Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction February 2018
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/27/2018
The Stanley Cup is rooted in this amazing 1889 Montreal Winter Carnival program from Lord Stanley’s first hockey game. Appointed Governor General of Canada in June 1888, the 48-year-old Frederick Arthur Stanley attended the seventh annual Montreal Winter Carnival. This museum-worthy 12-page program lists a full schedule of events, including what proved to be the first hockey game ever witnessed by Lord Stanley between the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association and the Montreal Victorias at Victoria Skating Rink on opening night, Monday, February 4. A remarkable and astounding piece of hockey history, this rare example has been nicely preserved and is not diminished by its half-detached covers.
The program indicates that the carnival was being held “under the distinguished patronage of Their Excellencies THE GOVERNOR GENERAL and THE LADY STANLEY OF PRESTON” lists a full schedule of events. Highlighting the opening day, Monday, February 4, was the “Formal opening of the Ice Palace, by Their Excellencies. Electric illumination of the Ice Palace and grand pyrotechnic display. Band and Hockey Matches at the Victoria Skating Rink.” Stanley, donator of hockey’s most famous trophy, drew inspiration from the performance offered by the Montreal Amateur Athletic Association, who would become the first holder of the Stanley Cup a mere four years later, and the Montreal Victorias.
The Stanleys, including the two sons and two daughters who accompanied them to Canada in 1888, all became hockey fans and participants following their Montreal winter carnival experience. The Ottawa Rideau Hall Rebels included Arthur and Edward Stanley, with their famous dad coming up with the idea to give a cup to recognize Canada’s top hockey team.
The phenomenal program measures 5” by 7 3/4”, with the front and back covers on thin cardboard stock. Still bound by the original red thread, the spectacular, thought-provoking piece has wonderful graphics and is one of the most extraordinary historical pieces we’ve ever comes across.
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