On this day in 1945, Norwood’s own George F. Willett—industrialist, philanthropist, and the visionary behind Willett Pond—added an unexpected chapter to his long list of accomplishments: he led an American curling team to a historic championship victory in Quebec, defeating some of Canada’s most seasoned competitors.
The win came during the prestigious Seigniory Club Bonspiel, where Willett, then 74 years old, served as skip (team captain) of the first all‑American rink ever to capture the McCrea Trophy. The feat stunned Canadian sportswriters, who noted that the United States had not won the event since 1937. One Ottawa Journal columnist wrote admiringly that Willett was “gray‑haired, 74 years young”—a competitor who simply refused to be counted out.
A Norwood Legend on the Ice
Willett’s participation alone was remarkable. Only weeks earlier, doctors had advised him to give up curling for the season. Instead, he arrived in Quebec determined to compete—and promptly led his team to an undefeated run.
Canadian officials, though disappointed to lose the trophy, praised the victory as one of the most popular in the event’s history. Willett himself, modest as always, credited the sport for keeping him active and sharp:
“I never felt better,” he told a reporter. “I needed exercise.”
Curling, Explained to Norwood Readers
Because curling was still unfamiliar to many Americans in 1945, Willett took time to explain the sport in detail. He described the 48‑yard sheet of ice, the 40‑pound granite stones, the sweeping brooms, and the strategy behind each “end”—a combination of finesse, physics, and teamwork. His explanation helped introduce many Norwood residents to a game that was then far more common in Canada and Scotland.
A Lifetime of Leadership
For Norwood residents, Willett’s victory was less surprising than it may have seemed to outsiders. Throughout his life, he had been a leader—whether in business, civic development, or recreation. His role in transforming Norwood’s landscape, particularly through the creation of Willett Pond and his model‑town planning efforts, had already cemented his legacy. Curling simply became another arena in which he excelled.
A Victory Missed by Boston Papers—but Not by Norwood
While Canadian and New York newspapers covered the win extensively, Boston papers largely overlooked it. Norwood, however, did not. Local officials publicly congratulated Willett, celebrating both his athletic achievement and the pride he brought to the town.
Original story posted in The Boston Globe
Why It Matters
Willett’s 1945 curling triumph is more than a sports story—it’s a testament to Norwood’s tradition of civic ambition, athletic spirit, and the remarkable individuals who shaped the town’s identity. His victory remains one of the most unusual and charming chapters in Norwood’s sporting history.
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
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