Our 2026~2027 season will mark the 100th year of curling in Diamond Valley!
Oilfields Curling Club will be celebrating this milestone with fun events throughout the season.
Planning is underway and we'll update everyone as plans come together.
Oilfields Curling Club will be celebrating this milestone with fun events throughout the season.
Planning is underway and we'll update everyone as plans come together.
Learning About the History of Curling in Diamond Valley
We're gathering information about the history of curling in our community. We want to talk with people who can tell us stories and share photos and other information.
If you have information that you can contribute to this effort please send an email to [email protected] and we'll speak with you.
You can also upload notes and photos directly to our archive.
Visit the 100 Years Data page for more instructions.
We're gathering information about the history of curling in our community. We want to talk with people who can tell us stories and share photos and other information.
If you have information that you can contribute to this effort please send an email to [email protected] and we'll speak with you.
You can also upload notes and photos directly to our archive.
Visit the 100 Years Data page for more instructions.
Early History from the "In The Light Of The Flares" Book ....
Below are two articles and a couple of photos from the "In The Light Of The Flares" book that was published in 1979 by the Sheep River Historical Society.
Below are two articles and a couple of photos from the "In The Light Of The Flares" book that was published in 1979 by the Sheep River Historical Society.
THE NATURAL ICE CURLING RINK - TURNER VALLEY
With the aid of Mr. Sam Coultis and the good grace of Royalite Oil Co. the natural ice rink was built in 1926-1927.
(This information was related by Harry Patton, age 83 years. He resided in Turner Valley from the age of 20 years.)
This was a terrific rink consisting of four sheets of ice, but of course, the curlers and ice conditions were at the mercy of the elements. Relative to Turner Valley's proximity to the mountains, a good old chinook wind would arrive unheralded and cause the ice to melt and water to pour from the ceiling. The forward progress of the rocks took on the appearance of small motor boats skimming through the water and on these days a few rocks made it to the 12 foot circle, the more than odd rock resting short of the hog line. The curlers perhaps were not Briar quality, but the competition was keen and exuberant, so was the spirit and comradeship.
In the days of a booming oil field it was equally hard to keep the same team together, as the population became transient, and almost everyone worked shift work. There was no such thing as matched curling sweaters or other curling togs. What ever you chose to wear was just fine - even your husband's trousers or a 3/4 length fur jacket. In the mixed curling, it was almost normal that the lead of the winning team, be taken outdoors and stood on her head in the snow bank or a pool of water, depending again upon the weather.
There also originated in this rink the Turner Valley Legion Mixed Invitational bonspiel, to be held annually, with teams from various Calgary branches and also Okotoks competing. This bonspiel was a "no loser spiel" and was looked upon with great gusto. After this spiel everyone would go to the Legion, whence after a few rounds, were able to release all their frustrations of the day. A never to be forgotten sight was the bar sponge full of spilled beer, that was put on a chair for a certain male curler to sit on, with hilarious results. Then later on the "Glee Club" would take over to the accompaniment of Clara Oakes on the piano or violin. After the wind-up lunch, trophies were awarded to the winning teams. The first annual event was held in 1926 and we celebrated the 50th year in 1976. Many long and lasting friendships were made due this this annual curling event.
'.
The ladies also got into the act making up their own teams. Some of the ladies who first curled in this rink were: Bill Shaw, Margaret Gallagher, Thelma Grisdale, Elsie Minue, Betty Krausert, Thelma Kennedy, Emma Gulbranson (now Mrs. Tim Maloney), Mary Bourque (now Mrs. Wally Walters), Myrtle Visser, and Toots Stewart.
Previous to the natural ice rink being constructed a few ardent curlers got together and cleaned snow from Sheep (Creek) River. They also constructed their own rocks of pipe protectors and filled them with cement. The handles were made of ½ inch pipe and welded to the rocks by Vern Fernald. Harry Patton who along with Sam Coultis and Jim Oakes were "ardent river curlers". Another "river curler" was H. E. Denning, who was also the pioneer blacksmith in this area, having been trained by Mr. George Hoggan, homesteader of Longview area. Mr. Denning heated 14" pipe protectors and shrunk them onto blocks of wood. They had wooden handles and were painted with gay colored circles so each team would know their rocks.
With the aid of Mr. Sam Coultis and the good grace of Royalite Oil Co. the natural ice rink was built in 1926-1927.
(This information was related by Harry Patton, age 83 years. He resided in Turner Valley from the age of 20 years.)
This was a terrific rink consisting of four sheets of ice, but of course, the curlers and ice conditions were at the mercy of the elements. Relative to Turner Valley's proximity to the mountains, a good old chinook wind would arrive unheralded and cause the ice to melt and water to pour from the ceiling. The forward progress of the rocks took on the appearance of small motor boats skimming through the water and on these days a few rocks made it to the 12 foot circle, the more than odd rock resting short of the hog line. The curlers perhaps were not Briar quality, but the competition was keen and exuberant, so was the spirit and comradeship.
In the days of a booming oil field it was equally hard to keep the same team together, as the population became transient, and almost everyone worked shift work. There was no such thing as matched curling sweaters or other curling togs. What ever you chose to wear was just fine - even your husband's trousers or a 3/4 length fur jacket. In the mixed curling, it was almost normal that the lead of the winning team, be taken outdoors and stood on her head in the snow bank or a pool of water, depending again upon the weather.
There also originated in this rink the Turner Valley Legion Mixed Invitational bonspiel, to be held annually, with teams from various Calgary branches and also Okotoks competing. This bonspiel was a "no loser spiel" and was looked upon with great gusto. After this spiel everyone would go to the Legion, whence after a few rounds, were able to release all their frustrations of the day. A never to be forgotten sight was the bar sponge full of spilled beer, that was put on a chair for a certain male curler to sit on, with hilarious results. Then later on the "Glee Club" would take over to the accompaniment of Clara Oakes on the piano or violin. After the wind-up lunch, trophies were awarded to the winning teams. The first annual event was held in 1926 and we celebrated the 50th year in 1976. Many long and lasting friendships were made due this this annual curling event.
'.
The ladies also got into the act making up their own teams. Some of the ladies who first curled in this rink were: Bill Shaw, Margaret Gallagher, Thelma Grisdale, Elsie Minue, Betty Krausert, Thelma Kennedy, Emma Gulbranson (now Mrs. Tim Maloney), Mary Bourque (now Mrs. Wally Walters), Myrtle Visser, and Toots Stewart.
Previous to the natural ice rink being constructed a few ardent curlers got together and cleaned snow from Sheep (Creek) River. They also constructed their own rocks of pipe protectors and filled them with cement. The handles were made of ½ inch pipe and welded to the rocks by Vern Fernald. Harry Patton who along with Sam Coultis and Jim Oakes were "ardent river curlers". Another "river curler" was H. E. Denning, who was also the pioneer blacksmith in this area, having been trained by Mr. George Hoggan, homesteader of Longview area. Mr. Denning heated 14" pipe protectors and shrunk them onto blocks of wood. They had wooden handles and were painted with gay colored circles so each team would know their rocks.
TURNER VALLEY OILFIELDS CURLING ASSOCIATION - by Alex Hartell
The first curling rink in this area was built in Turner Valley by the Royalite Oil Company about 1927. It was on Royalite land south east of the Legion Hall and consisted of three sheets of natural ice. I first curled there about 1949. My first skip was a great fellow by the name of Tim Redford. We used the old rink till about 1951. The main trouble there was the natural ice. It seemed each time we planned a good bonspiel we got a chinook and that was the end of curling!
About 1958 we started to look for something better. Over in Black Diamond was an old warehouse built by Gainors White Transit about 1929 and owned by Home Oil. We decided to· purchase the building and a few acres of land. We got started to re-model the old building in the summer of 1959. It took a hell of a lot of effort. First there was an old cement floor to take out. Next we had a lot of pit run gravel hauled in, leveled off and packed. Then we had to lay sleepers, lay the plastic pipe, and tie the pipes to the sleepers with twine - a lot of work for a few old faithfuls. Then we had to cover the pipes with cement. We started the cement work early one morning. The ready-mix came from Okotoks - three trucks - but after the first trip two trucks fell by the wayside so we finished up with one six yard truck about two the next morning. We also had to build an addition on the north end, purchase the ice plant and get it in operation. Thank God we had one hell of a good man in Austin McLeod. He didn't do a lot of manual labour but boy he was a great promoter and also supplied the "snifters" as a couple of truck drivers could tell you.
About that time we got to thinking how we could get a club started. We decided each person would take out a life membership. There were about 60 members. Life members were allowed a 20% discount on their annual dues (that did not last too many years). We also issued debentures for $100.00 each, they were purchased mostly by the curling members. Two oil companies - Home and Western Decalta responded most generously. Original fees were $22.50, each year the dues have been raised till now they are $50.00 (that's inflation for you). In Jan. 1960 we got started to make ice, those were real hectic days as we were all eager to get started curling but one thing after another kept us back. We advertised for an ice-maker and had about six replies. We finally picked Art Thomson for the job at $200.00 per month, (he still gives me hell as I did not vote for him). Our opening night was set for Jan. 22. The following members were on the ice, Roy Farries, Alex Hartell, Bill Stuart, Ken Bird, Austin MacLeod, Pat Harten, Mitch Sawchuck, and Gene Giroux. Roy threw the first rock and I held the broom. That was the first bonspiel, it was held Jan. 22, 23, and 24. Ian McLaren moved the fees for that bonspiel be $6.00 per rink, seconded by Lil Harten (how about that). We had 64 rinks and poor Art sure had a hell of a time as he was green as grass at the job, but he did a great job and all had a wonderful time.
Since that time the rink has kept in operation and also seems to be able to keep in debt. Keeping the building and ice plant in repair costs a lot of money. To help finance the rink we have had car raffles, calf raffles, a car bingo, etc. These are a few of the ways that have helped to keep us going.
The first President was Gene Giroux, Mitch Sawchuck was Secretary-treasurer. It was decided that Secretary-treasurer was too big a job for one person so after the first year it was made into two separate offices. To keep the rink running smoothly every year we have, besides the executive - Draw committee, Entertainment committee, Ice committee, Bonspiel committee, Building committee, and Finance committee, usually with four or more people on each committee. The Ladies League used to run the kitchen at the rink and each year they gave a nice big donation to the men, that sure was appreciated and they still help out all they can.
The rink is in use all winter, Men's and Ladies' Leagues use the ice Mon., Tues., and Thurs. The mixed League, which is very popular has Wed. night curling and the Legion curl on Fri. night, the week-ends are all used up for bonspiels. We have not been able to get the Juniors very keen about curling lately. Years ago the boys and girls had a good League and they were able to get to the District Playoffs.
Each league competes for several challenge trophies and we all have a hell of a lot of fun.
The first curling rink in this area was built in Turner Valley by the Royalite Oil Company about 1927. It was on Royalite land south east of the Legion Hall and consisted of three sheets of natural ice. I first curled there about 1949. My first skip was a great fellow by the name of Tim Redford. We used the old rink till about 1951. The main trouble there was the natural ice. It seemed each time we planned a good bonspiel we got a chinook and that was the end of curling!
About 1958 we started to look for something better. Over in Black Diamond was an old warehouse built by Gainors White Transit about 1929 and owned by Home Oil. We decided to· purchase the building and a few acres of land. We got started to re-model the old building in the summer of 1959. It took a hell of a lot of effort. First there was an old cement floor to take out. Next we had a lot of pit run gravel hauled in, leveled off and packed. Then we had to lay sleepers, lay the plastic pipe, and tie the pipes to the sleepers with twine - a lot of work for a few old faithfuls. Then we had to cover the pipes with cement. We started the cement work early one morning. The ready-mix came from Okotoks - three trucks - but after the first trip two trucks fell by the wayside so we finished up with one six yard truck about two the next morning. We also had to build an addition on the north end, purchase the ice plant and get it in operation. Thank God we had one hell of a good man in Austin McLeod. He didn't do a lot of manual labour but boy he was a great promoter and also supplied the "snifters" as a couple of truck drivers could tell you.
About that time we got to thinking how we could get a club started. We decided each person would take out a life membership. There were about 60 members. Life members were allowed a 20% discount on their annual dues (that did not last too many years). We also issued debentures for $100.00 each, they were purchased mostly by the curling members. Two oil companies - Home and Western Decalta responded most generously. Original fees were $22.50, each year the dues have been raised till now they are $50.00 (that's inflation for you). In Jan. 1960 we got started to make ice, those were real hectic days as we were all eager to get started curling but one thing after another kept us back. We advertised for an ice-maker and had about six replies. We finally picked Art Thomson for the job at $200.00 per month, (he still gives me hell as I did not vote for him). Our opening night was set for Jan. 22. The following members were on the ice, Roy Farries, Alex Hartell, Bill Stuart, Ken Bird, Austin MacLeod, Pat Harten, Mitch Sawchuck, and Gene Giroux. Roy threw the first rock and I held the broom. That was the first bonspiel, it was held Jan. 22, 23, and 24. Ian McLaren moved the fees for that bonspiel be $6.00 per rink, seconded by Lil Harten (how about that). We had 64 rinks and poor Art sure had a hell of a time as he was green as grass at the job, but he did a great job and all had a wonderful time.
Since that time the rink has kept in operation and also seems to be able to keep in debt. Keeping the building and ice plant in repair costs a lot of money. To help finance the rink we have had car raffles, calf raffles, a car bingo, etc. These are a few of the ways that have helped to keep us going.
The first President was Gene Giroux, Mitch Sawchuck was Secretary-treasurer. It was decided that Secretary-treasurer was too big a job for one person so after the first year it was made into two separate offices. To keep the rink running smoothly every year we have, besides the executive - Draw committee, Entertainment committee, Ice committee, Bonspiel committee, Building committee, and Finance committee, usually with four or more people on each committee. The Ladies League used to run the kitchen at the rink and each year they gave a nice big donation to the men, that sure was appreciated and they still help out all they can.
The rink is in use all winter, Men's and Ladies' Leagues use the ice Mon., Tues., and Thurs. The mixed League, which is very popular has Wed. night curling and the Legion curl on Fri. night, the week-ends are all used up for bonspiels. We have not been able to get the Juniors very keen about curling lately. Years ago the boys and girls had a good League and they were able to get to the District Playoffs.
Each league competes for several challenge trophies and we all have a hell of a lot of fun.
Oilfields Curling Club Incorporation Oilfields Curling Club was first incorporated in March 1959 as "Turner Valley Oilfields Curling Association" and our name was changed to "Oilfields Curling Club" in 2003. |
