The Prince Edward Island Curling Hall of Fame and Museum, formed under the auspices of the PEI Curling Association, is set to host its fourth annual induction ceremony on October 18, 2010 at the Charlottetown Curling Club.
Five inductees will be honoured for their outstanding contributions to the sport of curling: Edgar Franklin “Duck” Acorn (posthumously), Charlottetown; Gordon Lockhart Bennett (posthumously), Charlottetown; Marion Dockendorff (posthumously), Charlottetown; Genevieve (Gen) Helen Enman (posthumously), Summerside; and Bill MacFadyen, Augustine Cove.
The main objectives of the Curling Hall of Fame and Museum are “to recognize, honour and pay tribute to individuals or teams on the basis of playing ability, sportsmanship and character, who have achieved extraordinary distinction in the sport of curling, whether that distinction be as an amateur or a professional” and “to recognize, honour and pay tribute to those individuals who have given distinguished service and have made major contributions to the development of curling on Prince Edward Island”.
“It is important that Prince Edward Island curlers and builders be recognized for their achievements in their sport”, says Jerry Muzika, Chairman of the PEI Curling Hall and Museum. Muzika notes that two of the recipients are already in the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame and says it is appropriate they be recognized in their home province as well. He invites everyone to come out and honour the inductees.
Shirley Lank, President of the PEI Curling Association, says that she is very pleased that the Curling Hall of Fame and Museum is continuing its work to recognize curlers and builders.
The Induction Ceremony this year is dedicated to the memory of Barbara Mae Currie, who had a long association with curling in all aspects of the game. She was a founding member of the Prince Edward Island Curling Hall of Fame and Museum and served as a board member until her untimely passing on February 3, 2010.
The event, with co-hosts Paul H. Schurman and JoAnne Holden, gets underway at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 and are available at the door, or, in advance, at the Charlottetown Curling Club at 892-7467.
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BIOGRAPHIES
Edgar Franklin “Duck” Acorn (curler/builder category)
The legacy of his leadership is evident in many areas of sport on Prince Edward Island – including his involvement in harness racing, and as an ardent hunter and conservationist. However, it was in the sport of curling that the late “Duck” Acorn best demonstrated both his playing ability and his organizational skills and it is these lifelong accomplishments for which the PEI Curling Hall of Fame recognizes and honours him.
He started curling in 1940 and quickly established himself as one of the leading skips in the province. He won the two-year, four-year and eight-year championships, and then proceeded to take the British Consols’ Trophy, which was the PEI Men’s Curling Championship, in 1947, 1951 and 1953.
In 1947, his team consisted of Andy Likely at third, John Squarebriggs at second, and Arn Howatt at lead.
In 1951, John Squarebriggs moved up to third, Bill MacNeill played second, and Mel Jenkins was the lead.
In 1953, a new team with Stewart Moore at third, Charles Kidd at second, and Jim Campbell at lead, took the trophy.
Throughout his curling career, his team was also runner-up on eight occasions: three at the Men’s level, four at the Senior Men’s level, and one at the Mixed level.
Duck became involved at the administrative level of curling, coincident with his competitive involvement. He was elected to the board of directors of the Charlottetown Curling Club in 1946 and became president in 1948. During his term as president, and after a lengthy battle, females were finally admitted to membership in the Charlottetown Curling Club for the first time.
In 1958, Duck joined Bob Schurman in live broadcasting of the Canadian Schoolboy Curling Championship for radio station CJRW, the first such play-by-play of this national competition.
He was chairman of the first Seagram’s Canadian Mixed Curling Championship held in Charlottetown in 1973, and publicity chairman for the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship (MacDonald Brier) held in Charlottetown in 1964.
In 1963, he was appointed to the executive of the PEI Curling Association representing the Charlottetown Curling Club for three years and in 1966 he represented Belvedere Golf and Winter Club on the Association’s executive. Duck was Prince Edward Island’s senior representative to the Canadian Curling Association for thirteen years, from 1970 to 1982.
He was an honourary life member of the Charlottetown Curling Club, as well as an honourary life member of the Belvedere Golf and Winter Club, and in 1981 he was nominated to the prestigious Governor General’s Curling Club, based in Ottawa.
Duck, in the manner characteristic of his ingenuity, created the 50 and Over Club in 1978. The objective was to promote senior sport and social activities, which included curling, golf and a monthly dance. The program went on to become one of Duck’s most successful endeavours, remaining highly popular for several decades.
He sponsored the PEI Senior Men’s Curling Championship through his business, Ed’s Taxi, for many years, and was instrumental in having the 50 and Over Club continue that sponsorship.
Duck loved to participate in sport and valued above all the friendships that it could forge, and his foresight made it possible for thousands of others to participate in and benefit from the sport as well.
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The Honourable Gordon Lockhart Bennett, O.C., LLD., D.C.L., M.Sc. (Builder Category)
The late Gordon Bennett was born in Charlottetown and attended Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, where he obtained a B.Sc.Degree in 1937. He received his M.Sc. (Chemistry) Degree, from Acadia University in 1947 and he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Civil Laws (D.C.L.) from Acadia in 1976. He also received an honourary degree from the University of Prince Edward Island in 1980.
In a teaching career spanning 32 years, his first three years were in St Eleanor’s, followed by two years in Charlottetown schools. He was appointed in 1939 to the Faculty of Prince of Wales College, Department of Chemistry. In 1957, he assumed the additional duties of Registrar and Director of Studies, remaining at Prince of Wales until 1966.
Entering provincial politics in 1966, Gordon was elected as a representative for 5th Queens District, then re-elected in 1970, and 1974. He served in many capacities in the government of Premier Alex B. Campbell.
Gordon was a very active member of his community serving on various and diverse councils, associations and boards in the arts and charitable organizations. He was keenly interested in all sports, including hockey, rugby and curling.
In 1957 – 58, he served as Provincial Games Chairman of the PEI Curling Association. In 1959, he was elected secretary-treasurer of the Association, a position he held until 1965.
In 1961, he was selected as Chairman of the Host Committee of the MacDonald Brier Canadian Men’s Curling Championship, held in Charlottetown in 1964, the only time this national curling championship has been held on the Island. His handling of all matters in connection with the Brier led to it being termed as one of the most successful on record.
Gordon Bennett was elected and served as vice-president of the Dominion Curling Association in 1965/66, president in 1966/67, and past president in 1967/68. The Dominion Curling Association is now known as the Canadian Curling Association.
In 1966, he was elected an Honourary Life Member of the Ontario Curling Association.
He was made an Honourary Life Member of the Canadian Curling Association in 1968 and was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame as a builder in 1976.
Gordon was elected to the prestigious Governor General’s Curling Club in 1967. The main focus of the club is to promote and foster the growth of curling in Canada and elsewhere. It is also to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the game, whether it be locally, provincially or nationally, not only as curlers, but also as builders and administrators of the game.
He served as the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island from October 24, 1974 to January 14, 1980.
Gordon was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1983. At the end of an illustrious career in public service and volunteerism, he served as Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island from 1985 to 1992.
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Marion Dockendorff (Builder Category)
Marion started to curl in 1950 at the Charlottetown Curling Club. In just a few years, she was curling on a winning team at the provincial level, having won the PEI Ladies Championship in 1955 and 1957. However, her administrative career is where she truly stands tall.
At the club level, Marion was president of the Ladies Branch of the Charlottetown Curling Club on two occasions, in 1954 – 55, and 1963 – 64. She was Foreign Games Chair in 1968 – 69 and was a delegate to the provincial association many times during the years of her involvement.
Marion wasted no time in becoming involved in the provincial and later national associations. She was Secretary-Treasurer of the PEI Ladies Curling Association in 1956 – 57, and in 1960 – 61. In 1961 – 62, she was treasurer, and in 1963 – 65, she was Corresponding Secretary of the PEI Ladies Curling Association.
In 1965 – 66, she was publicity chairman for the PEI Ladies Curling Association and in 1966 – 67, Marion served as President of the Association.
She was an observer/delegate to the Canadian Ladies Curling Association from 1963 to 1967, and again, in 1970.
In 1970, at the annual meeting of the Canadian Ladies Curling Association, Marion was elected to the Board of Directors and served as Vice President of the Association in 1971 – 72, and President in 1972 – 73. That year, the Canadian Ladies Curling Championship was held in Charlottetown.
When Marion was president, she signed the contract with MacDonald Tobacco to sponsor the Women’s Curling Championship. The sponsorship lasted seven years and was the start of the red “hearts” that are still presented to the provincial winners to this day. While in her role as past president, she chaired the committee that resulted in creating a National Senior Women’s Championship.
She was presented in 1973 with an Honourary Life Membership in the Charlottetown Curling Club. She also received the Perfection Foods/Sport PEI Achievement Award in 1984 for her contribution as a builder and supporter of women’s curling over a 28 year period.
Marion was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame in 1986, as a Builder.
In 1994, she was honoured by the Scott Paper Co. and the Canadian Curling Association with a memento for her longevity, having attended more than 30 Canadian Women’s Championships.
Marion was an avid curling fan and a long time supporter of the women’s teams that represented PEI each year at the national championships. She was also a strong supporter of the junior curling program, and she inspired and encouraged many curlers, young and old to take up the game. She had a hospitable manner that made her a winner everywhere.
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Genevieve (Gen) Helen Enman (Curler Category)
The late Gen Enman started curling in 1963 at the RCAF and CFB Curling Club in St. Eleanors. This remained her home club until 1980 when the Base curling club closed down. She then played at the Summerside Curling Club for one year before moving on to the new Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club in Summerside .
Gen won numerous club championships at the CFB Club and at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club. She also shone as a competitor, winning eight senior women’s provincial curling championships between 1983 and 2000.
In 1983, she won her first Seniors, playing third on the Lou Picard team, with Marie Gaudet at second, and Kay MacDonald at lead. In 1984, the same team won again, with the exception of Madge Prowse playing lead.
They repeated their win in 1985 and again in 1987 with the same team.
In 1990, Gen again won the PEI Senior Women’s Curling Championship, skipping the team. Playing third was Marie Gaudet, with Wanda MacLean at second, and Marilyn Banks at lead.
Gen and her team of Wanda MacLean at third, Marilyn Banks, second, and Mabel Gardiner, lead, won the Senior Women’s in 1996.
In 1999, Gen played second for Marg Nowlan when they won the PEI Senior Women’s Curling Championship. Playing third was Anne Currie, and lead, Mabel Gardiner.
She won her last provincial seniors championship in 2000, playing second for Marg Nowlan’s team. On the team again was Anne Currie at third, and Mabel Gardiner as lead.
Gen received the Silver Fox “Lester Fitzgerald” Award in 1986 -87. This award is presented to an individual who “Exemplifies the Ideals of Good Sportsmanship”. She also received, in 1996, the Scott Appreciation Award from the PEI Curling Association.
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William (Bill) MacFadyen (Curler category)
Bill started curling in 1976, and in 1978, teamed up with Ted MacFadyen and two friends, they decided to take a run at the provincial men’s curling championship. Although not successful that first year, during the next 12 years Bill won the PEI Men’s Curling Championship five times.
Playing third for brother-in-law Ted, they won the PEI Men’s Curling Championship in 1980, with Mike Coady at second and Gordie Hermann at lead, and went on to represent PEI at the Canadian Men’s Curling Championships in Calgary. In 1983, they won their second PEI Men’s Curling Championship with Mike at second and Sandy Foy at lead, and went to the national championship in Sudbury.
Bill won his third PEI Men’s Curling Championship in 1987, his fourth in 1990, and a fifth in 1992 , all with the same team, going on to represent PEI at the Labatt Brier in Edmonton, Sault St Marie, and Regina.
Bill was on the PEI Mixed Curling Championship team in 1988. Other players on the team were Ted at skip, Bill’s wife Nancy at third, and Ted’s wife, Dawn, at lead. They represented PEI in North Bay Ontario at the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship.
During this time, Bill also was runner-up in the Labatt Tankard Provincial Men’s in 1985 and in the Provincial Mixed championship on three occasions – 1982, 1987, and 1989.
Other priorities took over for a few years but, upon qualifying for senior play, Bill reunited with some members of the old Tankard team and was successful in winning two PEI Senior Mens Curling Championships. Other members of the team were Ted at skip, Sandy Foy at second, and Mike Coady at lead. In 2004, they represented PEI in Winnipeg and in 2005 in Vernon, B.C., at the Canadian Seniors Men’s Curling Championships.
Bill was involved with curling from the administrative side as well. He served on the executive of the Crapaud Community Curling Club, represented the Club on the PEI Curling Association board, served as vice-president of the PEI Curling Association in 1985/86, and as president in 1986/87. He also participated as a member of the Constitution Committee.
A desire to encourage and teach new curlers motivated Bill to teach curling in community school for eight years, and there are curlers in the Crapaud Curling Club today who received their beginning instructions from Bill.
Bill is known for having a good head for strategy and consistent draw weight, and he always set an example of good sportsmanship and fair play in the face of intense competition.