Horseshoe Canada
PHOTO OF THE MONTH



click on picture to enlarge full size

1973 Michigan-Ontario Friendship Tournament

First Michigan-Ontario Friendship tournament held at Lake Orion, MI in 1973. The Ontario team:
(back row L-R) Horace Salt, Bud Prange, Bob Riehl, Stan Leis, Sid Leis, Roger Christie, Lea Bender, Alvin “Doc” Martin.
(Front row) Ron Jinkerson, Fred Harburn, Henry Harburn (cousin of Fred), Sim Huber, Merv Lichty, Ken Drury Sr, and Ron Ehrat.

Here's a report about the 1974 edition of the Michigan-Ontario tournament giving us details about its birth (this annual event is still going strong today):
HORSESHOE MEET PROMOTES INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The second annual International Friendship Horseshoe Tourney was held at Lucan, Ontario, in the sports arena. Led by Elmer Hohl, of Wellesly, Ontario, the Canadian's 12 man team retained the friendship trophy they won in 1973 at Lake Orion, Michigan. Elmer was able to pitch only 8 games ; needless to say, he won, but had to leave for a previous commitment. The final score was 97 wins and 47 losses by the Canadian Tossers. Despite pitching in intense heat both days and on portable courts, percentages in several contests ranged from 75 to 85%. Naturally, Elmer Hohl had the majority of them.
Aside from the horseshoe pitching activity, the tremendous hospitality provided by the Ontarian hosts overwhelmed the visiting Michigan group. Roger Christie's combo, " The Blenders ", played for dancing during the Saturday evening social festivities. Some impromptu instrumental and song selections were represented by the visiting Michigan players and also the local area hosts.
Fred Smith, of Dimondale, Michigan and president of the Wolverine State Horseshoe Pitcher's Association - W.S.H.P.A - expressed gratitude and appreciation on behalf of the visitors. He congratulated and praised the tireless efforts of Merv Lichty, who played a major role in the formulation of this highly successful unique event. " Lichty ", he noted, " has made several trips into Michigan in planning this international horseshoe competition. Merv, incidentally, has participated in several W.S.H.P.A. tournaments in 1973 and 1974.

  • see the previous picture of the month.