Granite Curling Club - Winnipeg

As the decade of the 1870's came to a close, the debate between curlers who preferred "irons" and these who preferred "granites" reached the point where the two groups went their separate ways. Those curlers preferring "granites" formed the "Granite Club" in 1880. They curled under canvas on Lombard Ave., subsequent moving buildings on Market St. In 1912 the present facilities were erected on Mostyn place. Thomas Kelly a club member and contractor, combined with two term club president and architect Cam Chisholm to complete the state of the art curling facility. Steel for the building was imported from Minneapolis, while the balance of the materials seem to have been provided by local suppliers. Thomas Kelly would go on to be the contractor for the Legislative Assembly Buildings and become embroiled in the ensuing public inquiry. The government of the day considered the club building to be part of contractor Kelly's assets and seized the property. For the next 30 years the Granite Club was a tenant of the Province of Manitoba. The tenancy ended in 1946 as the club purchased the building. The main entrance to the club house facilities has changed little over the years. Inside the building is a different story. Untimely thaws were eliminated in 1953 with artificial ice equipment. Bar Service and expanded catering service were installed in 1957 as club member took advantage of enlightened liquor laws. The two story addition which now houses the bar and "Granite Room" had also provided additional shower and locker facilities since 1959. Fluorescent lights and heaters improved the curling conditions in 1962/63. Sauna baths and improved showers were installed in 1965. Club members voted to sell the land to the City of Winnipeg in 1975. A lease was arranged for a 10 year term, which was later renewed for another 10 years. The proceeds of the sale provided extensive renovations and a new curling surface. Replacing, renovating and refurbishing are ongoing processes as we use the oldest curling club in Manitoba. Affectionately known as the "Mother Club" the building has been the scene of many thrilling matches. However, not all the drama has taken place on the ice surface. Two major changes to the rules and regulations resulted from the actions of the young Terry Braunstein rink in 1958. The technique of this group caused the Dominion Curling Association to install the T-line delivery rule. While their ages changed the eligibility rules eliminating the possibility of a teenage Brier winner.