Ottawa's Female Athletes in the Spotlight

Introduction

Timeline

Badminton

Margaret Robertson

Isobel Bryson

Ruth Robertson

Curling

Wilson Cup Champions in Ladies Curling (1937)

Ottawa Curling Club Defenders of Tweedsmuir Trophy (1941)

Introduction

Numerous scrapbooks created by the Historical Society of Ottawa's members from 1934 to 1941 featured achievements by women excelling in various sports, most notably badminton, curling, figure skating, and golf. Drawing on sources like the Ottawa District Badminton Association, it is evident that following the First World War, Ottawa witnessed the rise of private multi-sport clubs that had begun welcoming female participants. Leagues were established meant specifically for women's participation, but in sports like badminton and figure skaing, men and women often competed alongside each other. These clubs provided opportunities for women to compete and thrive in their leagues, with their successes frequently celebrated in newspaper coverage. The efforts of the Historical Society of Ottawa to preserve records of these achievements demonstrate a commitment to honoring the legacy of Ottawa's women in sports—a legacy forged in a time when societal norms often sought to limit their recognition.

Timeline

Below is a timeline highlighting the achievements of women in sports from various scrapbooks made by the members of the Historical Society of Ottawa.

Scrapbooks included:

HSO No. A1. Scrapbook : [1934-1935], City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/05

HSO No. 55. Scrapbook : [1937] Created by the Historical Society of Ottawa staff. City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/10

"HSO No. 130. Scrapbook: [1940-1941]", City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/13

Badminton

The history of badminton in Ottawa, as chronicled by Joe Hager of the Ottawa District Badminton Association, presents a vibrant journey from its introduction in Canada in 1892 to its peak during the early twentieth century, and its decline during World War II. The first badminton club is recorded as the Ottawa Garrison Badminton Club which formed in 1918. Badminton quickly gained a foothold in the Ottawa region and in the coming years, multiple regional and church clubs were formed, and the Canadian Badminton Association was established in 1921 that connected badminton clubs across the nation. Ottawa players worked towards national prominence, many of them women, and their achievements were recorded in Ottawa newspapers. Hager refers to the “golden age” of the sport when speaking of the 1920s and 1930s, however when the Second World War broke out, badminton began to lose its popularity as pariticipation to the war effort was needed. In the context of this page, the period of 1934-1941 will be examined based on the information from the Historical Society's scrapbooks. Listed below are some of Ottawa's prominent female badminton players that were often mentioned in newspaper articles.

Margaret Robertson

Margaret Robertson is among the prominent female badminton players. Chronicled in the articles present in the Historical Society's scrapbooks are her first place achievements in several championships:

1934-1935:

District Championship in Ottawa
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
National Championships in Ottawa
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
- Mixed Doubles with George Goodwin

1935-1936:

National Championship in Winnepeg
- Ladies' Doubles winner with Ruth Robertson

1936-1937:

District Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson

1937-1938:

Provincial Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
District Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson

1938-1939:

Provincial Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
District Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson

1940-1941:

District Championship
- Ladies' Singles
- Ladies' Doubles with Betty Snell

Isobel Bryson

Isobel Bryson, a highly skilled badminton player, is prominently featured in several articles within the scrapbooks. Additionally, her accomplishments are recorded in the O.D.B.A's tournament data. Notably, an article in scrapbook #4 from 1937, published in the Ottawa Journal, highlights her victory over Margaret Robertson in the district semi-finals, describing it as one of the tournament's most significant upsets.

1935-1936:

Provincial Championship:
- Ladies' Doubles with Betty Snell (beating Ruth and Margaret Robertson)
District Championship:
- Ladies' Doubles with Betty Snell

1936-1937:

Provincial Championship:
- Ladies' Doubles with Betty Snell
District Championship:
- Ladies' Singles (beating Ruth Robertson in the finals and Margaret Robertson in the semi-finals)

1937-1938:

District Championship:
- Ladies' Singles

1938-1939:

District Championship
- Ladies' Singles

1939-1940:

Provincial Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Betty Snell
District Championship
- Ladies' Singles
- Ladies' Doubles with Betty Snell

Ruth Robertson

Along with her sister, Ruth Robertson was another prominent badminton player from the Ottawa region. Her achievements are also featured in the scrapbooks and the Ottawa District Badminton Association's tournament data:

1934-1935:

National Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
District Championship
- Ladies' Singles
- Ladies' Doubles with Margaret Robertson
- Mixed Doubles with Bev Mitchell

1935-1936:

Provincial Championship
- Ladies' Singles
National Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
District Championship
- Ladies' Singles

1936-1937:

Provinicial Championship
- Mixed Doubles with Bev Mitchell
District Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
- Mixed Doubles with Bev Mitchell

1937-1938:

Provincial Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
District Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson

1938-1939:

Provincial Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson
District Championship
- Ladies' Doubles with Ruth Robertson

Margaret and Ruth Robertson, picture captioned "Regain Ladies' Double Crown"

HSO No. 55. Scrapbook : [1937] Created by the Historical Society of Ottawa staff. City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/10

Isobel Bryson pictured in the Ottawa Journal in 1937 after her defeat of Margaret Robertson in the District Championships Ladie's Single semi-finals

HSO No. 55. Scrapbook : [1937] Created by the Historical Society of Ottawa staff. City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/10

Margaret and Ruth Robertson alongside Bev Mitchell and George Goodwin as they enter into the Canadian Badminton Championship finals

HSO No. A1. Scrapbook : [1934-1935], City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/05

Curling

Curling in Ottawa, like badminton, has a long history dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. The first curling club in Ottawa, the Ottawa Curling Club, was established in 1851 on the Rideau Canal and eventually moved to a facility at 440 O'Connor St. The club quickly became a hub for the sport in the Ottawa region. A few decades later in 1888, the Rideau Curling Club was founded on Waller Street, later moving to 277 Laurier Ave. West., bringing together a rivalry between the two clubs. However, at the time, the sport and its affiliated clubs were largely male-dominated. It was not until the early twentieth century that women started to carve out their own place in the sport. The Ottawa Curling Club allowed women to curl in their own division in 1933, but it is unclear whether this marked the commencement of women's curling in Ottawa. Nonetheless, curling clubs in Ottawa began to welcome women into the sport, resulting in the establishment of ladies' leagues and events. Women's participation was further strengthened by the establishment of the Ladies' Curling Association of the Canadian Branch of the Royal Canadian Curling Club, which aimed to promote female participation, organize competitions, and set up consistent rules.

Madge MacBeth/Library and Archives Canada/PA-158847; Women outside of the Rideau Curling Club

Based on the information in the Historical Society's scrapbooks, there is not much documentation of women's curling in the 1930s and early 1940s. Two articles in scrapbook no. 55 (1937) and scrapbook no. 130 (1940-41) make specific mention of the achievements of female curlers from Ottawa.

Wilson Cup Champions in Ladies Curling (1937)

A display of Ottawa's female curlers strength and skill, an article published by the Ottawa Citizen, and documented in the scrapbooks by the Historical Society, a group of Ottawa female curlers are pictured as winners of the Wilson Cup. The women include Mrs. W.H. Hutton (skip), Mrs. E. J. McGrail (second), Mrs. Bower Henry (lead), and Mrs. G.P. Poulin (third). Also in the picture is the president of the Ladies' Curling Association Mrs. C.B. Brown. The women won their match 14-6 although the opposing team is not listed. Judging by the text, the women do not seem to be affiliated to any particular club in Ottawa. Regardless, due to their victory and obtaining the Cup, they were honoured at the Ottawa Curling Club.

HSO No. 55. Scrapbook : [1937], City of Ottawa Archives, p. 120.

Ottawa Curling Club Defenders of Tweedsmuir Trophy (1941)

Another similar show of the achievements and excellence of Ottawa's female curlers is demonstrated in an article from March 1st, 1941. Titled "Ottawa keeps Lady Tweesdmuir Trophy," the text chornicles some female members of the Ottawa Curling Club's success in the finals for the Lady Tweedsmuir trophy, defeating the Royal Montreal Club 32-15. The trophy was first played for in 1938 after it was donated to the Ladies' Curling Association. Ottawa were two-time defenders in 1940 and 1941. Two rinks were selected to compete in the finals, both pictured in the article. The first rink was led by Mrs. W.H. Smith (skip), supported by Mrs. F.M. Maclennan, Mrs. Dave McCann, and Mrs. G.T. Green. The second rink featured Mrs. J.W. Thomas (skip), Mrs. A.E Mahood, Mrs. J.H.W Macdougall, and Mrs. L.R Glsborne. Together, the two rinks represented the ladies of the Ottawa Curling Club and the Ottawa district centre in the finals at the Rideau Curling Club. The article mentions that the trophy was presented by Princess Alice who "was very glad Ottawa had kept it."

"HSO No. 130. Scrapbook: [1940-1941]", City of Ottawa Archives.

Figure Skating

Women's figure skating in Ottawa dates back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, coinciding with the sport's growing popularity in Canada. The Minto Skating Club, founded in 1903, is also closely associated with the roots of figure skating in Ottawa. Founded by Earl and Countess Minto, the club is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in Canada. On November 6th 1920, the Rideau and Minto Skating Clubs merged and moved officially to the Rideau Rink until it was burnt down in 1949. Early competitions and perfomances at venues like the Rideau Rink showcased local talent and laid the groundwork for Ottawa's prominence in Canadian figure skating history.

The Minto Follies were a celebrated tradition at the club which began in 1926 and were held annually until 1967. Conceived an artisitic blend of skating and theatrical performances, the Follies showcased the creativity and talent of the Minto Club members. The Follies took place at the Ottawa auditorium and became a highlight in Ottawa's sporting calendar, documented in newspapers each year.

Barbara Ann Scott

One of the Minto Skating Club's most notable skater is Barbara Ann Scott, often called "Canada's Sweetheart," who achieved international fame in the late 1940s after becoming the first Canadian to win gold in figure skating at the 1948 Olympics in St. Moritz. Barbara began her figure skating career with the Minto Skating Club, leaving school at age nine to skate full time. Her first appearance in the spotlight was at the Minto Follies in 1936 as a solo skater. In the following year, her first triumph was recorded in the Ottawa Citizen after she won the Devonshire Cup at the Minto Skating Club Championships. This article was documented in the Historical Society scrapbook from 1937. Barbara was known for her elegant style and pioneering athleticism as she captivated audiences with her innovative routines. Her other achievements include wining first in the North American Championships in 1945, the European and World Championships in 1945, and four Canadian Championships.

The Minto Four

The Minto Four was a celebrated figure skating team from the Minto Skating Club in Ottawa, renowned for their achievements in the discipline of fours skating, a category that no longer exists in the Olympics and the Canadian Figure Skating Championships, consisting of of intricate group choregraphy. The members of the group were Miss Prudence Holbrook, Mrs. Elmore Davis, along with Mr. Guy Owen and Mr. Melville Rogers. They were often described in articles as skillful and graceful, showing "poetry of motion," and "perfect, harmony, poise, coordination, and precision." The scrapbooks from 1934-1935 and 1937 feature articles about their achievements at the North American Championship in Boston, where they received first place, and their demonstrations at exhibitions in Ottawa. The Minto Four showcased the depth of talent at the Minto Skating Club and contributed to Ottawa's rich figure skating legacy, particularly during an era when the discipline of fours was a popular feature in the sport.

Aidrie Cruikshank

Aidrie Cruikshank was a prominent figure skater at the Minto Skating Club, excelling in solo and pair championships during the 1930s and 1940s. With her husband, Aidrie achieved significant success at the Canadian Figure Skating Championships in 1940s, winning the waltz title. In an article from the 1937 scrapbook, Aidrie is pictured with the title of co-winner in the waltzing competition at the Minto Skating Club Competition. At the same competition, she received the Rubstein Cup for Senior Ladies and the Minto Cup with her husband Donald Cruikshank.

Credit: National Film Board of Canada. Photothèque / Library and Archives Canada

HSO No. 55. Scrapbook : [1937], City of Ottawa Archives.

Golf

The history of women in golf in Ottawa is intertwined with the establishment of prestigious golf clubs and the growth of the sport in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Royal Ottawa Golf Club, founded in 1891, played a pivotal role in promoting golf for women, making it one of the earliest clubs to welcome female members. During the 1930s and 1940s, women actively participated in golf, mirroring trends in the rest of Canada, where women's golf began to gain importance. In 1922, a group of female golfers around the Ottawa region formed the Ottawa City and District Golf Association, eventually changing their name to the Ottawa Valley Golf Association in 2008. The founding members consisted of six clubs: Brockville Golf Club, Cataraqui GC, Links O'Tay Golf Club, the Ottawa Hunt and Motor Club, Rivermead Golf Club, and the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. An annual tournament was hosted each year for women of the clubs. These tournaments are recorded in the Historical Society's scrapbooks, highlighting the achievements of Ottawa's women in the sport.

Ottawa Valley Golf Association logo

A golfer takes a swing. c. 1918. Coronado Historical Association Collection. 1900.41.01-09.

Lorna Blackburn

In an article documented in the Historical Society's scrapbook from 1934-1935, Miss Lorna Blackburn is revered for her accomplishment in the Ottawa and District Ladies' Golf Association Championships. Lorna was a member of the Royal Ottawa Golf Club and was documented as winning in 90 strokes at the Rivermead Golf Course.

HSO No. 130. Scrapbook: [1940-1941]", City of Ottawa Archives, MG110-SBHS 01/13.

Mrs. D. Leo Dolan

In an article from the 1940-1941 scrapbook, Mrs. D. Leo Dolan is documented as winning that years Ottawa and District Ladies' Golf Association Championships, along with the Ahearn Trophy. The article comments on the pour conditions of the tournament as there was a downpour in the morning. Despite this, Mrs. Dolan scored 85 in the morning and 89 in the afternoon, with her winning score 174. According to the article author, this was remarkably good considering the rainy conditions and wet course. Also mentioned in the article is Margaret Robertson (see above) who finished second with the Rivermead Golf Course.

References

Listed below are the references I used for further research on the topic of women in sports from the 1930s to the 1940s.

"About LCA: History." Ladies Curling Association. https://www.ladiescurlingassociation.com/about.

"Club History." Ottawa Curling Club. https://ottawacurlingclub.ca/index.php/about-the-club/28-club-info/151-club-history.

Gloucester Historical Society. "Newsletter." Historic Gloucester, Volume 20, No. 1. https://www.gloucesterhistory.com/Historic%20Gloucester%20Volume%2020%20No%201.pdf.

Hager, Joe. "OBDA History." Ottawa District Badminton Association, n.d. https://www.badmintonottawa.com/ODBA-History/ODBA-History.htm.

"History." Rideau Curling Club. https://www.rideaucurlingclub.com/history.

McDonald, David. "'20s and '30s were the Golden Age: Women in Sport in Canada." Champion Magazine, Canadian Sport History, March 1981. https://canadiansporthistory.ca/champion-magazine/march-1981-mars/20s-and-30s-were-the-golden-age/.

Society News. “Women on Ice: Ottawa’s Own - the Historical Society of Ottawa.” The Historical Society of Ottawa, March 26, 2024. https://www.historicalsocietyottawa.ca/publications/past-presentations/women-on-ice-ottawa-s-own.

"The History of the Ottawa Regional Association." Golf Quebec. https://www.golfquebec.org/en/pages.asp?id=487.

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