History of the Guild, Page 2
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The beginnings of the Garrick Club were marked by an article in the Hamilton Evening Times on October 8, 1875 marking their debut performances of David Garrick and Raising the Wind.
The following day, the Spectator, even then venturing some criticism, said: "David Garrick is a play which is a very hard one for amateurs to attempt. It is hardly fair to criticize the acting of amateurs in a piece like David Garrick. However, considering the acting difficulty of the play, the members acquitted themselves fairly well last night." They went on to encourage the public to lend their support to the worthy aims of the club.
Their major aim at this time was to raise money for charity and, in the years to come, they proved very adept at this. They raised money for the Girls' Home, the Home of the Friendless, The Police Benefit Fund, the Hamilton Cricket Club and the Victorian Order of Nurses.
With a break from production only from 1883-1886 they existed for about 35 years. By 1910 the group was beginning to falter, however, and the advent of World War I stopped any further productions.