Hello there! I'm still stuck on one of the 30,000 Islands in the middle of Georgian Bay. My boat sank with tons of treasure chests full of neat stuff about Midland, Ontario, Canada's past. The one you have opened is full of information about winter activities that happened in Midland during the turn of the century. Have fun learning and if you can could you please try and answer the questions and help me off this island.

Sports

Skating: Skating first appeared in Midland in 1878 when Ed English, a blacksmith, created skates out of old saw blades. The first rink was built behind the Queen's Hotel in 1879. Midland built many other rinks, indoor and out, but some became prey to fire. Although, in 1932 Midland built the "Midland Arena Gardens" which seated 5,000 people and was the spot to be for hockey and ice skating for years after. Midland is proud to be associated with Brian Orser. He is a two time Olympic silver medalist (1984, 1988) and a Figure Skating World Champion (1987).

Hockey: Midland gained fame in hockey very early in its history. Many teams won championships in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Because Midland had proper facilities, hockey was one of the main competitive sports and the whole town supported all the teams. In the 1930's, Midland's teams were again winners in the O.H.A (Ontario Hockey Association). Today, Midland's teams are still winning many championships and tournaments. We have some good up and coming stars, such as; Patrick Desrochers, Serge Moreau and Scott Kurtain.

Did You Know that Midland once operated a Olympic size ski jump (113 ft.) for 10 years, from 1956-1966.

Hockey's origin probably dates back to the 17th century, Brother Gabriel Sagard, a missionary to Huronia states; "The Huron boys...played a game with curved sticks, making them slide over the snow and hit a ball of light wood."

Curling: The first Curling Rink in Midland was built in 1895 by D.L White. In the early days, curling was very popular among the leading sportsmen of the community. The first bonspiel held at the Midland Curling Rink was in 1920. Artificial ice came w ith the Arena plant in 1933, which was piped across to the Curling Rink. Russ Howard, a multiple Briar winner and World Champion resides in Midland.

Snow Fun

Bobsledding: In winter when there wasn't any traffic. The hills on both sides of the town provided great runways for the bobsleds. Youngsters used to fly down the streets and sail to almost the main intersection. In the 40's traffic was banned on certain hills for set hours, so the kids could go bobsledding without any danger.

Tobogganing: Has always been a favorite activity in Midland. There are many great hills including; Campbell's Hill and Huronia Park.

Snowshoeing: Was invented by the Indians (Ouendats), who by observing the snowshoe hares noticed that their hind feet kept them on top of the snow. Therefore, snowshoeing has always been a useful and fun activity. It was popular for going for a brisk walk around your property, going into town and for just walking around.

Skiing: Has always been popular. It first started in Midland in the middle 1930's and is still going strong today. Midland offers many picturesque locations for skiing; cross-country and downhill.

What did Ed English make out of old saws?

a) ornaments

b) skates

c) chairs

Cool Links

Children of the Past

Ship Wrecks

Recreation in early Midland

Turn of the Century Fashions including kids clothes.

Links Around the World

Brian Orser. Biography of an olympic figure skater, Brian Orser.

Winter Solstice and Children's Day Stories for children to read.

Life of an Early Settler.

Further Reading and Bibliography

All icons and graphics are for viewing purposes only, any downloading of them will be in violation of copyright laws.

Good quality copies of J.W. Bald's photo can be obtained from the Huronia Museum c/o Bill Smith 1-705-526-2844 or through the National Archives of Canada, just refer to the archive number at the bottom of each picture.