Swan River Rowing Club

The Swan River Rowing Club is a rowing club that was founded in 1887 in Perth, Western Australia. It has had rowing sheds at different locations on the Swan River.^[1]

The club's Barrack Street shed in about 1910, with Perth City Baths in the background.

The Canning River was a location of regattas and social events for the club.^[2] In early years regattas were held to increase interest and membership.^[3] Social activities were an important part of the annual events.^[4]

Rivalry and differences with the West Australian Rowing Club were evident in early years of operation.^[5]

In 1943 the American Red Cross took over the clubhouse (at the bottom of Barrack Street) and converted it for use as an entertainment venue for Allied troops.^[6] New flooring was installed, and a reading room, library, and lounge created. The cost for the renovations was £2,000,^[7] equivalent to A$160,300 in 2022, and the club was officially opened by Governor Mitchell;^[8] it was called the American Red Cross Service Club.^[9]