The Kelvin Club is formed (incorporated on the 13th January, 1865)
as the Fitzroy Bowling Club, under the presidency of Hon. George Harker, MLA. The Club and bowling greens were originally located in the centre of Victoria Parade, opposite the old Presbyterian Ladies’ College and there were cable trams on the north side of the plantation.
Our first President, George Harker (1816-1879) was the member for Collingwood of the first Victorian Legislative Assembly, was responsible for introducing bills for payment of members and (unsuccessfully) the abolition of state aid to religion in 1864-65.