Land O’ Lakes Curling Club will mark the 50th anniversary

Carolyn Johnston | Jul 30, 2014

Submitted by Carolyn Johnston

In 2015 the Land O’ Lakes Curling Club will mark the 50th anniversary of the club in Tweed.

On February 4, 1965, not long after the ice plant was built in the community centre (now Memorial Arena), 32 enthusiastic Tweed residents unanimously voted at the Chamber of Commerce to organize a curling club in Tweed, renting ice time at the community centre. The first president of the club in 1965 was Ev English. Other members included Mrs. J. J. Paquette, vice-president; Mrs. V. Dunn, secretary; Mrs. W. H. Porch, treasurer, and Mrs. F. J. McCue, W. Raniowski, Harry McLean and Tom Hunter.

Curling began on February 20. Over 90 members joined the club and a single membership cost only $5! The club initially rented curling rocks from the Marmora Curling Club, which had to be picked up and returned every week! A year later, 32 pairs of curling stones were purchased from the Scottish Curling Stone Co. in Glasgow, Scotland.

By 1968, it became clear that the club should consider constructing its own building. A steering committee was formed in April 1968, consisting of Keith Baldwin, Sandford Wilson, David Morton, Harry Martin, Joe Chisholm and Clyde Bell, with Harold Cantelon as consultant. Club members voted 103-32 in favour of a new building and rink at an estimated cost of $75,000. The curling rink was built during 1969 and formally opened on Jan. 10, 1970 with Clarke Rollins, M.P.P. cutting the ribbon. The president at this time was Ken Thompson; secretary Mrs. Helen Price and treasurer Mrs. Myrtle Gunning. The club was now on its way to becoming an important venue in Tweed, not only for curling leagues and bonspiels, but also for weddings, concerts, dances, Kiwanis meetings, shuffleboard, festivals, exercise classes etc., which the community has enjoyed for so many years.

Ev English, the first president, is still actively curling and the club is fortunate that he has generously agreed to work on the 50th Anniversary Committee. The committee is planning several events to mark this milestone and it is hoped that the entire Tweed and area community will participate in the celebrations. Here is a sample of what is planned; the club will provide more details as information becomes available:

• October 18 - “Swing and Sweep”. Enjoy a game of golf, followed by lunch and an afternoon of curling to kick off the 50th season.

• Feb. 27 - March 1, 2015: “50th Anniversary Bonspiel”; a chance for all current and former members of the club to enjoy some fun curling, reconnect with old friends and reflect on the great history of the club.

• August 8, 2015 - “50 Years of Memories: A Tribute to August Fest”. A banquet and dance with a live auction.

If any former members have any historical memorabilia or photos that would be suitable to include for display during one of these events, please contact Muriel Dunford, who is working on a commemorative souvenir book and is eager to include items of historical significance throughout the years of the club. She can be reached at 613-478-3575 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You may also check our website (www.curltweed.ca) for updates.