The CFL started out in the 1880s as the Canadian Rugby Football Union; the game was originally known as rugby. The league evolved over the years, as did the game. While Canadian football is now more like United States gridiron football, it retains several rugby traditions such as only three down, a larger field, and more players on the field. The Grey Cup was donated in 1909 by the then-Governor General of Canada, the fourth Earl Grey. No games were played from 1916 to 1919 due to the First World War. Continue reading →
Lot 1 in Eastern Auctions' June 19 Camellia Collections sale is the original seven-page 1851 contract for the production of Canada's first postage stamps. Signed by Provincial Postmaster General James Morris and representatives of the New York engraving firm Rawdon, Wright, Hatch and Edson, the historic document established the terms for printing the Province of Canada's first stamp issue, including the iconic three-pence Beaver.