Granite Curling Club (Winnipeg)
As the decade of the 1870's came to a close in Winnipeg, 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. Initially they
curled under canvas on Lombard Ave. with 4 subsequent relocations before moving into
the present facilities in 1912.
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 an ensuing public inquiry investigating suspicious tendering.
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
members took advantage of enlightened liquor laws.
The two storey 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.