Origins of the Sport of Badminton
f: 1874 and the American Connection
The following year there was a reference (The Field 21 March 1874) to the ‘Decline of Croquet’, and a correspondent J.H.H. suggested that on unused croquet grounds “we might introduce the game of Badminton, which may be much improved by using a 2 in. Hollow indiarubber ball, to be returned as at tennis...” .
It seems the writer (J H Hale) was confusing Badminton with the newly emerging game of lawn tennis. He later apologised for his misunderstanding.
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It is apparent that the game had somehow reached America, presumably from India by way of Britain.
HARPER'S BAZAR May 9 1874 carries a full page article on "The new game of Badmington" with a large drawing of a mixed doubles game in progress. This is the picture shown on the home page of this site. Badminton home page
The article includes a set of rules, and a diagram of the court:
This court looks very much like the one from The Murree Rules.
In the same issue of HARPER'S BAZAR is an advertisement from E.L. Horsman of New York who is selling 'Badmington' equipment.
The earliest known advertisement for Badminton equipment, May 9 1874
This was not a premonition of Badminton played in wheelchairs, the juxtaposition is accidental!
Badminton's missed chance 1875