- Welles Park Horseshoes
- There are only two NHPA sanctioned clubs in the city and they are both at Welles Park. The park is located on the north side of Chicago 4400 north-2300 west. The streets that boarder the park are Western Avenue on the west, Sunnyside on the north, Lincoln Avenue on east and the horseshoe courts are on the south side of the park on Montrose Avenue.
- I started the Wednesday night league in 1996 with 12 pitchers. There were two classes. We play three 40 shoe games of cancellation against a different opponent each week. There is a handicap based on ringer percentage. This year the season will start the second week in May and end the week before Labor Day. Pitching begins at 6:30 in the evening. During the summer evenings their is usually always somebody at the park pitching and when we have enough players we will set up a round robin game of doubles. It is a pleasure to pitch on our new courts. The Chicago Park District has taken out our old wooden obsolete pitching platforms and replaced them with all cement courts with walkways and access for the disabled. They have also put in more lights and new stakes. Can't wait! Contact Terry Hlavac fourdead1@comcast.net (773) 281-7190
Where can I buy horseshoes, what shoe is best for me?First let me say I do not sell horseshoes or endorse any particular product over another or any horseshoe manufacturer, retailer or wholesaler. Try as many shoes as you can, most pitchers always have more than one pair of shoes and most will let you try them, don't be afraid to ask. Find the shoe that feels comfortable and are made for the type of pitch you throw. Some shoes are designed for the turn pitch others are designed for the flip and some are designed for both. TRY TRY TRY BEFORE YOU BUY BUY BUY. In the Chicago area the only places I have found that carry horseshoes are the big sporting goods chains (Sports Mart ). Some times, if they have summer specials you can find shoes at K Mart and Venture stores ( usually they only have two types Diamond Double Ringers or American horseshoes) . I have checked used sporting goods stores and wouldn't waste time trying to find them there. You can find products on line at the NHPA site.
- Members from both Welles Park Clubs have participated at the World Tournaments and the Illinois State tournaments. Three members participated in Mayor Daily's first Chicago Senior Olympics last year and came away with two gold and a silver medal in horseshoe pitching.
- Other sanctioned club in the area Downers Grove club founded and organized by Art Felgenhauer. These clubs have several tournaments throughout the summer. The other sanctioned club in the Chicago area happens to be across the boarder in Indiana. The Whiting Horseshoe Club has several Chicago members in fact there are more Illinois pitchers than Indiana pitchers in the club. Another club that is approximately 90 miles from Chicago is the Beloit Horseshoe Club in Beloit Wisconsin. They have several tournaments a year and are the home of the Team World tournament every year.
- Welles Park had two big events: The First Annual Windy City Classic on Sept.21, 1997 and The Official Dedication Ceremony of the Renovated Horseshoe Courts on Oct. 2, 1997
- Although it was a rainy day Oct. 2 there was a good turnout for the dedication of the newly renovated horseshoe courts at Welles Park
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| Through the communities hard work, Welles Park's, playground was doubled in size and the horseshoe courts renovated. Almost $200,000 was invested in the project. Those who attended included: (from left) Rodger Konow, Chicago Park District North Region Manager; Alderman Gene Schulter (47th ward); Debbie Kennedy, Welles Park supervisor; Dalton Simmons, Dan O'Malley, and Kara and Courtney Konow |
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