still rules of polite and correct behavior that should be maintained during a croquet match.

Anna, Duchess of Bedford, became well known for her at-home tea parties in about 1860. When croquet first came to the United States, tea parties were an important part of daily social graces. During the summer at country estates, tea was held outside. What beautiful occasions these must have been. Damask covered tables set with massive silver tea sets, surrounded by delicious food.

Imagine that you have been transported back to the nostalgic Victorian era. Relax and enjoy the sounds of quiet conversation, soft laughter, clinking glasses and the sound of croquet mallets gently tapping balls through wickets.