John Charles 'Charlie' Paris 1879-1950

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The DHBC was established on the 8th April 1908. One of its founding members and long serving club president and secretary was J.C. (John Charles) 'Charlie' Paris. He was born in 1879 and played a pivotal role within the club until his death in 1950. Many of the following photos were provided by his great grand daughter, Julie Peruch.

Portrait of John Charles 'Charlie' Paris (Source: Julie Peruch)

DHBC Founder John Charles 'Charlie' Paris 1879-1950.jpg (305.78 KiB) Viewed 3964 times

Before the formation of the DHBC in 1908, Paris may have been a member of the Marrickville Bicycle Club. However there appeared to have been a split within this club with breakaway members forming the DHBC.

Photo taken after the inaugration of the DHBC on the 8th April 1908 at the Dulwich Hill Masonic Hall, New Canterbury Road.

DHBCFoundationDay-8.4.1908.jpg (49.55 KiB) Viewed 3964 times

Paris was reportedly a respected athlete and won the 'Commonwealth' Handicap in 1900. He obtained 17 successive fastest times from scratch races in road events. His great grand daughter sent photos of some of his early competition prizes.


Newtown Bicycle Club race cup, 7.12.1901, 3rd prize to JC Paris. (Source: Julie Peruch)

DHBC - NBCIM 7.12.01-JCParis prize.jpg (47.45 KiB) Viewed 3964 times

NSWCU 2 mile H'cap 1.1.03 2nd prize J.C. Paris - pic2.jpg (11.67 KiB) Viewed 3964 times

NSWCU 2 mile H'cap 1.1.03 2nd prize J.C. Paris - pic1.jpg (52.66 KiB) Viewed 3964 times

NSW Cycling Union 2 mile Handicap, held on 1.1.1903. 2nd prize J.C. Paris. (Source: Julie Peruch)

Paris was well liked, respected and had a caring personality. He was seen as a father figure especially among younger members and his friendly and welcoming demeanour ensured that all members felt welcomed, consulted and appreciated. He guided the DHBC from its formation in 1908 until his death in 1950. Paris acted in various positions in the DHBC Executive Committee between 1908 and 1950, mainly as club President and Secretary for most of this time.


Letter of Appreciation from the DHBC executive committee to Charlie Paris in 1950, just before his death that year. (Source: Julie Peruch)

DHBCLetter to JC Paris 5 Sept 1950.jpg (594.11 KiB) Viewed 3964 times

He first set up a bicycle shop in 1906 along New Canterbury Road, but moved to his shop behind 1 Hercules Street, Dulwich Hill (facing the Gladstone Hotel carpark, now a private residence) by 1916. This shop remained a social focal point for the club members until his shop was closed after his death in 1950.


Picture taken in the early to mid 1930s of DHBC club members outside Charlie Paris' Speedwell Bicycle Shop.

1938 Hercules St Bike DHill Shop.jpg (330.57 KiB) Viewed 3964 times