Attention curling fans and local history buffs: Windsor Public Library welcomes a new addition to its Local History collection. Ted Szalay’s History of Windsor Curling Club and Related Curling Trivia highlights the sport of curling and its origins in Windsor. Readers will be impressed with the breadth of information covered in this volume, which is supplemented by photographs and personal reflections.

The backbone of this story is the Windsor Curling Club (WCC), which was founded in 1897. Szalay explains the WCC’s early connections to the Detroit Curling Club, and its growth over the next couple of decades. The book covers many notable moments in Windsor’s curling history, including the devastating tornado of 1974 that destroyed the curling club and took the lives of 9 people, and the formation of the Windsor Curling Club Seniors Association (WCCSA) in 1991 at Roseland Golf and Curling Club.

The book highlights local bonspiels and tournaments at every level, from high school to university to senior leagues, and the dynamic curlers who belonged to the WCC. In addition to this fascinating history, Szalay conveys the intense competition and the deep comradery on the rink. This is where the book truly shines as Szalay skilfully portrays the unique spirit and pride of this community of athletes.

Local curlers will delight in the stories, and may even catch a glimpse of old friends and rivals. The general trivia will help curlers and non-curlers alike to learn a few tips and tricks on how to play this winter sport. Visit our Local History branch to browse a copy and learn more about this fascinating piece of Windsor’s history! Since there are only a few copies in existence this rare book is being held for in-branch reference use only at this time.