Hog-Score Book 1
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Scottish Diaspora Tapestry

The Hog-Score in the Great Rink of Time
Ramblings on Curling
Book 1: The outdoor natural ice era in Scotland, 1500-1900
With John Rae McCowan (28 May 1919 - 5 June 2021)

To have conducted such in-depth research into the game and bring it all together in an easy and pleasurable read was no doubt a true labour of love.
From the Afterword by Mike S. Ferguson, Pres., Royal Caledonian Curling Club

Bruce McCowan, with his Uncle, Jack McCowan, have done a truly wonderful job in tracing their curling roots back to the hot-bed curling regions of south-west Scotland.
From the Foreword by Dr. Lindsay Scotland, Trustee, Scottish Curling Trust

The Hog-Score in the Great Rink of Time arrived safely on Saturday and there has been no work done in the Drummond household since as the book is being devoured.
Elspeth Drummond, Secretary, Cumnock and District Curling Club

Well researched and illustrated throughout, The Hog-Score is a welcome addition to the historical records of those who participated in bonspiels on both sides of the Atlantic.
John R. Young, author of "The Roaring Game: Stonehouse Curling Club"

I was specifically intrigued by how the authors used The Curler Word and Curler's Grip as metaphors for self-improvement in their larger argument for how everyday community members (e.g., tenant farmers) played critical roles in curling's growth and broader socio-historical developments. I encourage curling and wider sport historians - amateur and professional alike - to critically interrogate this line of thinking further.
Simon Barrick, PhD, Experiential Studies in Community and Sport, Cape Breton University, Sydney, Nova Scotia

The big take-away from this curling history book rather goes against the conventional historiography grain (but I am very satisfied that my research is solid). Here it is:
-----The agricultural revolution in the Lowlands was initially tenant-farmer driven (then later adopted and modified by the landowning class for the purposes of maximizing profit from the land)
-----In the early years (pre-agricultural improvement) lowland landlords were not nearly as active in the recreation of curling with common folk as other histories suggest

Price per copy: $20.00 (includes postage)

Please make cheque payable to: “James McCowan Memorial Social History”

Send cheque to: D.B. McCowan, 19 Monarchwood Crescent, Toronto, Ont., M3A1H3

If you wish to pay by e-transfer, please phone D.B. McCowan at 416-447-4895.  (email bmccowan@netrover.com)

The purpose of the James McCowan Memorial Social History Initiative is to contribute to a growing body of work celebrating the endeavours, achievements, trials and tribulations of Scots and Scots’ descendants in Canada.

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