Dead Mules and Donkey Baseball

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Evening Despatch
Birmingham, West Midlands, England11 Oct 1911, Wed  •  Page 3

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The Kingston Whig-Standard
Kingston, Ontario, Canada27 Apr 1916, Thu  •  Page 6

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The Kingston Whig-Standard
Kingston, Ontario, Canada27 Apr 1916, Thu  •  Page 6

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Altoona Times
Altoona, Pennsylvania08 Sep 1916, Fri  •  Page 10

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The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, Maryland24 Jun 1966, Fri  •  Page 13

Donkey baseball was a ball game played on donkeys. Real live donkeys. Thus the term—Donkey baseball. It was an erroneous term, actually, as it was, literally, donkey softball. A regulation softball was used, regulation bats, regulation gloves, everything. With that one slight revision seven donkeys were in the field and the fielders had to ride them. (For some reason no short fielder was used then in this form of softball. Maybe they only had seven donkeys.)

That was back when you could before they changed the rules on pitchers whip your arm around as many times as you wished before releasing the ball. Anyhow, donkey baseball was greeted with great enthusiasm! Actually, the “visiting team” was in the employ of the promoter. The guy who owned the donkeys. They wore jerseys with the name of any town likely to be hated when it came up against the local teams. Everybody in the field, except the pitcher and catcher, sat more or less alertly at least in the opening innings — aboard their respective asses. The hitter stood on the ground to bat, but when he hit the ball he had to jump up on his donkey and start urging it to-It ward first base. You can imagine how that went!!!

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The Baltimore Sun
Baltimore, Maryland24 Jun 1966, Fri  •  Page 13

Thanks to Sandy FranceHere’s a pic from the early 50’s of a parade before the donkey baseball. Jim Brown of Strathburn Dairy is holding the donkey and Thorpe Kelly of Peterson’s Ice Cream is riding the donkey. The event was sponsored by the Almonte Lions Club.–

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The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada03 Jul 1936, Fri  •  Page 17

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The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada07 Jul 1936, Tue  •  Page 15

House Of David

Ray Paquette— During the 1950s, the ball park was the site of games featuring teams of “barnstorming” American professional baseball players who played local teams. The purpose was to raise money in support of local baseball. One such team, “The House of David” featured two things: all the players sported full beards and the game was played at night under lights atop of standards that were brought to town by the visitors. For baseball fans, playing under the lights was an added draw. It’s hard to believe that night baseball was played in Carleton Place before it was played at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs! It was quite an experience for young boys at the time–Baseball in Carleton Place —- Pollock Cup Winners and The House of David—

Baseball in Carleton Place —- Pollock Cup Winners and The House of David

The Symphony of the Louisville Slugger and Sam Bat

The Glory Days of “Lefty” Hill of Carleton Place

It’s The McNeely’s Baseball Team!

Armchair Tourism in Carleton Place- What are Baseball Bats Used for in Movies?

Allie Buffam — Lanark Baseball Pitcher and Photos

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The Lanark Era
Lanark, Ontario, Canada12 Jan 1910, Wed  •  Page 1

All photos from the Middleville Museum

Poland Baseball Blackberry Festival 1915

I Think it’s Time for some Donkey Baseball!!

Baseball in Carleton Place —- Pollock Cup Winners and The House of David

The Corkery Baseball Team– What You Did Not know about this Photo!

Armchair Tourism in Carleton Place- What are Baseball Bats Used for in Movies?

Miss Bernice Campbell — Queen of the Diamond

CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada07 Sep 1957, Sat  •  Page 10

July 1957

Miss Bernice Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Campbell of Almonte was chosen Queen of the Diamond at the Sterling R.A. softball contest held recently at the North Lanark Agricultural Society Fair Grounds, Almonte.

Miss Campbell was chosen from among nine contestants, three from Arnprior, Muriel McGrath, Maureen McGrath, Doreen Currie; three from Carleton Place, Marilyn McIntyre, Eileen Lowe and Helen Lay. The three from Almonte were Bernice Campbell, Dianne Clement and Carol Baird.

The judging was done by Dr. Melville Pilkey, Almonte; Mr. and Mrs. Wesley More of Arnprior. Miss Judy Guthrie of Almonte, who was recently chosen Bowling Queen, crowned Miss Campbell, Queen of the Diamond.

The address was read by Miss Marion Bolger, Hockey Queen of the Almonte Town Hockey League. Mr. Leo Lindsay, director of the Sterling ft. A presented the Lindsay Award to Miss Campbell. Mr. H. Boyes of Almonte, acted as master of ceremonies and Mr. John Currie of Arnprior, instructor for Sterling R.A. presented the contestants to the judges. Some 50 persons were present for the successful event. Mrs. Rita Couthier, District Chairman of Arnprior and Lorrain Lyons of Almonte were the convenors. Following the contest, refreshments were served and a social hour spent.

CLIPPED FROM
The Kingston Whig-Standard
Kingston, Ontario, Canada27 Feb 1961, Mon  •  Page 6– MISS EASTERN ONTARIO — Sandra Warner’ of Smiths Falls is bannered Miss Eastern Ontario of 1961 by Heather Black of Carleton Place last year’s title holder The judging was held in Perth Saturday 

16-year-old Sandra Warner daughter of Mr and Mrs C W Warner of Smiths Falls a Smiths Falls District Collegiate student was chosen Miss Eastern Ontario at Perth’s seventh winter carnival held Saturday night.

Seven hundred spectators packed the auditorium despite heavy downpour of rain and hazardous driving conditions. Surrounding towns were well represented. It was the second occasion that a Smiths Falls girl won the title, Marilyn Allen was the 1958 winner. There were nine girls entered in the contest. They were auditioned in Perth Collegiate Saturday afternoon and the announcement of the winner was made after the young ladies walked from the rear of the auditorium .

Judges of the contest were Renee Dornano, Jewell Graham, Pierre Belisle, and Jim Terrell of the CBC Ottawa Miss Warner was crowned by Heather Black of Carleton Place winner of the title in 1958.The pretty young miss was presented with the Courier Rose Bowl by N E H Turner and with a bouquet by Ottawa gas company. Other contestants were: Marilyn McCann, Renfrew, Jeanette Giroud Arnprior, Bernice Campbell Almonte, Janice McDowell Carleton Place, Mary R onson South Mountain, Heather Crawford Perth, and Sandra Tullis Lanark .Each of the contestants received a cheque to $50 from John Dunn of the Ottawa gas firm. William Luxton, CKWS Kingston was the master of ceremonies and Mayor E Burchell welcomed the large crowd.

Coming Events July 1957

COMING EVENTS WRESTLING, FRIDAY, JULY 26 9 p.m., Almonte Community Center.

LOCAL REGATTA AT JAS. Turner’s on Sun., July 7. Members to bring lunch and prizes. Admission free.

DANCING EVERY SATURDAY night, at the N.L.A.S. hall. Hayshakers’ Orchestra. Refreshment booth. Admission 50c.

SQUARE AND ROUND DANCING at Blakeney every Friday night. Ronnie McMunn and his country cousins, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admission 50 cts.

SOCIAL, PAKENHAM Community Grounds on Wed., July 17. Ball games, bingo, games and barn dance. Music by Ron McMunn’s orchestra. Sponsored by Pakenham R.A.

Joan Johnston Queen of the Prom 1956

Who was Miss Peanut Queen in 1952?

Bowling Queen of the Ottawa Valley 1962

Here She Comes —Miss Almonte High School January 1958

1970s Lanark County Beauty Queens

Miss Almonte Hockey Queen 1958

Miss Almonte 1975

Still Looking for Memories of Theresa Galvin –Miss Almonte

Mr. Mississippi Beauty Pageant 1982 Joe Banks

Poland Baseball Blackberry Festival 1915

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The Lanark Era
Lanark, Ontario, Canada25 Aug 1915, Wed  •  Page 1

Social Notes about the Blackberry Festival

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The Lanark Era
Lanark, Ontario, Canada08 Sep 1915, Wed  •  Page 5

CLIPPED FROMThe Lanark EraLanark, Ontario, Canada08 Sep 1915, Wed  •  Page 5

Blair Paul
April 30, 2021  · 

This photo dates to the early 1900s in Poland, Ontario. Seated on the hood of the car is my cousin Lance Paul, inside is Lionel Barr, and on the chair is his brother and Poland store keeper Merville Barr.

In the background is The Warsaw Hotel showing the large back addition, and the shed in back. In the upstairs of the shed was a community hall where dances were held.

Notice the chains on the back tires…ready for a muddy drive to Lanark maybe.

Blair writes a lot about the village of Poland, Ontario. Click Blair Paul to see more.

Travels with the Bear: Poland, this time!

There’s a Paris, Ontario.    There’s a London, Ontario.

But who would have thought there’s a POLAND, Ontario? CLICK

Dalhousie Poland School Names Names Names

Life & Death in Poland— Lanark County

Fire at Poland

Stopping at the Old Warsaw Hotel

Remembering The Bingleys and the Barrs

Barr family baseball 1962-From Lanark & District Museum

There were also three sisters of the 14 children: Dorothy, Ruth and Lulu-

Remember when the Bingleys played the Barrs? One of the most memorable games played in the Lanark area was when the Bingley brothers met the Barr brothers in an exhibition game in 1962.Nine brothers on each team, with a few Barrs to spare.

As part of the village’s centenial celebrations,someone thought about bringing the two families head to head on the baseball diamond. So alonf with the beard-growing contest, the hotly contested tuf-of-wars, greased pig catching street dance, the ball game was the afternoon highlight. It was the biggest crowd ever to witness a ball game in Lanark.

The Bingley familiy had produced an outstanding number of ball players, many who were playing on teams at that time. They had also won a game at McDonalds Corners some time earlier playing as a family team.

The Barrs had 11 boys, with Leonard and Pete who were known as outstanding ball players, but the others had played periodically. That day however, Pete was stationed in Germany in the Canadian Armed Forces. The Bingley bats struck early and often, while the Barrs struggled against a tough pitcher. Dan Barr, then 25 and the catcher remembers that they couldn’t get many timely hits. When the final out was made, the score was a lopsided 15-1 for the Bingleys.

But, everyone had enjoyed the competition and the good sportsmanship. Vernon Bingley, a home run hitter that day, recalls that there were not a better bunch of guys than the Barrs. Dan Barr rememebers that he contributed to the Barr’s one run, but his team as a whole didnt have a great game. He recalled with a grin that maybe there was too much celebrating before the game that might have been the cause. But, no one really cared about teh score, it was just the day that Bingleys beat the Barrs.

with files from Tom Shoebridge

from the Lanark & District Museum..

Related reading

I Think it’s Time for some Donkey Baseball!!

It’s The McNeely’s Baseball Team!

The photograph from the early 1950’s captured The Barr Clan in the family’s Tatlock homestead which was destroyed by fire Jan 1. Family members in the front row were, (left to right), Glen, Dan, Donnie, Jean, Mack and Leonard. The back row consisted of Dewey, Lulu (Craig), Harris, Dorothy (Wallace), Graydon, Ruth (Houston), Ronald and Jack. Peter and Craig were missing from the shot which Gail Barr submitted.
— with Maxine Topping.

awa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
16 Mar 1955, Wed  •  Page 9

Pitcher Flynn Causes an Explosion in Almonte

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
22 Sep 1934, Sat  •  Page 20

Because of the proximity of Almonte and Carleton Place, excellence of the highway connecting them and consequent density of traffic induced thereby, a practice has grown -up in both towns that is a perfect nuisance to motorists and to people residing on connecting links of the highway in Carleton Place and Almonte. We refer to the constant demand for rides that comes from a group of young people living in both towns. The Almonte outfit hitchhikes its way to Carleton Place in the evenings and begs on the comers of that town for a free ride back.

The Carleton Place nomads work their way here in the evenings and pester motorists to death for a return trip. It wouldn’t be so bad if these youths behaved themselves while waiting for a chance but truth of the matter is they spend their time singing ribald songs, arguing among themselves and cursing every motorist who refuses to pick them up. We presume the Almonte crowd carries on the same way in Carleton Place. It seems about time action was taken to wind up the practice of purposeless hitchhiking between these two towns.–Sept 1934– Almonte Gazette

An insidious system or practice has crept into our secondary and high schools during the past decade. We refer to the prominence given to certain types of sport, particularly rugby and hockey. These sports are splendid exercise if played in moderation but when they become a fetish it is time to call a halt. It would almost seem as though we were affected with a virus from our neighbour Almonte. These sports, physically, only enjoyed by, a selected few, dominate the conversation and thoughts of the pupils in general to the detriment of academic instruction, which in all said and done is the paramount objection of secondary and high schools. Sept 1934-Carleton Place Canadian

Local Sports 1930

John EdwardsGananoque clubhouse in the background. Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

Carleton Place team

Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum

Darlene PageClarence waugh is the coach my grandfather better known as barney and aunt tootsie (Delores Agnel) on the end right standing. My Aunt gave me this picture she said it was the first all womens team . My aunt is about 14/15 there and she was born 1930 so 1946 ish I would guess .

1964 CPHS

Llew LloydMerdy Armstrong deserves tons of credit for introducing the house league inter mural team concept to C.P.H.S. Each house contained students from grade 9 to 13. It was a great moral builder and helped bring the school together as one unit.

Hannah White very graciously sent in three photos of life in CPHS years ago– most likely the 40s. This note came with it:
Hi Linda,
I wanted to send you this picture I found of my grandma. I only know of her on it but I don’t know anyone else.
My grandma’s name was Lois (Macdougall) Stanley. The two basketball pictures are from CPHS. I want to say they are from around 1946ish

I Think it’s Time for some Donkey Baseball!!

1937

There’s a new sport suddenly sprung to enormous popularity almost overnight. Donkey baseball is its name, and we wager it will spread over the continent before long if it doesn’t kill all the spectators and players alike with laughter. The game is exactly what its name implies, baseball played with the aid of donkeys, the long-eared, diminutive equine quadrupeds called “burro” out west, or sometimes less elegantly “jackasses” or plain “jacks.”

To be most effective the game should played at night under the glare of lights. All Donkeys Batter, pitcher, baseman and fielders all occupy their usual positions on foot except that donkeys are stationed at the base for the batter, baseman and in the field for the fielders. The batter is allowed to keep swinging at the ball until he hits one out. Then he must mount his donkey to ride around the bases, the basemen mount theirs to catch him out, and the fielders climb aboard their steeds to hunt for the ball.

When the fielders go galloping away in the shadows to hunt for the ball, it would seem that the base runner could easily make his rounds aboard the donkey before fielders and basemen could throw him out, but No! It is no mean feat to get aboard him. In fact, after a bit, all the donkeys get mad and try to fight their would-be riders.

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
20 Jul 1973, Fri  •  Page 49

Thanks to Sandy FranceHere’s a pic from the early 50’s of a parade before the donkey baseball. Jim Brown of Strathburn dairy is holding the donkey and Thorpe Kelly of Peterson’s Ice Cream is riding the donkey. The event was sponsored by the Almonte Lions Club.–

Tom EdwardsLOL Ray Paquette I was just reading this and I remember a donkey baseball game at the park, maybe around 1970

Tom Edwards I remember donkey baseball too! I think it was a Civitan Club event.

Pete ReanTom Edwards YEP I REMEMBER US PUTTING IT ON A COUPLE OF TIMES IT WAS SO MUCH FUN

Baseball in Carleton Place —- Pollock Cup Winners and The House of David

The Symphony of the Louisville Slugger and Sam Bat

The Glory Days of “Lefty” Hill of Carleton Place

It’s The McNeely’s Baseball Team!

Armchair Tourism in Carleton Place- What are Baseball Bats Used for in Movies?

Looking for Memories About Allan Trotman — William Street

This is thanks to David Trotman

Hello, I was given some pictures with some clippings of my dad who grew up on 244 William st. My dad Allan Trotman is back left in baseball and centre back with his glasses taped on in the hockey picture. Unfortunately there were no names in the pictures, wondering if you would post asking the people if they can name anyone, they would be all CP boys. Allan passed away in 1967. I don’t remember my dad (I was 5)and thought it would be nice if any of the comments could give me some stories

My dad Allan Trotman is back left in baseball- Photo– David Trotman

Harry Paquette was coach of the Red Sox

august 9 1956

My Dad is centre back with his glasses taped on in the hockey picture.

The Ottawa Journal
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
23 Sep 1967, Sat  •  Page 22

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
14 Jan 1974, Mon  •  Page 22

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
14 Jun 1950, Wed  •  Page 37

Allan was a singer

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
08 Feb 1928, Wed  •  Page 12

Like Father like son E. Trotman

The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
31 Dec 1947, Wed  •  Page 21

My Grandmother’s Photo Album — Scot Langstaff

From Scott Langstaff–Here is another photo from my grandmothers collection: CPHS June 1926: Doris McNeely, Emily W, Marion T, Bessie W, Betty McGregor, Violet, Bessie McE. Annie R, Ethel F, Mary W, Phyllis Reid–

CPHS-Photo- a couple more from CPHS around the same time i am guessing- from Scott Langstaff no names-Here is another photo from my grandmothers collection: CPHS June 1926:

More photos from Scott Langstaff–CPHS-Photo- a couple more from CPHS around the same time i am guessing- from Scott Langstaff no names-Here is another photo from my grandmothers collection: CPHS June 1926:

Riverside Park as I can see the Findlay homes on the other side through the trees

Photo- a couple more from CPHS around the same time i am guessing- Scott Langstaff no names-Here is another photo from my grandmothers collection: CPHS June 1926:

Llew Lloyd In the 30s it was said to be the best ball diamond between Toronto and Montreal.The Detroit Tigers placed some of their prospects here.

Here is the old ball park once again…Photo from Scott Langstaff-Photo Found this old photo in my grand mothers photo album. She grew up in Carleton Place. Guessing this is from the 30’s?

Dan Williams Yep the old ball park. I scraped those base lines and lined that field a few times with my dad. I remember going to watch him catch on the Legion ball team and the little ticket window coming in. Also remember watching the odd game from the roof of the stands.

Joann Voyce 3rd from the right, back row looks like Glen Miller but I could be wrong

More Photos of the Watson’s Corners Kangaroos – Thanks to Connie Jackson

On the Bench Junior Kangaroos at McDonalds Corners. L to Right. Keith Creighton, Chris Chard, Ed Fair, ? , Cindy Duncan, Bill Fair –Thanks Connie! All photos sent by Connie Jackson. Pictures taken by Marilyn Jackson

 

Bruce McOuatt, Catcher. Lanark team on bench.

Chris Chard, Catcher Bill Harper. In McDonalds Corners

Bill Fair

Cindy Duncan

Chris Chard

Lee McOuatt First Base.

Bobby Duncan

Bruce McOuatt catcher, unknown Lanark batter

Neale McOuatt

Connie Jackson

 

Keith Creighton

Keith Creighton

 

Bruce McOuatt

Pictures taken by Marilyn Jackson

where you can buy all Linda Seccaspina’s books-You can also read Linda in The Townships Sun and theSherbrooke Record and and Screamin’ Mamas (USACome and visit the Lanark County Genealogical Society Facebook page– what’s there? Cool old photos–and lots of things interesting to read. Also check out The Tales of Carleton Place. Tales of Almonte and Arnprior Then and Now.

 

The Valley Calendar 1976– Cindy Duncan–Watson’s Corners

Fiddler’s Hill— Where the Green Grass Doesn’t Grow in Lanark