1

Percy Criddle at theTennis Court
Circa 1910
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

2

Percy enjoyed sporting events and over the years encouraged competition between his thirteen children. The first summer, in 1883, he decided to build a tennis court. He wrote;
'Have been making a temporary tennis lawn on the Prairie - the children had to cut all the grass off with knives as the scythe wouldn't touch it - a tedious job. ? Played six sets of tennis to pairs of Owens family (I playing with home-made wooden racquet), and won them all?'

3

Mr. Riley and Maida
Circa 1910
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

4

For twenty-three years the 'children' had to cut the three tennis courts with knives and scissors. They did not own a lawn mower until 1906. The girls were also encouraged to play the sport, with Maida and Alma becoming confident players.

5

Tennis in their "Sunday Best"
Early 20th Century
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

6

In Criddle-De-Diddle-Ensis Alma wrote:
"There was an elegant art to managing one's gown while returning the ball without loss of dignity - or game point."

7

Talbot Criddle
Circa 1919
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Kathy Noel

8

Talbot, or 'Tolly' was the youngest son, but with older brothers he was eager to follow in their footsteps and to help on the farm. He also learned to plough at an early age and would insist on doing as much work as his seniors.

Stuart and Talbot were also avid tennis players. Talbot practiced by hitting the ball against the side of the barn and due to the unevenness of the logs and mortar it was almost impossible to predict where the ball would be returned. This made him very alert and fast enabling him to return some of the most difficult offences.

9

Stuart and Talbot traveled to many tournaments and even competed in 1915 to an elite tennis tournament in Winnipeg. Initially the competitors were skeptical about the 'farm kids', yet, The Winnipeg Free Press reported that they 'put Treesbank on the map'.

"T. Criddle especially covered himself with glory by his brilliant net work. Time and time again he returned what appeared to be impossible balls, and it taxed his opponent's efforts to place the ball where he could not get it".

At sixty years old Talbot won the Western Manitoba Men's Singles. In recognition of the skillfull player the club dedicated an award on his 80th birthday.

10

Talbot Criddle
Circa 1969
Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Brandon Sun

11

Cricket Match at St. Albans
Circa 1892
Municipality of South Cypress, Manitoba, Canada

Credits:
Sipiweske Museum

12

The family soon made a cricket field which they enjoyed frequently. Many neighbours new the game and so it became a popular past time, and those who were not initally accustomed to the required skills were soon introduced.

13

John and Edward Tulk
Early 20th Century
Addlestone, Surrey, England

Credits:
Kathy Noel
Alistair Abell
Sipiweske Museum

14

J.A Tulk was a close family friend from England who visited St. Albans each year in the fall for a hunting trip. Each year Tulk would arrive with new gun and upon his leave would give it to one of the boys. After each of the boys had received one he left them a bicycle.
Mr. Tulk's visits were always written in Percy's diary:

"Wednesday, March 28

Mr. Smith brought me two letters and a number of newspapers from J.A.Tulk who wants to know when he is to come out to visit us. Of course I shall be delighted to see him, but fear he will be dreadfully disappointed at the place and its comforts, while as for me, I shall simply shock him. I have become such a veritable savage."