From Hear the Boat Sing: "EMRC has a fascinating history and was started in the East London docklands in the late 19th century by a group of old Etonians, who saw it as their mission to help boys in poor parts of the country by setting up sports clubs. EMRC was originally part of Eton Manor Sports Club, which was started by the Old Etonians which covered many sports. In 1895, the Old Etonians donated a boatyard and site on the Lee (Lea) and EMRC became separate to the main Eton Manor Club."
From Eton Mission Rowing Club: "The Eton Mission Rowing Club was established in 1885 by old Etonians and has been based in a few different sites around Hackney Wick in East London before moving to the current boathouse in 1934. The rowers used to get boated from under Wick Bridge and stored the boats at the St. Mary of Eton church. The first Gilbert Johnstone boathouse was built on the Hackney Marsh side of the Hackney Cut and opened in May 1911, stood there for over 20 years before being relocated to the other side of the Hackney Cut. In 1934 the existing Johnstone boathouse was built and opened on the Wick side of the Hackney Cut."
This photo was taken at the opening of the 1934 Boat House.
