Historian's Report

Annual General Meeting April 2007

As we approach the 50th anniversary of Suburban Schoolmasters’ Curling Club next season, it seems appropriate at this time to look back at the club’s beginnings.  Although the crest on the O’Keefe Trophy (the one presented to the club champions) reads 57-82, the first season of the  club’s operation was 1958-59, as the letterhead states “established 1958”

Since the most important event in the club’s recent history has been the move to Leaside this season because of the closing of Avonlea, it is interesting to note that the club’s first home was at Tam O’Shanter in Scarborough.

fter being formally organized in the spring of 1958, “the Suburban Schoolmasters’ Curling Club became a reality in the fall of 1958 at Tam O’Shanter Curling Club.”

As is the practice today, Wednesday was the day of the week appointed for curling.  That first season there were 96 curlers, making up 24 teams.  But what you probably don’t know is that 16 of those curlers were women.  However, the women made up 4 teams that curled separately from the men.

Now, when did the club start its long run at Avonlea?  A newspaper article dated 19 October, 1961 stated: “The Suburban Schoolmasters have shifted their headquarters from Tam-O-Shanter Rink to the spanking new Avonlea Curling Club in Don Mills.”  So the run of seasons at Avonlea started in 1961-62, the club’s 4th season.