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SUG AE sgpasadl Curling Arenas Historic stories and illustrations reprinted from the book ‘Scugog Exposed’ by J. Peter Hvidsten So great was the enthusiasm for curling in Canada that as early as 1870 a challenge was sent to Scotland inviting her to test the skill of her players against the curlers of the new world. Curling enjoyed a heyday during the 1880s and 1890s. Hamlets, towns, and cities participated in the game, and many arranged bonspiels with attractive trophies and prizes which were avidly competed for. Top: Curling in Port Perry’s curling rink, located on Casimir Street, circa 1900. Left: Curlers using wooden curling stones during the heyday of the 1890s. Curling tradition in Port Perry dates back more than 100 years Here in Port Perry, curling has played an important partinthe _ played their sport until a new arena was constructed eight years town’s recreational activities since the early 1900s. The first known _later. indoor rink was located on Casimir Street, although the exact loca- When the new skating arena opened in January 1922 on Lilla St. tion has not been determined. (now Simcoe St.) it had two ice pads for curling, one on each side of In December 1914 Percy Graham was reported to have pur- _ the skating pad. This was home for curlers until about 1946 when it chased the old curling rink. He moved it to 241 Queen St, beside _ was torn down. A second new arena opened in January 1951 and curl- the former Port Perry Star office. Here the old ers used this Water St. facility until building was used over the years as Graham’s Ga- i rage, Sweetman’s Garage, Ted Jackson Applianc- es and House of Howard. Following the removal of the old curling club, it’s unclear where curlers 1959. This curling club is still in use Cmca : iit ‘ = Se Ruene Wooden Curling Stone Scottish settlers brought the sport of curling to Canada. They made curling "rocks" from wooden blocks, and later shaped them from stones. A mid-nineteenth century ‘stone’ of smoothed burled wood was 26cm in diameter x 11.9cm high. A metal and wooden handle (12cm long) is attached to the top of the stone. Metal plugs were inserted in the wood to provide weight. Above: Partial side view of the 1922 arena which featured a curling rink on both sides. Upper right and bottom, the present curling rink under construction, and in 1959 and when completed. 28 FOCUS - JANUARY 2008 focus@observerpub.ca FOCUS. JAN.O7.32pgs.indd 28 & 4227007 3:41:35 PM |