Miss Ethel E. Duckett captured first place among the lady riders at the Annapolis Elks tournament on October 23, 1905, successfully securing three rings out of nine during the afternoon competition at Boucher’s woodland, KNOWOL reported. The event drew crowds from across the county to watch riders gallop down a course marked by decorated arches.
Sheriff Samuel B. Hardy Commands the Morning Charge at Boucher’s Woodland
The tournament opened shortly after 10 o’clock on Monday morning when Sheriff Samuel B. Hardy shouted the command, Knight of Cross Roads, Prepare to charge! Charge, Sir Knight!
according to historical accounts. Riders known as knights galloped down a course marked at its beginning, center, and end by decorated arches holding small rings for the lancers to collect. Charles E. Myers, riding as the Knight of Cherry Grove, made a straight score by taking three rings without missing a single attempt in his class. The Annapolis Elks, Lodge No. 622, organized the tournament, which featured bunting in the colors of the Star-Spangled Banner and the yellow and black of the Maryland flag alongside music from a detachment of the Naval Academy band.
Miss Ethel E. Duckett Wins the Ladies’ Class Following a Competitive Ride-Off
The afternoon session brought the women’s competition, which The Evening Capital labeled the greatest attraction of the day. Three women entered the contest: Miss Ethel E. Duckett riding as the Knight of Hiawatha, Miss Mary Stallings riding as the Lady of Navajo, and Miss Pearl F. Duckett riding as the Knight of Dixie Girl. Ethel Duckett and Mary Stallings tied with three rings each, leading to a ride-off where Duckett secured the top finish. Pearl Duckett finished the day with two rings. Originally advertised as competing for a riding whip, riding bridle, and riding hat, the exact prize carried home by Ethel Duckett was not specified in subsequent reporting.
Program Changes and Evening Celebrations at the Boucher Property
Organizers altered the schedule late in the day by dropping the traditional crowning of the queens just before the scheduled coronation speeches. Despite the sudden program change, more than 300 attendees gathered at Boucher’s for the evening dance. Admission to the grounds cost 25 cents, matching the pricing structure used weeks earlier at a similar Modern Woodmen fundraiser tournament in Davidsonville. Local merchants capitalized on the autumn events, with the newly opened Grand Union Tea Company at the City Market House offering fresh eggs and butter, while the Colonial Theatre offered moving picture screenings for 10, 20, or 30 cents a seat.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 1905 Annapolis Tournament
What prizes were awarded to the winning lady rider?
The Elks’ tournament advertisements specified that the prizes for the women’s class would consist of a riding whip, a riding bridle, and a riding hat, though The Evening Capital did not specify which item Ethel Duckett received.
How many women competed in the ladies’ class?
Three women participated in the afternoon riding event: Miss Ethel E. Duckett, Miss Mary Stallings, and Miss Pearl F. Duckett.
When did Maryland designate jousting as an official state sport?
Maryland officially adopted jousting as its state sport in 1962, decades after traditional ring-lancing tournaments were held regularly across Anne Arundel County.