Hockey, Ice Skating and Curling at The Club

“Two hockey teams have been formed at the Detroit Curling Club and practice will begin tomorrow night.  The Canadian rules will be observed.  Toward the end of the week a game will have the support of The Club and it is thought that it will become one of the most pleasant features of an evening at the rink.  Improvements to the clubhouse will be made so that the spectators can witness the play from above.

“In the skating carnival at the rink last night Clayton Busch won the gentlemen’s prize and Miss Jessie Parkinson that for ladies.

“Two of the club matches in curling were played yesterday afternoon, resulting in wins for Skips Baxter and Cooney.”

Detroit Free Press December 27, 1896.  This was thirty years before the Red Wings were formed.  At least they curled on the ice before the ice skating & hockey!!!

Sign Me Up in 1900

An article in the February 12, 2013 issue of the Scots Wha Hae read:  “Our new club crest sign is in the works.   At the last board meeting, they approved the committee to interview the two low bidders and select the winning vendor to build and install a new illuminated sign intended to be placed on the front of the building. The expectation is that the new sign will be installed before the annual meeting. Things are looking up!”  This reminded me of…

“January 2, 1900.  Detroit City Council; Sixth Ward.  Resolved.  That the Board of Public Works be and is hereby authorized to issue a permit to Wolverine Electric Co. to construct an illuminated sign, 3x7 feet, between lot line and sidewalk, north side of Forest avenue, between Sixth and Seventh streets for The Detroit Skating and Curling Club.

“Provided.  That said work shall be performed under the supervision of the Board of Public Works, and provided further, that no rights in the public streets shall be considered waived by this permission, which is granted expressly on the condition that said illuminated sign and all obstructions in connection therewith shall be removed at any time when so directed by the Common Council. 

“Adopted as follows:  Yeas:  33.  Nays: None.”

I wonder what happened to the old sign – probably still sitting in Joe’s barn. 

Below is the sign at West Bloomfield.

Sparkling signage to all and to all a good curling, Angus.

Mixed International Bonspiel 1981

'A' Event Winners

Maurice (Skip) & Louise Daniel and Beth & Jack proctor

'A' Event Runners-Up

Rick & Cathy Cote and Pat & Dick (Skip) O'Connor 

'B' Event Winners

Mary & Jim Oliver and Vi & Jo (Skip) McGlynn

* * More Pictures from the 1981 Bonspiel click here * *

Barbie Goes Curling

Many years ago, while searching for curling items on eBay, I found a Barbie curling outfit.  It looked like an old-timer’s curling sweater.  I thought it was rather unique and, obviously homemade, perhaps one-of-a-kind.  So, I bought it and then found a Barbie doll to wear it.  (Why I had Barbie dolls is another…very long story).

In May of 2012 Bob Cowan & David B. Smith posted an article on their blog about Hand-Knitted Curling Sweaters - often referred to as Cowichan sweaters.  Within the article they had a picture of another Barbie sweater.   So, mine (in red) is not that unique.  Perhaps I’ll try to learn knitting so I can make an outfit for Ken. 

Bob & David’s Curling History blog can be found at www.curlinghistory.blogspot.com.

Happy Knitting, Angus