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A Brief History of Deer Lodge
The
founding of the Deer Lodge Curling Club took place in December, 1919.
The rink was located on the south side of Portage Avenue at Lyle and
consisted of two sheets of ice surrounded by an eight foot high wooden
fence. This was called the Assiniboia Club.
Enthusiastic then, as they are today, the members organized a company
called the Deer Lodge Curling Association Limited and set their sights
on building a new rink and clubrooms. After surveying many sites, the
Board of Directors chose seven lots at Bruce and Truro streets. Curling
began "in the valley" in December of 1920. See old newspaper clippings of that era.
From 1920 to 1957, its fame rested on its "tricky ice" and the fact
that, in 1947, it became the home of the Dominion Curling Champions.
The location on the banks of Truro Creek led to many problems caused by
movement of the foundation. The 1950 flood dealt the old rink a bitter
blow and changes were due to be made.
The years 1956 - 57 were the beginning of a new era for the Deer Lodge
Curling Club. This was when the driving force and enthusiasm of the
members led them to set their sights on the construction of the present
building. The entire structure was built with volunteer labour. In
October of 1957, located at 425 Woodlawn Street, the new Deer Lodge
Curling Club Limited opened the doors of their new rink to the roaring
game.
Sharing the vision of previous generations, in 1988 the Board of
Directors instituted a program of expansion and renovation. The work
included an addition to the clubrooms, providing a new ladies' locker
facility and the "Welsh Room". The parking lot was resurfaced, the ice
field renewed, and the clubrooms from the locker room in the basement
to the lounge upstairs were completely renovated. See newspaper clippings 1988.
The only links from the past are the symbolic deer head antlers that
grace the arena and the intense loyalty to and pride in the game of
curling that has been engendered in the continuing membership. The Past
Presidents Association of the club - the first in the Winnipeg area -
has been instrumental in keeping club interest and loyalty high.
The growth and development of the Deer Lodge Curling Club has closely
paralleled that of the former City of St. James. It has always been
active in the community affairs and has worked vigorously with high
schools to develop junior curlers. Today it caters to curlers of all
ages from 6 on up. It organized the first Winnipeg Club for retired
curlers called the "Well-To-Do" group, which still operates today as
well as the "Antlers" group that began operating in 1985. It also at
one time provided instruction to blind curlers.
Deer Lodge was one of the first city clubs to offer evening ice for
ladies curling with the formation of the Deer Lodge Business Girls
League in 1980. This league dominated provincial play in the 80's and
early 90’s where they claimed 6 provincial titles in a 12 year span.
Off the ice, Deer Lodge has been active in the ranks of the Manitoba
Curling Association with 10 of its members serving as President of the
MCA in a period from 1933 to 2002.
Deer Lodge will continue to give leadership and support to the game of
curling - a game unequaled in its ability to provide good fellowship
and good sportsmanship.
Deer Lodge has produced a number of provincial and Canadian
championship teams over the years and several individuals have earned
special recognition. Please click on Past National and Provincial Champions
& Hall of Fame.
Deer Lodge highlights in the last 2 decades include ,
1) Hosted several provincial championships :
- The Scott Tournament of Hearts , Jan 1998
- Target Junior Mens & Womens (co hosted with Assiniboine) , Jan
2001
- The Strathconna Senior Mens' twice (Dec 1995 & Jan 2004, click here for event info )
- MNP Mixed , March 2007, click here
for event info
- Junior Men's, December 2009, click here
for event info
2) Honors awarded to club members :
-Inducted into Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame
1992 Noel Buxton (builder)
1996 Charlie Scrymgeour (curler - builder)
1997 Jimmy Welsh, Alex Welsh, Jock Reid, Harry Monk Sr. (Team)
2001 Kelly MacKenzie, Joanne Fillion, Sasha Bergner, Carlene Muth
2004 Gord Sparkes (curler - builder)
2006 Hal Tanasichuck (curler)
2010 Rick Mutton (builder)
2011 Jerry Brown (builder)
2011 Fred Smith (veteran curler)
-Made Honourary Life Members of MCA
1991 Howard Fairbairn
1993 Gordon Sparkes
1995 Bob Flock
1997 Jerry Brown
1999 Nancy Rummery (MLCA)
-Served as President of MCA
1995-96 Jerry Brown
2002-03 Rick Mutton
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