The 1877 Club is a prestigious and exclusive club to acknowledge and celebrate those who generously donate $1000 or more to the Commercial Rowing Club Future Fund.

1877 Club benefits

All members will be recognised in CRC annual reports.

Members who pledge donations of $10,000 or more will:

• receive invitations to exclusive annual events, such as the Inaugural 1877 Club function at 'HOME'
• be presented with a gift in recognition of their donation
• be recognised on an Honour Board at CRC.

Levels of support 

We have attributed the following donation levels in recognition of our distinguished and honoured CRC members:

Bill Sole Loyalty ($10,000–$24,999)

Bill Sole was introduced to CRC in the 1950s when the club was hosting rowers from Brisbane State High School. He maintained strong connections with both organisations throughout his life and was awarded Life Membership at CRC. In 2018, the club benefited significantly from a gift left in his Will.

Wal Hughes Persistence ($25,000–$49,999)

Wal Hughes joined CRC in 1929. CRC was his life – there was rarely a time you wouldn’t find him around. He worked tirelessly to earn revenue for CRC through endless pub raffles, car park takings and other schemes. He was a committee member for 30 years, predominantly as club President.

The Eastmans’ Drive ($50,000–$99,999)

Len Eastman joined CRC in 1903 as a 14-year-old coxswain. He represented Queensland and later served the club as coach, vice captain and captain. Arnold Eastman followed in his father’s footsteps, and between them, they spent 43 years on the committee. Both received Life Membership. Third generation John and Paul Eastman also rowed for CRC, with John representing Queensland.

Denis O’Connor Excellence ($100,000–$249,999)

Denis O’Connor joined CRC in 1879, representing Queensland in 1885, and continued rowing into his 70s. He generously guaranteed a bank loan 
for CRC to build the famous O’Connor Boat House. He was club President for 15 years from 1898, then Patron for 22 years. He was considered by many 
to be one of the fathers of rowing in Queensland.

Thomas Finney’s Dream ($250,000+)

Thomas Finney M.L.A was a principle of Finney Isles & Co., Drapers. In 1877, he founded the Commercial Rowing Club. He was Patron of CRC from 1898 until his death in 1903. He was also Vice President of the Queensland Rowing Association. Commencing 1906, the Finney Memorial Shield was presented in his honour to the club with the most points won at the Queensland Rowing Championships.