The Sports & Pastimes of Canada Postcard Series
Stacks Image 2926
A proof of the sports series card was used for advertising the release of the upcoming series. The proof noted the release date was slated for November 1898.

A printed note on the back of the proof reads:

“In Press” to be issued in November—“The Sports & Pastimes of Canada” Illuminated in Colors on Post Card and Envelopes, similar to the advanced proof herewith submitted, including all the Water, Field, Summer and Winter Sports of Canada. Two Designs on each Card, 15 Cards. put up 100 Cards of each design, price to the trade $2.50, and on No. 8 Envelopes, $3.00 per 1000. Sample 100 Cards or Envelopes, by mail, post paid for 50 cents; only a limited number will be published. Send in your orders in advance

J.C. Wilson & Co., Paper Makers, Montreal.
Stacks Image 2934
Stacks Image 2864

Snowshoeing, Tobogganing
Private Post Card
Stamp Here
Postally unused
Entered According to Act of the Parliament of Canada in the Year 1898 By J.C. Wilson & Co., Montreal
At the Department of Agriculture


Below, a detail showing the card is no. 2 of the series

Stacks Image 2872
Stacks Image 2849

Polo, Gymnastics
Private Post Card
Postmarked September 5, 1903 with a Toronto & Sarnia Mail Coach (westbound) cancellation
to Mr. Albert Pequeguat, Stratford, Ontario
with a 1¢ QV Numeral stamp

Below, the reverse of the card

Stacks Image 2857

Below, a detail showing the card is no. 8 of the series

Stacks Image 2859
Stacks Image 2937
This copy of card no. 11, showing Football & Lacrosse, is a poor image, as it is taken from a photograph made of a J.C. Wilson & Co. sample display card for their line of Patriotic Private Post Cards just after the issuance of their “Maple Leaf For Ever” and “What We Have We’ll Hold” designs. The display card was for the use by booksellers and stationers, the primary vendors to the public of J.C. Wilson’s postcards, to advertise the company’s wares. The display card contained eight postcards, including six patriotic cards two of their Sports & Pastimes series. The cards were advertised to the public at 10¢/dozen, while selling to the stationers at ¼¢ each, plus shipping, as noted on the back of the display, shown below:
Stacks Image 2954
Stacks Image 2944
This copy of card no. 12, showing Baseball & Cricket, is a poor image, as it is taken from a photograph made of a J.C. Wilson & Co. sample display card for their line of Patriotic Private Post Cards just after the issuance of their “Maple Leaf For Ever” and “What We Have We’ll Hold” designs. The display card was for the use by booksellers and stationers, the primary vendors to the public of J.C. Wilson’s postcards, to advertise the company’s wares. The display card contained eight postcards, including six patriotic cards two of their Sports & Pastimes series. The cards were advertised to the public at 10¢/dozen, while selling to the stationers at ¼¢ each, plus shipping, as noted on the back of the display, shown in the postcard 11 display.
Stacks Image 2967

The Saddle, Wheeling
Private Post Card

Not postally used.
Card No. 13

Below, the reverse of the card, where the writer notes that this series
“did not take very well with the public, so no more are issued”.

Stacks Image 2972
Stacks Image 2956

Sculling, Swimming
Private Post Card
Postmarked November 22, 1899 with a Quebec & Campbellton Express No. 8 (Eastbound) cancellation
to J.H. Gregary Esq., Agence du departement de la marine et des peches, Quebec
with a 1¢ QV Numeral stamp
Card No. 14

Below, the reverse of the card
with a Hotel Morin Fishermen’s Headquarters, Gaspe Basin
and a Quebec receiving cancellation dated November 22, 1899

Stacks Image 2961
Stacks Image 2875

Canoeing, Yachting
Private Post Card
Postmarked December 28, 1898 with a Montreal Flag cancellation
to Miss Mary MaddenAntwerp, Belgium
with a 3¢ QV Leaf stamp
Card No. 15

Below, the reverse of the card

Stacks Image 2885
Stacks Image 2888

The Rod, Camping
Private Post Card
Stamp Here
Postally unused
Card No. 16
Entered According to Act of the Parliament of Canada in the Year 1898 By J.C. Wilson & Co., Montreal
At the Department of Agriculture


Below, a detail from the card, also possibly showing the artist’s name
inscribed into the design – McCabe?

Stacks Image 2896
Stacks Image 2899
This J.C. Wilson Sports & Pastimes of Canada Series postcard is numbered no. 20, the highest series number seen to date. The card was postally used August 23, 1900 from Windsor, Ontario to Wilmington, Ohio, USA, and shows Water Polo & Quoits as the featured sports.

The reverse of the card is shown below.
Stacks Image 222