November 17, 2003 Walter Kane Horseshoe Canada Hall of Fame

Horseshoe Canada HALL OF FAME Members

WALTER KANE


1987 - Walter KANE, Sarnia, ONT.

Introduction: Born November 4, 1884 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Passed away May 6, 1956 in Sarnia. His wife deceased in 1955 at 71 years of age. Had two sons (one deceased, the other living in Arizona) and a daughter Fran (married to Jack Knowles) living in Sarnia. Walter Kane was a Switchman at Pere Marquette railway yards, and lived in Sarnia (Ontario) from around 1909 to 1956. He was in the great Johnstown, PA flood which occured when he was but 5 years old. His parents and brothers and sisters were all drowned with the exception of an older brother.

Achievements: Kane founded the St.Paul's Horseshoe club in Sarnia in 1925. Was responsible for bringing the World Champion Putt Mossman to Canada for exhibitions in 1925 and 1926. Was founder of the Western Ontario Horseshoe Pitchers' Association (March 29, 1929) and the Dominion Horseshoe Pitchers Association (November 26 or 28, 1929). He was elected President in both Associations. Served as (first) President of the Dominion Horseshoe Pitchers Association until 1931, when he was replaced by James Labbett.

Toured Western Canada in 1930 to promote horseshoe pitching. During this extensive trip he demonstrated "the new method of successful ringer throwing and stunt pitching. Mr. Kane advocated that every farm should have a court, every town and village to have a club, and every county a league, and at the end of the season one county to play the others for championship honors; advocating all clay courts and lighted where possible, and advocating that every horseshoe pitcher become a member of the Association." He gave talks and exhibitions at Fort William and Kenora, ONT.; Morris, Altomont, Miami (June 26, 1930), Boland, Carman, and Brandon (July 3), MAN.; Regina (July 4?), Moose Jaw and Swift Current, SASK. No doubt one of the greatest effort ever made to promote horseshoe pitching.

Was Canadian men's doubles champion in 1927 (first Dominion Champs) with partner Bill Struthers from Sarnia. Bill Struthers said (of Kane) that he was the greatest individual he ever met. Kane's last mention in the horseshoe circle is in 1931, listed as one of the officials of the Dominion Championships. But 1929 seems to be his last participation as a player.

  • See Walter Kane's Summaries in Major tournaments





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