How does an obscure sport like curling get started in Midland? What does it take
to sustain it for 48 years? How did local curling pioneers secure the future of the
sport as the original curling facility deteriorated?
Doug and Marguerite Leng were instrumental in the 1962 founding of the Midland
Curling Club. For over 40 years they helped develop and sustain the curling
program. They were leading contributors to the campaign for the new Midland
Curling Center located on the campus of our parent organization, the Midland
Community Center. For their seminal leadership, longevity of service, and
generosity of commitment, Doug and Marguerite Leng deserve recognition by the
Midland Amateur Sports Capital Committee.
The spark that ignited curling in Midland was struck in the maternity ward of the
Midland Hospital. The Lengs were both from Canada so they knew something
about curling, but had never participated in the sport. Francis Martin, whose wife
occupied the bed next to Marguerite’s, had curled while stationed at a dew-line
defense station in the far north. Martin suggested that they should start up curling
in Midland. The Lengs immediately agreed and organization was underway.
Curling began in Midland with loaned rocks on outdoor ice adjacent to the City Ice
Rink (it was not yet an arena). Recollections of this early curling in Midland
mention prominently the hazards of fly ash from the Dow plant fouling the ice
surface, and the annoyances of the ubiquitous skating music from the Ice Arena. A
dedicated curling facility would be necessary. This would be an all-volunteer, truly
amateur proposition; no public or Foundation funding was available. All the
members of the Curling Club bought shares of stock. A building site was acquired
at Gerald Court off Bay City Road. Before bank financing was secured, the Lengs
personally underwrote the mortgage for erection of the first Butler Building with two
sheets of curling ice. The Lengs were among the first Midland curlers to represent
the new Club at bonspiels in Canada, and they reciprocated by organizing the first
bonspiels in Midland.
Despite being a relatively obscure sport in a totally obscure location, the Midland
Curling Club survived. Bonspiels were held; local teams advanced to USCA
national championship events; and Midland hosted regional and Olympic curling
playdowns. But with the dawn of the 21st Century the future of Midland curling was
very much in doubt due to declining membership and deterioration of the original
facility. Doug and Marguerite Leng were in the first rank of pioneer curlers who
stepped up to re-invest in a new facility. They made a generous initial commitment
and issued an additional challenge pledge to match the pledges of other curlers.
Doug visited every league to deliver a compelling campaign message: “I’m
supporting the construction of a new Curling Center because I love curling, not
because I expect to continue curling for many more years. Please join me.” The
matching-grant challenge was met, resulting in 6-figure total personal support from
the Lengs. Doug backed up their financial commitment by serving on the Building
Committee which oversaw design and construction of the new building.
The new Midland Curling Center opened in November 2008. In a community that
takes pride in superior sports facilities, the Curling Center sets us apart. It is one
of the finest Curling Centers in the Midwest. And it has been an unqualified
success: membership has doubled; recreational and competitive curling is
flourishing; and youth curling has exploded. As for Doug, he continues to be a part
of the Midland Curling Club’s extended history. At age 81 he curls 3 times a week.
On January 4, 2010 he was on the team that scored the first “8-ender” in the new
Curling Center. And next March Doug and Marguerite Leng will deliver the first
rocks to kickoff the 2011 USA Curling National Mixed Championship, the first
national curling championship event hosted in Midland. Doug will use the stick to
deliver the rock, and Marguerite will steady herself with a walker while she holds the
broom. They will probably have a spirited debate over what shot to call.
Submitted by John Zimmerman
2009 Jefferson Avenue., Midland, MI 48640 Phone: 989-923-CURL (2875)
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Founding members Marguerite &
Doug Leng inducted into the
Midland County Sports Hall of
Fame on October 23, 2010.
Doug Leng inducted into the
Midland County Sports Hall of
Fame on October 23, 2010.