• Last Updated Wednesday, 11 November 2009 19:59

by Dorothy Clark

(ed note: This is one of a series of historical reflections writen by past and present members for our 50th anniversary season)

In 1966 we returned to Ottawa having lived and curled in Smiths Falls for 6 years. We had been residents of City View previously for some years so we chose to join a curling club where we knew some of the members. Club President Clarence Mulvagh, a long time friend, extended a hearty welcome to us to the City View Club. 

At that time Mary Lewis, a member of a well known Ottawa curling family, chaired the Saturday Business Ladies. We had enough members for a full draw and had curling instruction classes and competitive events. Mary had the extreme talent of “tinkling the ivories” ad infinitum and we had a great time at our sing-alongs, you asked for a tune and she played it. 

At the annual CVCC Ladies 3 day bonspiel both sections of the Ladies worked on the theme, name tags, food the draws and of course the famous bonspiel entertainment production held in the evening to full house audiences. The Day Ladies had their spiels on Thursday and Friday and the Business Ladies on Saturday. 

On Sunday afternoons we had entries into the Business Ladies competition at the Ottawa CC. One year we won the consolation and one year the trophy. 

Up to the early 70’s the rule was to release the rock before you crossed the T-line. Some time later we had to practice sliding from the hack and releasing the rock before the hog line. It made a whole new and exciting game. 

Originally we used the famous corn brooms that were a synchronized production when the curlers worked on their sweeping rhythm. Now we use a variety of push brooms with individually designed actions, not as colourful. 

When our draws were at 5:00 pm each time took a turn in preparing a hot dinner for our enjoyment and a small fee. City View cooks are famous for their culinary art. 

Many of our members also entered the mixed events, both at CVCC and at other competitions. On many occasions they were successful. 

In 1996 it was proposed that our lady curling time be changed to alternate early/late 7:00 and 9:00 pm. Because some members had families and other commitments the late time was not favorable. Our president, Hazel Miner, exhausted all her efforts to on our behalf to keep our early draw, but was unsuccessful. As a result a vote to not accept the proposed change was held and passed.  Many of our members terminated their membership at City View and applied for membership at Granite and Carleton Heights Business Ladies. These clubs were pleased to add so many experienced curlers to their rosters. 

Some of our former members have continued as Associate members at City View, and enjoy meeting old curling friends at luncheon meetings and club activities. 

We had a super City View Curling experience and will always treasure the many friendships made.