History

 A small group of interested curlers representing a segment of the major Oil Companies organized the first annual Nova Scotia Oilmen’s Bonspiel which was held at the former Glencoe Curling Club in Halifax in March 1965.  This was a one day Bonspiel with only eight teams participating.

 In 1966 it was still a one day spiel, but, the number of teams grew to twenty-six and was again held at the Glencoe Curling Club.

 In 1967 the number of teams expanded to thirty-six; a constitution was ratified, and the name was changed to the Atlantic Oilmen’s Curling Bonspiel.  The number of teams grew to fifty-six in 1968 and all were guaranteed three games.  We had some major sponsors and this was the first year of our Miss Crude Contest where male representatives of Oil Companies dressed as ladies and competed for the title of “Miss Crude”.  This event was carried on for several years and created a lot of interest and fun.

 From 1969 through to the mid-seventies the number of teams grew to a high of one hundred and eight and the spiel was played over a seven day period.  The spiel was moved to the Mayflower Curling Club then because of the availability of six sheets of ice.  The spiel stayed at the Mayflower until 1989 when a reduction of team entries permitted a move to five sheets of ice at the Dartmouth Curling Club.

 The downturn in the economy, along with a reduction in Oil Company employees locally, had an impact on the spiel.  Even though most social curling bonspiels in Atlantic Canada have all but disappeared, the Oil Workers’ Bonspiel still attracts some two hundred curlers annually and is curled from Monday to Saturday.

 The executive and committee members have worked extremely hard to ensure that this annual event continues.  All participants are still guaranteed at least three games and are encouraged to take in the social events planned for the evenings.  All curlers are asked for their input to help the executive generate new ideas so the spiel will continue for years to come.