George Macnoe Curling collection, 1852-1897

Abstract

The collection contains a hardcover volume titled Curling and Curling Reminiscences, a scrapbook of newspaper clippings, and a pair of presentation curling handles. The hardcover volume is an unpublished typescript history of curling by George Macnoe and contains sections on celebrated curlers; the Royal Caledonian Curling Club; curling in America; the International Match; the Grand National Curling Club; the Ontario Branch of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, as well as songs and illustrations. The book has 231 pages and includes 19 portrait photographs and numerous other illustrations. Most of the illustrations are sketches of ancient and modern curling stones or vignettes of curling scenes. An account of the first international match between Canada and the United States in 1865 is included and contains names and scores. The organization of inaugural curling clubs in Niagara, Newmarket, Dundas, West Flanders, Paris, Toronto, and Fergus in the 1830s and 1840s is also included. It is thought to be one of two copies made. The scrapbook contains many newspaper clippings covering curling matches form the 1850s to the 1890s, as well as travel writings written by George Macnoe under the pseudonym “Tam O’the Glen”. The pair of presentation curling handles are made of rosewood, nickel, and sterling. They contain identical inscriptions: “To George Macnoe from the Curlers of New York. To commemorate the International Match held at Buffalo January 5th 1865”. Also appearing on both is an engraved fraternal emblem of two clasping hands with an inscription below reading “we’re brithers a’”.