The Arrival of Polo in Camden
Polo made its debut in Camden, South Carolina in 1898, arriving not through longtime local tradition but through the enthusiasm of a winter visitor from the north. Rogers L. Barstow of Boston introduced the sport to Camden during his seasonal stay, bringing with him knowledge of a game that was already popular among the wealthy elite in northeastern states like New York and Massachusetts.
Barstow, an 1896 Harvard dropout was said to have arrived in Camden with a bag of gold in one hand and a polo mallet in the other.” His initiative exemplifies the cultural exchange that occurred in Camden during this period, as the small southern town had begun to attract northern visitors seeking a milder winter climate. As the first team captain, Barstow took on the responsibility of recruiting players, teaching the rules, and organizing the necessary infrastructure for matches, effectively transplanting this British sport to South Carolina soil.
The Founding Team Members
The inaugural Camden polo team, photographed in 1898, represented a fascinating blend of northern influence and southern heritage. Under Rogers L. Barstow's captaincy, the team included W.C. "Bill" Salmond, a Camden native who would later develop into a professional player and trainer of polo ponies. K.G. "Gerald" Whistler, an Army brat who had settled in Camden and worked as a landscape gardener, joined alongside his brother-in-law Clem Brown from Minnesota, another transplant to the area.
Completing this core group was A.D. "Dal" Kennedy, Jr., a native Camdenite from a family with deep local roots. These five men formed the nucleus of what would become a lasting sporting institution, learning the intricacies of the game together through practice and dedication.
Local Participation Expands
By January 1900, when the team held its first public exhibition match, the original five players had been joined by several additional enthusiasts from prominent local families. A.H. Boykin, Jr. brought his considerable horsemanship skills to the team, coming from one of Camden's most established families. Lewis Clyburn, a young man from a local planter family, and James Team, who had connections to the historic Chesnut plantations, also joined the polo pioneers.
This expanded roster reflected the growing interest in polo among Camden's social circles. The inclusion of members from established local families alongside northern visitors demonstrated how the sport was beginning to bridge different communities and become integrated into the local culture, rather than remaining an exclusively northern transplant.
Practice Conditions and Early Facilities
The pioneers of Camden polo learned and developed their skills on early sand fields behind the Hobkirk Inn, a far cry from the manicured grass fields that would later become standard. These rugged playing surfaces presented unique challenges, from uneven terrain to dust clouds during dry conditions. Equipment was likely basic by modern standards, and players had to adapt British polo traditions to southern climate conditions.
Despite these limitations, the sand fields provided a practical year-round playing surface in Camden's climate. The team's dedication to mastering the sport under less-than-ideal conditions demonstrated their commitment and contributed to the club's eventual longevity and significance.
Legacy: The Fourth Oldest Polo Club in America
Sporting Legacy
From its humble beginnings with Barstow and his first team, Camden Polo Club developed into the fourth oldest polo club in the United States, a remarkable achievement for a small southern town.
Cultural Exchange
The club's founding represented a successful blending of northern and southern traditions, creating a unique sporting culture that transcended regional differences in the post-Civil War era.
Economic Impact
Polo helped establish Camden as a destination for sporting tourism, attracting wealthy visitors and contributing to the town's growth and reputation as a winter resort.
The perseverance of those first players in 1898-1900 created a sporting tradition that has endured for 125 years. Their efforts not only established a recreational activity but helped shape Camden's identity and economic development. The mix of northern visitors and southern families collaborating in this sporting venture also provided a model of cooperation during a period when regional tensions still lingered from the Civil War, demonstrating how shared passions can bridge cultural divides.