Lily Poulett-Harris’ 150th Birthday

Google Dooles 01.09.2023 17:16  Date: September 2, 2023 Today's Doodle celebrates Australian cricket player and educator Lily Poulett-Harris. On this day in 1873, she was born in Tasmania with the name Harriet Lily Poulett-Harris. Poulett-Harris grew up learning from her father, who headed the Hobart Boys’ High School and helped found the University of Tasmania. While she wasn't eligible for grants at her father's school, she took an exam alongside scholarship seekers and placed second. A woman of many talents, Poulett-Harris played the violin and piano in addition to participating in athletics. Her father was a trustee of the Southern Tasmanian Cricket Association, and her older brother played cricket, which likely spurred her interest in the game. In 1894 she pitched an idea and the Oyster Cove Ladies Cricket Club was born, which many consider the first committed cricket organisation in Australia. Poulett-Harris captained the team and became known in sports papers as a skilled and graceful player who inspired many other women to join. Cricket took off in Tasmania, and more women's teams quickly formed in Hobart, Huonville, Ranelagh, and Green Ponds. For the rest of her life, Poulett-Harris taught, competed in cricket, and played music. Two churches she frequently played at, Saint Simon and Saint Jude Anglican Church in Woodbridge and All Saints Anglican Church in Hobart, display plaques in her honor. Happy birthday Lily Poulett-Harris, thank you for opening up the wonderful world of cricket and promoting gender equality to women and girls in Australia! Location: Tags: