Historical Centre going to the pits

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative

The Uxbridge Historical Centre told council Monday that it would like to build two additional horseshoe pits on the grounds.

In a report to council, Katlyn Jones, manager of cultural services and curator of the UHC, said the cost of the new pits and the work involved will be covered by an anonymous donor and volunteers. She said the additional pits will be beneficial to the site and will not interfere with other activities that happen at the centre. Jones said the work could be done for a total cost of $3,400.

Two horseshoe pits were installed at the museum in 2010. In 2017, Bob Kirvan set up a horseshoe pitching club and has since promoted the club, resulting in 32 members who play every Tuesday evening from May to October. Four additional pits were added to the site in 2018. The four pits were dug by the Bonner Boys, and wood that was used to outline the pits (the cribbing) was supplied by a club members who was taking down his fence. Another member supplied sand. Actual horseshoes were donated to the club, and it has been going since, even hosting the Ontario Senior Games.

Jones said the additional pits are required to meet the growing demand.

Council agreed and gave the go-ahead.

Play is every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Membership for May to October is $30, and includes free membership to the Uxbridge-Scott Historical Society. Call Bob Kirvan at 905-852-9176 if interested.