Smoke night

The smoke night or smoke social was a predominantly Australian form of male only social event in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Australasia.[1]

Story Bridge Smoke Social invitation card

Background

Large groups of Australian men gathered in a venue to smoke tobacco together in what they termed a smoke night. These lasted until the early 1940s. These events were socially significant, and often coupled with a formal dinner, an annual general meeting or a musical revue. While the full spectrum of Australian men participated in smoke socials—from Parliamentarians through to Port Kembla workers—the smoke night held an allure of classy behaviour and social respectability for participating men. Smoke socials were run by football clubs, charitable organizations, civic organizations, trade unions, and governments.

Further reading

• "Belshaw's world – socials gone in a puff of smoke". Armidale Express. 14 April 2010.
• "SMOKE SOCIAL". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 10 August 1911. p. 5. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
• "SMOKE SOCIAL". The Register. Adelaide: National Library of Australia. 12 June 1906. p. 3. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
• "SMOKE SOCIAL". The Argus. Melbourne: National Library of Australia. 23 April 1915. p. 10. Retrieved 28 April 2011.
• "C1932 Coburg Football Club Smoke Social". Coburg Historical Society, Moreland City Libraries. Coburg, Victoria: Picture Victoria. 1901. Invitation Card and Programme 11x8cm - 9.5x17cm Australian Rules Football. Coburg Football Club.. Collection ID: 6027. Collection ID: T3_1_9.2
• "Invitation – Smoke Night, Federation Celebrations". Melbourne: Museum Victoria. 1901. Collection ID: SH 960715 1.
• "Farewell for Mr J.B. Hyde Smoke Social".

References

1. Erik Eklund Steel town: the making and breaking of Port Kembla Melbourne Victoria: Melbourne University Press, 2002, 76, 88