Sioux Lookout, ON

1956 - To Curl, or Not to Curl! - 25th Anniversary Yearbook

In the fall of 1956 under "Operation New Look", Major Nash began the building of a curling rink. The plans included three sheets of ice, a bar downstairs and a snack bar upstairs. However, construction commenced without the official go ahead from the United States Air Force Support Base in Ottawa. When the project had been suggested to the "Higher Authorities in Ottawa" (HAIO), they commented that "it would be nice". On the basis of the "it would be nice", the 915th proceeded to build their curling rink.

By the time the building was up and the sheets were in, $12,000 had been spent and the 915th had run out of money. At this time, Ottawa suddenly realized what was going on, and the "fat was in the fire" so to speak. After much heated discussion with the HAIO, 915th decided to let construction lapse for a while. Even so, by the time Major Nash left in July 1957, 915th had themselves a building and three sheets of ice.

When Major Lucas arrived to replace Major Nash, he decided to finish the curling rink. Information was sent to the HAIO with the appeal that "it can't be left that way." The HAIO relented and construction continued.

By May 1958, the curling rink had been finished and was complete with a bar and a snack bar. The dedication ceremonies of the Uren-Dadson Memorial Recreation Center was held on May 19, 1958.

-- Extracted from the CFS Sioux Lookout 25th Anniversary Yearbook