The first meeting was held at Hart's Drug Store in January 1955 with an initial 12 people attending to discuss the possibility of forming a curling club. These people were instrumental in the future endeavours of the organization.
At subsequent meetings held in various locations (Bonnie Doon Community Hall, Strathearn Skating Rink and various basement rumpus rooms), it was decided that a membership drive and a district canvass was very encouraging, with about 110 people signing application forms. About 200 people attended the first membership meeting, held on April 19, 1955.
At this meeting the first Board of Directors was elected:
- Ted Hart
- Cliff Mallet
- Harry Wickstrom
- Syd Robson
- Art Crossley
- Herb Coxford
- Bud Patterson
Of this group, Ted Hart was to be named the first President of the Shamrock Curling Club (yet to be named at this time).
Finance and building committees were formed and the ball started rolling, with the momentum picking up to the point where it looked like this may be a viable project. At subsequent meetings, a great deal of discussion was centred on finance. As a $100.00 per person membership was a bare minimum for working capital, it was moved by Bud Patterson that a $100.00 2% debenture be mandatory for all members. This, plus 320 shares, would give the club $64,000.00 working capital for the construction of a building.
After a very heated discussion, with the possibility of 150 of the 200 or so present (whose finances were not that sound), reluctantly this motion was passed. Oh! How we disliked Bud Patterson! A very outspoken person we thought, but, as time rolled on, Bud's foresight was instrumental in our success.
The club was able to secure a loan of $60,000.00 with the proviso that the members sign promissory notes for collateral. Now we were ready to start construction.
Naming the club
A name was needed, and after many suggestions the names of Heather and Shamrock were voted on, and of course Shamrock was the choice, a name that was to mark one of the most successful curling club stories of all time. Hence comes our current slogan - Shamrock, The Club Of Choice.
Construction of the building
One of the first obstacles (after financing was arranged) was to procure land from the City of Edmonton. After several meetings with Commissioner Menzies, land was sought approximately where the Mormon Church is now situated (north end of the round-about at 85 Street and 90 Avenue), but was later re-negotiated to our present location.
Pat Campbell-Hope was appointed architect and, after much discussion about the type of structure, the decision for our present building estimate was for $90,000.00 (an astronomical figure at that time).
Tenders were let and Forest Construction was the successful bidder in the sum of $96,670.00. The Canadian Ice Machine Company supplied the ice plant for a further $25,000.00 and a purchase of curling rocks represented a further expenditure.
Official Opening
Former Mayors William Hawrelak of Edmonton and Don McKay of Calgary, officially opened the club on February 14, 1956.An invitational bonspiel was also held with 14 city rinks competing against 14 country rinks with some great names in curling participating - Billy Rose and Cliff Manahan among others.
All dignitaries were piped onto the ice in the traditional manner for the official ceremony, with the respective Mayors of Calgary and Edmonton throwing the first rocks.After the ceremonies and curling, a banquet was enjoyed by all attending.This event was a very rewarding and exciting conclusion to an extremely difficult period for all the hardworking executives and membership.
Other Happenings
The men's curling club team membership was formed and a league organized, basically in the present format of a fixed draw and sections.This period also saw the Shamrock come into prominence in the curling scene with innovative bonspiels and events (e.g. The weekend 16's that became one of "the" spiels to compete in, "turkey shoots" and the competitive Sunday league).
The first five years were very challenging as finances were extremely tight, but with the guidance and wisdom of our "leaders" and perseverance of the general membership, we survived.
The Second Five Years
This era possibly was the beginning of "big time" curling to be hosted by a curling club.Events such as the Tournament of Champions and the ever popular Shotgun Spiel were conceived and became an instant success.The Tournament of Champions saw all the "name" curlers of Alberta and many Saskatchewan teams who were either Brier Champions or were of Brier calibre.
The Shotgun Spiel is still enjoying success and never has had a problem getting entries.A committee was formed to study the feasibility of expanding the club to incorporate other activities such as a swimming pool, etc. This idea was later abandoned due to financial problems and being a marginal revenue producer.
This period of time saw the present lighting system engineered, tested and installed with excellent results. This lighting system still exists in our club and is still one of the best lit curling clubs in Edmonton.The highlight of this era was the burning of our $60,000.00 mortgage in the short space of six years. "Operation Torch" ceremonies were held on November 17, 1961.
The Remaining Years
Once the major hurdles of the first 10 years were completed, the Shamrock settled down to a very smooth running, successful operation. These years saw the executives and membership improve the club and attract competitive curling and events.Renovation to the upstairs lounge was a major factor in its increased use; also the downstairs was "spruced up" to its present level, making the Shamrock the finest club in the area.
The World Open Tournament of Champions certainly has put our club on the map, not only nationally but world wide. Our members have been very prominent in the formation and promotion of this event.Over the years, Shamrock members have served on various committees of the A.C.A. and N.A.C.A. and two members achieved the recognition of their fellow association members to serve as president - Art Crossley and Gene Sakowsky. Many others have served as chairmen of various committees.
It has become obvious that the Shamrock and its members have been recognized as leaders in the curling fraternity.
Shamrock Ladies
The ladies of the Shamrock Curling Club have always been an integral part of our club's success. As early as March 1955 their presence was recorded in the minutes of the club.The ladies first meeting was May 10, 1955, held at the Bonnie Doon Community Hall with 126 ladies attending.Mrs. (Frank) Joyce Stevenson was the first president, and presided at the ladies' official opening ceremonies, with Ted Hart (Club President) throwing the first official rock on March 2, 1956.
The Shamrock ladies were unique in that they organized their club with the same format as the men, Board of Directors and various committee "chairpersons".The Shamrock women's club has been very active in the School Girl's League since 1960 and have had considerable success in the High School Girl's curling in the past.A baby sitting service was, and still is, a very important function as this allows young mothers to be active and attracts more members to the club.
As of this date, there are six ladies of the original membership still active and two of these have never missed a complete season (Audrey Gelhaus and Sarah Embleton). Congratulations ladies!We are always very proud to see our ladies' rinks appearing as bonspiel winners and of course their representation on the Northern Alberta Ladies Curling Association.The Shamrock Curling Club "salutes you ladies". Without your support this Club would not be the leader it is today.
Summary
This club has been, and will continue to be, one of the nice places to be associated with. It was built and operated by industrious people (many of whom will never receive the recognition they so justly deserve). I hope the membership and executives of the last 15 years will not be slighted as I realize most of my attention has been focused on the first 10 years. Your participation and recognition has been equally deserving and I am positive that if the years were turned around your knowledge, dedication and desire would have also built the Shamrock.