The Montreal West Curling Club was founded in 1912, but women’s curling only began in February 1918 with the formation of the Ladies’ Branch. During the 2017-2018 season, the women of our club celebrated the centennial of women’s curling at Montreal West.
History of Women’s Curling at Montreal West
The Day Ladies league is the only league at Montreal West Curling Club that is exclusive to women. Originally known as the Ladies Branch, it was formed in February 1918, six years after the founding of the club.
At first, female membership at MWCC was restricted to close family members of the men’s Club. The fees were $4.00 for curling or $10.00 for bowling and curling. The women were granted ice time in the afternoons from weekdays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, but were not allowed in the club on Saturdays.
On December 11, 1923, the Men’s Committee gave the women permission to use the ice every morning except Saturday, and every other Tuesday afternoon. The fees were increased to $5.00.
Over the years, women’s participation grew. The Ladies Evening Curlers Section (aka Business Ladies) was formed in 1978. This league thrived for more than 30 years but by 2010 was down to 2 sheets. When the Ladder and other evening leagues were opened to women in 2000, some women chose to move to mixed competition and more competitive curling. In response, the Business Ladies formed a mixed league. Monday Evening Curling, as this league was first known, began in the 2010-2011 season; the following year it moved to its current Wednesday slot and became Evening House League.
Today, the club boasts several leagues, and our club membership includes more than a hundred women. Many women curl during the day and in the evening, and there are several social members who carpet bowl, play bridge and take part in the club’s many social activities.
As lifestyles have changed, Day Ladies membership has shrunk somewhat. Nevertheless, the Day Ladies continue their long tradition of helping to support and give leadership to the club. They host several luncheon bridges during the curling season — an important fundraising activity — and they organize golf in the summer (Whiff ‘n Putts).
