Pakenham Curling Club marks its 70th anniversary
Posted Nov 27, 2009 By Tara Gesner
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Rocks have been flying at the Pakenham Curling Club for 70 years.
And last Saturday night (Nov. 21) more than 70 people gathered at the clubhouse for a special gala, where Carleton-Mississippi Mills Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Norm Sterling presented the club with a plaque for "providing people in Pakenham and area the opportunity to participate in this terrific activity for 70 years." He was accompanied by his wife Joan.
"Curling truly is one of our greatest traditions in Canada, combining competition and true sportsmanship," Sterling added. "As member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton-Mississippi Mills, I am delighted to extend my heartiest congratulations on the Pakenham Curling Club's 70th anniversary. I salute your contribution and wish you many more years of continued success and enjoyment."
In attendance Saturday night was Mary Scott, a "life member" of the Pakenham Curling Club, who proudly celebrated its success and growth while remembering its modest beginning.
Curling in Pakenham started in the 1860s on the ice of the Mississippi River, played with stones made of hardwood reinforced with strap iron.
In 1892 a covered rink was constructed on Victoria Street and indulged the game's devotees for 35 years. Due to the ravages of time, in 1927 the building was demolished.
According to the club's past president, Arnold Polk, "Enthusiasm again resumed in 1939 when local supporters of the game were able to rally sufficient interest to build a new rink."
Polk stepped in as the evening's emcee, with current president Lyman Gardiner away on vacation in Hawaii.
A clubhouse and two-sheet rink was built of cedar blocks and cement at the corner of Jessie and Isabella Streets. The total cost of the building was approximately $2,150, which included donations of money and material. There was a membership of over 100 men and women. The fee for men was $5 and women paid $3.
The club's website - pakenhamcurlingclub.ovca.com - states that at the end of 1958 the artificial ice plant was officially opened at a cost of $10,000. With this latest acquisition, curling rapidly gained the support of the younger generation and a schoolboy league was soon formed.
The Pakenham Curling Club was incorporated in 1976. In 1982 the ice shed was condemned. Members quickly pitched in, demolished the building and, along with a contractor, insulated the new wood-frame construction and covered it with steel. The second storey of the clubhouse was extended over the ice surface and the pine paneling was replaced with gyprock. In 1983 the club reopened.
Other work has taken place throughout the following decades.
"As I look out at you I see many faces, people who have helped keep the 'roarin' game' alive and well in Pakenham," said Polk. "You've been great stewards and should be congratulated."
Along with its recreational use - attracting curlers from Pakenham, Arnprior, West Carleton and beyond - the curling club also serves as a gathering hub in the community.
According to 52-year member John Stewart, "It's a wonderful asset for the whole community - a social centre."
The social element was plain as the nose on your face as those assembled in the club's upstairs hall for the festivities chatted excitedly and 'peeled' with laughter.
The evening also included the presentation of a framed certificate of congratulations from the Town of Mississippi Mills - presented by Mayor Al Lunney, who was joined by his wife, Jeri.
"Congratulations on the occasion of your 70th anniversary," he said. "We truly appreciate what you are doing."
After the formal part of the evening, members stayed to enjoy a delicious meal.
Pictures from the club's early beginnings as well as its many events were on display for all to enjoy.
Among the attendees was Bruce Duncan, who was recognized for his role in helping to secure a $12,700 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation for the club in 2007.
The funds were used to purchase equipment for the club's junior program, a boot-boy footwear cleaner, energy efficient refrigerator, and cardiac defibrillator, as well as make improvements to the kitchen.
"On behalf of the club and community at large, I would like to thank Norm Sterling and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting us," said Polk.
Now in its seventh decade the spirit of the first players continues on the ice, in the clubhouse and in the community, for the Pakenham Curling Club.
Pakenham Curling Club is located at 172 Jessie St. For more information, call 613-624-5326.
