History of the Cottams, as told by Dave Wolz on March 23, 2019
Edited for space and clarity.
The cottams event is named after Thomas “Vern” Cottam. Tom was the president of the club from 1947 to 1948. His family was Welch, and Vern had a great group of fellow Welshman at the club, including H.H. “Doc” Roberts and Earl Easton (of the former Easton’s Beer Depot near Colonel Harts on State), both former presidents as well. Downstairs in the first trophy case is a photo of Vern and these friends, known as “The Welshmen.”
Vern was among the first members of the club. He curled at Stickney Field by City Hall as well in in the parking lot prior to the Muellner Building being built in 1941.
Back in that day, most of the events were sponsored by people, with those individuals bearing the costs. So, the Cottams, when it started in 1978, was paid for by Vern, including the ice time, the food, and the booze.
Vern for much of his life was a successful contractor. He owned a business that built all the now-infamous arched Kohl’s Food Stores.
Vern hated sweeping which is why there is no sweeping at the Cottams.
Screwy ice is the trademark of this event.
Also paramount to the Cottams were door prizes including birds, frogs, bikes, mannequins, live chickens, and refrigerator doors.
Vern passed away in 1993, and he is remembered as a gracious, grand gentleman.
