Adelaide Bowling Club was founded in 1897 and is the oldest bowling club in South Australia. The club was founded as the result of a public meeting called by and chaired by J. H. Finlayson.The Governor, Sir T. Fowell Buxton accepted the position of patron.Lavington Bonython, James Marshall, R. Kyffin Thomas, W. H. R. Porter, F. W. Thomas, F. Coombs, B. H. Pascoe, W. Thyer, F. W. Good, W. D. Reed, V. Lawrence, H. A. Grainger, F. A. Crump, J. H. Finlayson, and E. Eglinton were among the charter members. Sir Edwin T. Smith, Robert Barr Smith, William Gilbert, and A. H. Grainger were also among the founding members and supporters.