James Aitken

Albert Park Rowing Club (VIC)

James was a Vice-President of Rowing Victoria, then the Victorian Rowing Association, from 1899 until his death in 1905.

He was also the President of Albert Park Rowing Club until his death. His obituary in the Club's annual report noted that the sudden death hit both members and the wider rowing community deeply. He was known at his club as the "Father of the Club" and deeply revered.

He is thought to be the same James Aitken who was a close associate of Arthur R Blackwood who maintained a significant rowing presence in Victoria. They were both joint managing directors of Dalgety & Co Ltd from 1884, both pastoralists and maintained sporting interests.

One of James' sons George was a keen rower in his youth and this, along with his association with Blackwood, may provide the basis of his rowing connection.

Andrew Guerin
December 2022

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The idea for this history originated from the Olympic Rowing and World Senior Rowing Championship histories written by Andrew Guerin and Margot Foster in 1991, 1992 & 1993 for the Australian team handbooks. Andrew Guerin developed and extended these histories to the current format in 2004 for publication in 2004 and then expanded the site.

Steve Roll has been an invaluable contributor to the website in locating errors and finding Christian names of rowers. His superb work is acknowledged.

© Andrew Guerin – 2004
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