The Thompson Trophy
A.B. Thompson was a provincial member of parliament and a leading member of Penetanguishene’s community in the early part of the century. It was in 1909 when he donated a magnificent trophy for competition between the curling gentlemen of Midland, Penetang and Elmvale. A thing of beauty, it was a splendid example of silversmith’s art. Solid sterling silver, embellished with stylized brooms beneath the gleaming bowl which was mounted on mahogany plinths.
The first competition was played at the old icehouse which was located at the foot of Main Street in Penetang where the present-day beer store is located. After the spiel, the gentlemen curlers adjourned to the old Canada House Hotel for a prestigious banquet. Sadly, the Canada House, which stood where the French Centre is burnt down.
Over the eventful intervening years, the Great War, the great depression and World War II, the Thompson Trophy slipped into obscurity. It was around 1957 when a well-known gentleman Mac McAllen discovered the trophy in the basement of the Midland Curling club, obviously the home of the last winner. Mac called Nora Thompson and told her what he had found and returned the trophy.
Mrs. Thompson was participating in the women’s curling league at the time, when she and other ladies met, planning to resurrect the Thompson trophy into a ladies competition. The Thompson family has embraced the tradition which has been on-going for over 75 years. In previous scenarios’ the bonspiel would be composed of 12 teams, four from each town, Midland, Penetang and Elmvale. Over the last several years Coldwater has been added into the mix. This years theme ‘WOMEN’S POWER’ was won by non-other than the Coldwater team.
Each year the ladies create a theme, plan with significant work and effort to enjoy the comradery and friendly competition.
Seen in previous spiels is A.B. Thompson presenting the ladies with the Thompson trophy. A.B. seen on the left, a hero from WWII and part of the Great Escape keeps the inspiration alive through his children.
- Waxy Gregoire…Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame