1929 to 1947
1929
As early as 1929 the President of the club, Mr Guy Thomas, was stressing the importance of court maintenance. Without constant care, the President said, the courts would soon become "dust heaps": and maintenance should be a job for the men of the club. Mr Thomas further suggested ladies could help by reminding their menfolk of the importance of the task. Social attitudes may have changed since 1929, but court maintenance continues to be a problem for the club. Over the years countless working bees have been conducted in an attempt to keep the courts in good condition. During 1929, the club's committee wrote to the Federal Capital Commission pointing out that much football was being played in an area set aside for infants and that a stop should be put to this.
1930
Ainslie's first clubhouse was built in 1930 and paid for by the government. It stood opposite the present clubhouse and the surrounding fence was paid for out of club funds at a cost of £2.6s.4d. Unsuccessful attempts were made to establish a rose garden. A club flagpole was erected costing 10/-. It cost the club £1.3s. for the privilege of flying a club flag. The depression of the 1930's ironically proved a bonus for the club. An Unemployment Relief Committee was established to provide employment for those out of work. The Ainslie Club successfully applied to this committee to have its courts top-dressed. Club members were also instrumental in having Corroboree Park beautified with 500 new trees (planting being performed by the unemployed). The legacy of these efforts makes the Ainslie Tennis Club one of the most picturesque sporting sites in Canberra. In 1930, it was decided that the club's official colours would be maroon and gold.
1931
From the written sources available, it appears the first Ainslie team to win a pennant was a "C" grade team competing in a winter mixed competition in 1931.
1933
Ainslie Club has entered many hundreds of teams in local competition. It appears from the records that Ainslie fielded its first "A" grade side in 1933.
1934
An interesting proposal was put forward to the Committee in 1934 - it was suggested that a ping-pong and social club be formed as an auxiliary to the tennis club - but the motion "lapsed".
1936
The death of King George V in 1936 led the Executive to decide to close the courts on the day of his funeral. For many years the courts did not open on Anzac Day morning.
1938
First club championships held. In 1938 four Perpetual Cups were donated for competition play. The first winners were:
Tom Gillard Cup
(Ladies Open Champion) - Mrs Olive Browning
Frank Marcusson Cup
(Ladies Open Handicap) - Mrs Pearl McAlister
Ally Nish Cup
(Mens B Champion) - Mr Jack Pettifer
ALTC Cup
(Mens Open Handicap) - Mr Merrick Thompson
The Ainslie Lawn Tennis Club (ALTC) Cup was purchased with club funds. Over the years other cups were donated by club members which led to the establishment of new club championship events.
1941
The membership of the club dropped from 108 in 1941.
1942
Only 30 members existed in 1942 (the lowest membership in the club's history). The club championships were not held between 1942 and 1944 due to the war. The war years were some of the most interesting from an historical viewpoint. Competition tennis in Canberra ceased between 1942 and 1944 and social tennis was restricted. Large numbers of men left Canberra either to join the forces or work in war service areas in other states.
1943
In 1943 female members of the club took over the responsibility of running the club and an all female executive and committee was elected with Mrs Agnes Gillard becoming the club's first female President. There were only four male members at the club in 1943. The impact of the war led to some interesting administrative decisions. It was decided that all club members joining the forces should be kept on the club register without charge. The wives of these members were to be charged half the normal membership fee. A roll of honour was placed in the Minutes Book to record the names of each member who joined the fighting forces.
The list reads as follows:
Mr Coull A.I.F.
Mr G Miller A.I.F.
Mr W Morphett A.I.F.
Mr J Pettiffer R.A.A.F.
Mr L Thomas A.I.F.
Mr W Parker A.I.F.
Members joining up for service overseas were also given a presentation on behalf of the Club to a value of 10s.6d. The lack of members often meant there was not a quorum to hold committee meetings.
On the limited occasions when social matches were played they were run on the basis that afternoon tea be provided by the home team, but due to rationing restrictions each player was to bring their own tea and sugar. Prizes awarded for social competition were often war savings stamps. With the end of the war the club's committee decided war widows should be charged only half the normal membership fee.
1945
In 1945 a committee was established to raise funds for the purpose of lighting the centre court. Fund raising continued until 1950 and included card parties, raffles and bring and buy tables. The centre court was lit in 1950 and this additional facility proved very popular. Mrs Agnes Gillard, then Club Patron, hit the first ball under the lights.
1946
Since 1946 one of the greatest problems faced by the club had been the shadows thrown on the courts by surrounding trees. Vandalism has also been a problem for the club since its inception. Many criticise the youth for their supposed destructiveness and disregard for property. It was noted in the 1990s that the club records show reports of vandalism from the early 1930's. Petty theft, the breaking of windows and removal of court fittings have been common problems for the club. Other concerns for club members throughout the years had been poor top dressing of the courts and "overactive" children.
1947-1957
The post war years (principally 1947-1957) marked some of the busiest times for the club with regard to structural improvements.