Sports In Marlborough: From The Historical Society Archives

MARLBOROUGH, MA—The first sport played in Marlborough was lacrosse, apparently by Native Americans originally. From there, the city has a rich history of athletics, from bowling teams to harness racing to Marlborough natives who made it to pro teams.

In 2013, Marlborough Historical Society Curator Bob Kane presented a talk on Marlborough Sports History that was detailed through slides the earliest days to the present.

The first recorded boat race in Marlborough was 1890, and it involved three boats. On Oct. 24, 1890, the Marlborough Bicycle Club held a race. In the late 1930s, a ski jump was installed and the Jericho Hill Ski Hill and Club was born. Richard Busa won seven gold medals in the U.S. National Snowshoe Association Race. Lots of roller skating and dancing events were held at the Lyonhurst. In 1910 the Irish Americans basketball team was organized. The Marlborough Tigers football team existed for 12 years and only lost four games. Duke Farrell from Marlborough was a major league catcher.

Those are just a handful of interesting, fun facts in this slide show.

Watch the whole 90-page slide show here.