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E. Barry Mitchelson Inducted January 2013 -
Rick Oreskovich, Joe Oreskovich and Stan Reid Inducted January 2013 -
E. Barry Mitchelson Inducted January 2013 -
Rick Oreskovich, Joe Oreskovich and Stan Reid Inducted January 2013 -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - William (Bill) Manson Athlete Builder - Martial Arts era 1900 - 1970 Inducted at the 18th Annual Sports Wall of Fame Ceremony January 21, 2007 -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Lucille Hilston Builder Senior Co-Ed Slo Pitch 1971 - 1990 Era Lucille Hilston was involved in the sport of Baseball in Niagara for many years as a founding member, player and coach of Senior Co-ed Slo-Pitch leagues. Lucille was a member of the founding committee for the Niagara Falls Girls Minor Softball Association, in 1971. She coached a team the first year and was also an active supporter and spectator for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren throughout the years. In 1985, at the age of 66, Lucille organized the Co-ed 50 Years and Beyond “Half-Century Grandtimers” Slo-Pitch League. The league was strictly for fun and recreation, inviting Seniors in all levels of skill. As the league grew, it became more competitive. At the age of 71, Lucille started up the Co-ed 60 Years & Over “Grandtimers Slo-Pitch League. These leagues are believed to be the first in Canada. Lucille emphasized safety for the players by having an orange safebase on first, shorter base paths, softer baseballs, courteous runners and did not allow tagging. These “Grandtimers” won 8 trophies ; -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - William (Bill) E. Smith Athlete Builder Hockey era 1900 - 1970 Bill Smith was born in Montreal on September 11, 1877. His boyhood was spent in Lindsay, Ontario. In Lindsay, Bill’s athletic skills blossomed and grew in field lacrosse, hockey, baseball and boxing. His lacrosse skills were drawn to the attention of the Montreal Shamrocks with the result that he joined the team as it forged its way to a World Championship. Also an adept performer on the steel blades, he had opportunities to play hockey wherever or for whomever it pleased him. Through the good graces of the Shamrock Athletic Club he also participated in boxing matches as a welterweight. Knowing that he could not rely on sports for a livelihood, he acquired a stationary engineers certificate for the operation of steam and refrigeration systems. Refrigeration qualifications brought him to Hamilton and to a position at the Barton Street Arena. It was in Hamilton that he met Mabel Florence Powell. They were married in St. Catharines and settled in Mabel’s parent’s home in Stamford Township. In the City of Niagara Falls plans were under way for the construction of the artificial ice arena on Victoria Avenue. He would become the ice-maker. While the arena was under construction, Bill took on coaching responsibilities with a field lacrosse team whose home field was the Bridge Street Athletic Grounds at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Bridge Street. Eugene “Gene” Fraser, who would run like a deer, was a member of that team. Following an announcement on December 1, 1926 that an O.H.A. Junior Team would be formed, manager Bill Smith and coach Bill Cody selected sixteen players from twenty-one “tryouts”. A Junior Team was entered in a group that included either Grimsby and Port Colborne or Hamilton, Toronto, Brantford and Paris. Thus began Bill’s hockey coaching career involving junior teams. In the years from 1926 to 1937, some of the finest hockey players the area ever produced admitted that his coaching capabilities were beyond those of greater reputation. -
Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame - Frank Long Athlete Hockey 1900-1970 era Frank Long has made many contributions in the field of athletics as a player, coach and historian, which have allowed him to make a significant contribution to the development and enjoyment of sports in Niagara Falls. Frank started off his athletic achievements in 1938 with track and field, where he won a silver and a bronze medal at the COSSA district meet in St. Catharines. Frank moved on to the Ontario Track and Field Championship (OFSAA) in 1939, where he won a bronze medal in pole vault. Frank enjoyed playing many sports such as baseball and football, but his love of hockey led the way to some of his greatest accomplishments. Frank started off his hockey career with Niagara Falls, but was then offered a position on the first junior A team in St. Catharines, the Falcons. Frank scored the first St. Catharines junior A goal in the Garden City Arena, and the Falcons finished the season first place in their division. Frank played professional hockey in the American, East Coast, and Pacific Hockey Leagues from 1944- 1947. He came back to Ontario and was a key player on various Senior A and Senior B teams up until 1953. Frank Long used his many years of hockey experience and expertise to coach the Niagara Falls juvenile AAA team from 1972- 79. During the 1980’s Frank was an active member of the Niagara Falls Curling Club, and in 2006 Frank authored “A Century of Sports in Niagara Falls”. This book is a collection of many photos of local sports teams and players, covering twenty-one different sports and spanning a hundred years. Nearly 300 photos are included, and almost all of the players are identified. Frank Long is a dedicated man who has shown his commitment to sports throughout his entire life, including playing, coaching, and assembling a book about sports. Frank’s contributions to the community are vast ... -
Formica, Cristina Marie Cristina Formica started playing soccer with Niagara Falls Soccer Club at the age of four. She played house league until age 13 and then competitive soccer in the South Region Soccer League. Cristina also played house league and travel hockey for the Niagara Rapids girls hockey team until she was 15 and decided to focus on soccer. In 1998, she made a St. Catharines Ontario Youth Soccer League team and played on that team for 2 years. In 1998, they won the Division Title, League Cup, and Ontario Cup. This team ultimately represented Ontario in the National Championships in Saskatoon, and won a Gold Medal in the 1998 Ontario Summer Games. She went on to play for the OYSL provincial women’s team. In high school, Cristina received the Saint Michael Catholic High School Athlete of the Year award for all 5 years and played basketball, volleyball, badminton, hockey, and soccer. When graduating, she had over 60 universities across Canada and the United States scouting her, ultimately accepting an academic and athletic scholarship at Brock University. While attending Brock and studying to become a teacher, she continued to play soccer for the Brock Badgers and was captain in her final two years. She earned the titles MVP during the 2005-06 season, OUA First Team All-Star, CIS Championship All-Star and CIS First Team All Canadian in 2005 before graduating in 2006. Post-graduation, Cristina was still involved with the team as she was asked to be an Assistant Coach, which she held until 2018. Unfortunately, after a serious knee injury, Cristina was advised by her doctor that it would be in her best interest to stop playing the sport she’s always loved. Cristina is still a full-time Phys-ed teacher at Saint Michael Catholic High School, coaches the girls soccer (whom she’s lead to five consecutive OFSAA championships) and hockey teams at the school, and only recently retired from coaching the Brock team to focus on her new child. -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Sir Harry Oakes Benefactor 1900 - 1970 Era The Oakes name is perpetuated in Niagara Falls in numerous ways. Oakes Garden Theatre, Oakes Drive, Oak Hall and Oakes Park all serve as reminders of this noted family, and particularly of Sir Harry Oakes, its most prominent member. Harry Oakes was born in the small town of Sangerville, Maine on December 23, 1874. He graduated with a liberal arts degree from Bowdoin College in 1896. Harry Oakes came to Canada in 1911 as a gold prospector and mining engineer and eventually became a self-made millionaire. In 1912, he struck it rich with his discovery of gold resulting in the Lakeshore Mine near Kirkland Lake. In the 1920s, Harry Oakes and his family located in Niagara Falls until 1934, when the family moved to the Bahamas. In 1939, Sir Harry Oakes was knighted by King George VI of England ; -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Louise Pietrangelo Athlete Women's Hockey 1991 - Present Era Louise Pietrangelo began skating at the age of four and quickly fell in love with the ice. Although she was a precocious member of the Stamford Skating Club, the solitary life of a figure skater did not excite Louise as much as the team-based sport of ice hockey. At the age of five, Louise enrolled in Instructional Hockey and from that point on she showed rapid growth in her skills. She was chosen at the age of seven to play on an All Star Team and soon after that at the age of nine she captained the boys “AA” Travel Hockey Team that went on to play at the All Ontario Finals of the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. At the age of fifteen, Louise continued to play boy’s house league hockey to keep her skills competitive but also played girl’s hockey whose team won the Niagara District Championship in her first year. In Louise’s next season with the Niagara Rapids Girls Hockey Team, she represented Niagara Falls at the Ontario Winter Games as captain and won a silver medal. Louise went on to play for the Mississauga Junior Chiefs and during her 1998-1999 season, her team won second place in the league and Louise was awarded Best Defenseman. One of her greatest achievements as the starting defenseman that same year was when she was named to Team Ontario and won the Gold Medal at the Canada Winter Games. She advanced to the senior level and on to win a Bronze medal at the Provincial Championships. Louise went on to accepting a full four year scholarship to Dartmouth University where she was starter on a team that was ranked number one in the nation ; -
Ralph Scholz Ralph Scholz was born in Brantford, Ontario in 1961 and moved to Niagara Falls in 1969. Ralph began his football career in 1973, in the inaugural season of the Niagara Falls YMCA Minor Football league. He continued to play for two more years before entering High School and becoming a member of the A.N. Myer Marauders Junior and Senior Football teams. In 1978 and 1979, Ralph led the Marauder teams to back to back S.O.S.S.A. Championships in football. He also won S.O.S.S.A. as a heavy weight wrestler in those same years. Ralph was a Myer Letterman, team MVP, Captain, City All-Star Selection and he was selected as the “Best Lineman” at the Hamilton Ti-Cats High School Football Camp. In 2008, Ralph was inducted into the A.N. Myer Sports Wall of Honour. Ralph’s strength, success and dominance in football was rewarded with a scholarship to play for the prestigious, Ivy League, Cornell University Big Red Football Team. Once again, Ralph was a Letterman and excelled as a Defensive Lineman for his team. In 1983, he was honoured by being chosen to the All Ivy 1st Team, and in 1984 graduated with a Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering Degree. -
Murray Etherington Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2011 ; Builder - Curling 1971 -1990 Era ; -
Les Potapczyk Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2012 ; Builder - Basketball 1971 - 1990 Era ; -
Conestoga Wagon Trek Monument The border between Canada and the United States of America has witnessed many migrations of people. At two times, however, the migration was primarily from south to north. That was in the troubled days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and during the uneasy decades when the new republic was being formed. During the last two decades of the 18th century, many people, motivated by loyalty to the British Crown and fearing some aspects of the course being set by the new United States, sold prosperous farms in Pennsylvania and moved their possessions by conestoga wagon to Ontario. They entered the Niagara River at Black Rock, N.Y. and probably landed at or near this point. Many were German speaking people known as Pennsylvania Dutch. They came from Lancaster and neighbouring counties in Pennsylvania and settled in the Fort Erie area, Jordan, Vineland, the Markham area and Kitchener-Waterloo. Their unconquerable courage and inflexible faith, together with hard work and much sacrifice, helped to establish many of the churches and the farming and business enterprises in this and other areas of the province of Ontario. This marker was erected by persons who, in 1997, celebrated the 200th anniversary of their foreparents journey from Pennsylvannia to Ontario by re-enecting their trek. -
Conestoga Wagon Trek Monument with the Upper Niagara River in the background The border between Canada and the United States of America has witnessed many migrations of people. At two times, however, the migration was primarily from south to north. That was in the troubled days just prior to the American Revolutionary War and during the uneasy decades when the new republic was being formed. During the last two decades of the 18th century, many people, motivated by loyalty to the British Crown and fearing some aspects of the course being set by the new United States, sold prosperous farms in Pennsylvania and moved their possessions by conestoga wagon to Ontario. They entered the Niagara River at Black Rock, N.Y. and probably landed at or near this point. Many were German speaking people known as Pennsylvania Dutch. They came from Lancaster and neighbouring counties in Pennsylvania and settled in the Fort Erie area, Jordan, Vineland, the Markham area and Kitchener-Waterloo. Their unconquerable courage and inflexible faith, together with hard work and much sacrifice, helped to establish many of the churches and the farming and business enterprises in this and other areas of the province of Ontario. This marker was erected by persons who, in 1997, celebrated the 200th anniversary of their foreparents journey from Pennsylvannia to Ontario by re-enecting their trek. -
Moreau, Howard "Bud" Inducted January 2016 -
Yerich, Paul Paul Yerich had a passion for competitive running in all categories of the Sport. During his impressive and prestigious career that spanned over thirty years, he participated in full marathons in Toronto, Montreal, Quebec City, New York City, Buffalo, and Boston. He also represented Canada at the Berlin, Germany, and Athens, Greece, full marathons. In 2001 and 2004, Paul won the Niagara Casino half marathon and in 2003 he was selected “Runner of the Year” by Track Niagara. In 2015, at the Canadian Masters Championships held in St. Catharines, Ontario, he won three gold medals (200 metre, 400 metre, and 5000 metre). In 2019, at the World Masters Athletic Championships held in Toronto, Ontario, he won two gold medals (800 metre and 1500 metre) and three bronze medals (200 metre, 400 metre, and 5000 metre). In 2003, and 2010, Paul’s team won the “Man-A-Mile” championship event (Niagara-on-the-Lake to Niagara Falls). His career also included many victories in cross country disciplines. Paul credits the coaching, motivation, and support that he received as a member of the Road Runner and Track Niagara Club for his many successes. He was very proud to represent Niagara Falls at the cities and venues where he competed. -
Dallman, Kevin Having a Toronto Maple Leafs and Olympic player for an uncle, Kevin Dallman has always been fascinated with the sport of ice hockey. As a youth, he competed in the prestigious 1995 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as a part of the Niagara Falls Minor Thunder. Following a successful minor hockey career, he was called up as an under-age player for the Chippawa Riverhawks Jr. C team in 1996-97. He then moved onto a stint with the Niagara Falls Canucks Jr. B club and assisted them in bringing home the Sutherland Cup Championship in 1998. He had a successful junior career with the OHL Guelph Storm beating all the Guelph Storm records. Undrafted, he signed his first professional contract with the NHL and the Boston Bruins in 2002. He played for the Providence Bruins, Boston’s AHL affiliate, for three years, and then made his debut with the Boston Bruins in the 2005-06 season. From there, Kevin played for the St. Louis Blues, the Los Angeles Kings, and the Manchester Monarchs, and eventually made the difficult decision in 2008 to leave the NHL and move his family to Kazakhstan to play in the Astana Barys of the newly-formed KHL. In his first season there, he beat all the defensive scoring records in the league and was appointed team captain barely 15 games in. He finished his first season with 28 goals and 30 assists for a total of 58 points in 53 games. A favourite amongst fans, Kevin was the captain of the team for four years and earned four consecutive all-star spots. He was so good on the ice that the Kazakhs once asked him to join their national team and loved the country so much he became a Kazakhstani citizen in 2010. After 11 years of playing in the KHL between the Astana Barys and the SKA Saint Petersburg in Russia, Kevin announced his retirement from the league on August 5th, 2019. He remains in the top 10 all-time point leaders in the KHL but will never forget his home and family roots in Niagara Falls. -
Myer Salit Steel 100th anniversary Remarks given at the anniversary celebration -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Don Wesley Johnson Builder Recreational Sports era 1971 - 1990 It all began in 1976 on Don Johnson’s 20 acre farm field located along the south side of Beaverdams Road, west of Kalar Road. It is here that Mr. Johnson, with the help of a number of volunteers, built his “Field of Dreams.” In his love for baseball and recognizing a need for a place for men over 40 years of age to play ball, a baseball diamond was constructed. The first pitch was thrown out in 1977. The original league consisted of 4 teams. After a few years there were concerns raised regarding liability insurance and Mr. Johnson met with Bob Sones of the City’s Parks & Recreation Department in 1982 to investigate the cost. Bob Sones suggested the relocation of the diamond to the former Memorial School grounds owned by the City. It was later in 1982 that City crews removed the back stop, bleachers, storage shed from the Johnson property and relocated the diamond to the former school grounds off Spring Street that was named A.C. McCallum Park. The park was developed with two diamonds with the help of financial donations and work of volunteers. Over the years there has been improvements made to the park with perimeter berms, tree planting and installation of boundary fencing, benches and washroom facility. The improvements were carried through donations by Mr. Johnson and Molsons Canada through their Local Heroes Program. -
Seven of the former local Softball greats honoured during banquet of the OASA convention Seven of the former local softball greats honoured during annual banquet of the OASA convention held at the Park Motor are shown in the photo grouped around a bulletin board showing many great times of the past. From left to right, are Frank Lamb former OCL manager and player, Bert Bromhall of great Burgess Battery and Taylor and Bates teams, pitcher Pete Mancuso of the Douglas Taxi and Dominion Chain fame, Lou Desson who started with the Canadian Legion champs and who played with Taylor and Bates and Douglas Taxi teams, Warren (Flash) Breakey outfielder with the 1927 Legion team and Douglas Taxi, former OASA president and local softball star Herb Champion former pitcher Walt Sharpe from the Review team of the 20's and the Canadian Niagara Power team of 1930 -
Ray McGibbon Ray McGibbon began boxing around the age of 15 and his boxing career led him to box in Madison Square Gardens and Maple Leaf Gardens. In 1946, Ray was a Golden Gloves finalist. The same year, Ray and his brother John established the St. Patrick’s Boxing Gym. In the late 1970's, Ray McGibbon started the Niagara Falls Boxing Club with John Degazio. Through the years, Ray coached many champions. He was part of the 1983 and 1984 Ontario Boxing Championships, when the Niagara Falls Boxing Gym won the Trophy for Most Outstanding Team, winning eight gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal. Ray coached many boxers who became Ontario and Canadian Champions and Olympians including Tom"The Bomb" Glesby and Billy"the Kid"Irwin. Ray also coached Brian Kelly and Mike Strange, both former Inductees of the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame. Each year, the St. Catharines Boxing club hosts the “Ray McGibbon’s Gloves Tournament”, named after Ray McGibbon. This tournament is a stepping stone for many amateur boxers to advance their competitive careers as boxers from across Ontario contend for the coveted title. Ray is known by his boxers as being an “old school coach” and would spar with his fighters regularly, even though he was in his fifties or sixties. Ray still drops by the gym and lends a hand to his former boxes, Bill Irwin and Mike Strange, who are now coaches. Ray’s legacy will be brought to young boxers for years to come as his old school boxing techniques will be passed down from generation to generation! -
Binational Peace garden Trail Plaque Binational Peace Garden Trail plaque. “On June 18, 1812, the United States declared war on Great Britain. Niagara was a focal point, and for three years the residents of Niagara Falls lived in a war zone. American invaders, British soldiers, local militia and First Nations warriors fought in and around the community. Two of the war's largest battles occurred in present day Niagara Falls. The Battle of Chippawa (July 5, 1814) and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane (July 25, 1814) were pivotal in changing the course of the war, the role of First Nations warriors and the identity of nations. The residents of Niagara Falls were devastated by the loss of lives, homes, mills and other businesses. The signing of the Treaty of Ghent in December of 1814 brought peace to North America and a new sense of understanding between our nations and our people. The relationships between Americans and Canadians were renewed and stronger bonds of cooperation continue to be seen throughout our community. On October 3, 2012, Hatch, the City of Niagara Falls and Members of Council collaboratively joined together to dedicate this garden as a Peace Garden, as part of the 1812 Bicentennial Project, which demonstrates the peaceful coexistence between Canada and the United States over the past 200 years.” -
Singleton, Jamie Inducted January 2015 -
Quaranta, Sarah Sarah Quaranta was born and raised in Niagara Falls and attended Saint Paul Catholic High School. Sarah played boys A and AAA hockey all the way up to Major Bantam for the Niagara Falls Canucks. She was named Assistant Captain for two years. In grade nine, she made the switch to girls hockey and started playing with the Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres, where she was named Captain. In 2009, she was named Niagara Falls Athlete of the year. In 2015, Sarah was selected to play for Canada’s National Women’s U18 Team in Buffalo, NY where she played on the third line and was on the team’s first penalty-killing unit and contributing to a Silver Medal win. Later that same year, Sarah was selected to play for Team Ontario at the Canada Winter Games in Prince George, BC where she helped the team to another Silver Medal win. After graduating from high school, Sarah received a full hockey scholarship and went on to play NCAA Division 1 at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh. She posted her first collegiate point in her very first outing as a Colonial. During her time there she was named female student athlete of the week (2015), named College Hockey America (CHA) rookie of the week, selected for the 2016 All-CHA Rookie Team, and ranked third in CHA rookie points. In 2016-17, she helped her to team to become regular season champions for the first time in program history. That same year she was awarded a championship ring when they won the CHA tournament and competed in RMU’s first NCAA tournament. Sarah managed to balance her studies with her incredible sports career and was named an All-American Scholar in the CHA and Presidential Scholar-Athlete in 2019. She is now a teacher, living and working in the Niagara Region. -
Mancuso, Felix Felix Anthony “Gus” Mancuso (1914 – 2003) was a professional ice hockey forward who played 42 games in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. He began his career in the OHA playing for the Niagara Falls Cataracts in 1933, turning pro the next year and playing with the famed Hershey B’Ars. Felix was a fan favourite in Hershey; a news report back then called him, “one of the most colourful players ever to perform with Hershey.” The article added that, “he [was] just a small fellow but he [was] in there all the time and absorb[ed] plenty of punishment.” Felix was the fourth Niagara Falls native to play in the NHL, and he signed his first contract with the Canadiens in 1937. He played 23 games with the Habs, over three seasons, recording one goal and one assist wearing the #15. Felix’s rights were sold to the New York Rangers in 1942, with whom he played his final season in the NHL. He played in 21 games in 1943-43, and contributed six goals and fourteen points. Unfortunately, Felix never found out if he finally could be an NHL regular player. He was called upon by the Canadian military for World War II military service, losing two full seasons. Upon his return in 1945, he moved to California and played four seasons in the new rendition of the Pacific Coast Hockey League with the Hollywood Wolves and the Los Angeles Monarchs. Felix had the opportunity to play along the famed Bill Barilko, Cowboy Tom Anderson, and Bob Gracie, as well as have Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby regularly attend his games. Felix was released in 1949, bringing an end to his hockey career. He fell in love with the California sunshine, and stayed there with his wife Marion until he passed away in 2003 at the age of 89. -
McGibbons Inn and Cabins Niagara Falls Canada highway number 8 -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Elizabeth Lang Dempsey - Builder Girls Soccer League 1971 - 1990 Era It was 1972, and boys’ soccer was flourishing in Niagara Falls. During that season, it was discovered that a girl was playing on a boys’ team. This was something unheard of. The girl was allowed to play until the play-offs, but not in the play-offs. This caused quite a disturbance and many parents were annoyed. This was the spark for a determined Elizabeth (Betty) Dempsey to begin a girls’ soccer league. After contacting some friends and the Recreation Commission, the Niagara Falls Girls Minor Soccer Club was about to begin and grow into a phenomenal league. Elizabeth Dempsey was once quoted, “I have three sons and no daughters but I just felt there wasn’t enough for girls to do in this City and the women who had tried to organize a soccer league in the past had just not tried hard enough.” The first season, 200 girls registered and two divisions were formed. One division was for ages 7-10 and the other for 11-14 year olds. From humble beginnings Niagara Falls Girls Minor Soccer Club has grown significantly with each passing year. The Club now serves more than 1,600 girls and young women, in a sport that encourages excellence and leadership through teamwork. The City of Niagara Falls is proud to honour Elizabeth Dempsey for her commitment and dedication to sports in Niagara Falls. She will always be remembered as the founder of the Niagara Falls Girls Minor Soccer Club ; -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Dino M. Serra Athlete Hockey - 1971 - 1990 Era Dino Serra grew up in Niagara Falls, playing in the Niagara Falls Minor hockey system. During his time here, he received numerous M.V.P. awards playing in the Peewee, Bantam, and midget Divisions. As a 16 year old, Dino played for the Fort Erie Meteors Junior “B” Team and led the league in scoring, with a record of 38 goals in 30 games. Dino played 23 games with the Niagara Falls Flyers in Major Junior “A” Hockey and followed this by playing one season with the Niagara Falls Flyers Tier II Team, of the Southern Ontario Hockey Association (S.O.H.A.), where he led the team in scoring with 86 points and was named to the League All-Star Team. In 1973, Dino was invited to participate in the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League (N.H.L.) training camp. In 1975, he was invited to participate in the Montreal Canadiens (N.H.L.) training camp and his N.H.L. rights were picked up by the Montreal Canadiens. From 1973-1977, Dino played four seasons of N.C.A.A. (The National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I Hockey at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (R.P.I.) in Troy, New York. In 1974, he was named Rookie of the Year, and established the single season Rookie scoring record. In Dino’s Senior Year, he was Team Captain, Team Scoring Leader, and he finished number one in the nation with a 2.3 points per game average. From 1977-1979, Dino played professional hockey in Europe for Varese, Italy and Milan, Italy. He was the leading scorer for both teams, named first team All-Star centre, and named to the League All Star team. In 1979, Dino participated in the World Cup Championship in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Despite playing with a broken wrist, he was named Tournament All-Star. In 2001, Dino was inducted to the RPI Athletic Hall of Fame. -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Tony Parisi Builder / Athlete Hockey 1900 - 1970 Era Tony Parisi was born in Niagara Falls on March 30, 1933. He proved to be an exceptional athlete and a true builder of sport. From 1947 - 1949, Tony played minor hockey and was a goalie for the Niagara Falls Junior “B” Hockey Team. In 1949, Tony was drafted by Galt of the Major Junior Ontario Hockey Association (O.H.A.). The following years he played Junior “A” hockey in Barrie, Kitchener and Belleville. After this experience, Tony went overseas where he played hockey for England, Sweden, Italy and Czechoslovakia. Upon returning home, Tony played in the International Hockey League (I.H.L.), the North American Hockey League (N.A.H.L.) and the American Hockey League (A.H.L.). In 1962, Tony was called up to play for the Pittsburgh Hornets hockey team. In 1965, the Pittsburgh Hornets team folded and Tony was hired by Mr. Rooney, the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (N.F.L.) as the equipment manager. Having a keen eye, and knowledge of equipment, Tony ordered special non-slip shoes for the Pittsburgh Steelers for their 1975 Super Bowl game against Minnesota. He knew the weather would be bad, however, at the beginning of the game, only Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris wore the special shoes. After the first quarter, Tony had all the players change their shoes. The team players and Mr. Rooney indirectly credited Tony for winning the Super Bowl. Tony is the only person in Canada who has four Super Bowl rings. Tony Parisi has never forgotten his roots and he treats everyone who visits him from Niagara Falls, like royalty. Still a Canadian citizen, Tony has never changed and is now enjoying retirement ; -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Carlee M Cardwell Athlete Soccer era 1971 - 1990 Niagara Falls native Carlee Cardwell-Alderson has spent almost 20 years of her life playing soccer. She has proved herself to be an exceptional athlete, rising through the ranks of minor soccer before playing for Stamford Collegiate, the University of Toronto, and the Ontario Provincial Team. At the age of 17, Carlee trained with the Senior Women’s National Soccer Team. At the time, there was only one division for National Women’s Soccer, which was the Senior Team. While at high school, with Carlee contributing her athletic abilities, the 1987 and 1988 Stamford Senior Girls Soccer Teams became the reining Zone champions, S.O.S.S.A. champions and 1988 O.F.S.A.A. semi-finalists and 1987 bronze medalists. In 1987, Carlee received the Most Valuable Player Award for the Senior Girls Soccer Team. An outstanding athlete, Carlee also played on the girls hockey team, the senior girls basketball team, badminton team and Stamford’s track and field team, receiving many honours. After high school, Carlee attended the University of Toronto and she joined the University of Toronto’s Varsity Blues women’s soccer team and spent four seasons playing soccer. During her four years as a physical education student, she was one of the most influential players in the country. Carlee was instrumental in the team’s success, with an Ontario Women’s Interuniversity Athletic Association (O.W.I.A.A.) bronze medal in 1989 and a silver medal in 1990. She also guided the team to gold and silver finishes at the prestigious Big Four Tournament. Named an all-star by both the O.W.I.A.A. and C.I.A.U. in each of her four seasons. In 1989, Carlee was the only rookie recognized as an All-Canadian. In June 2005, Carlee became the first woman soccer player to be inducted into the illustrious University of Toronto’s Sports Hall of Fame. The achievements of Carlee Cardwell have made her a worthy addition to the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame. -
Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame - Jim Koteles Builder - Judo 1900-1970 Era Inducted January 18 2009 -
Niagara Falls Virtual Sports Wall of Fame - John Solose Athlete - Wrestling 1900-1970 Era Inducted January 18 2009 -
Top team and individual awards for the Niagara District senior fastball league and GNSA are presented. Top team and individual awards for the Niagara Distric senior fastball league and the local GNSA were presented at the Park Motor Hotel when the District loop banquet was held. Shown in the above photo, left to right, are Fran Stuart voted the most valuable player in the GNSA, Dick Duggan who shared the most valuable pitching award in the district loop with team mate ED Neudorf, president of the District fastball league Wilf Garett and GNSA president Leo Burger. Scotty Watson was master of ceremonies for the evening with other top trophies going to district league batting champ Pete Favorite of Stadium Grill, Al Beckman as the district league's most valuable player, Bill Glashan of Supremes as the Terry Mann Memorial Trophy recipient and John Watson as the GNSA's most gentlemanly and effective player as well as the loop batting champ -
Prospect Park and Niagara Falls in Winter Back description: The nearest and most comprehensive view of the mighty Niagara Falls is had from Prospect Park, which is on the American side next to the falling waters. At Prospect park we stand only a couple of feet above the American stream, just where it makes its smooth downward curve. We might touch it with our hands, as it bends, solid and glassy, over the long ledge of rock. We can lean on the rails and note how soon its polished surface breaks into silvery fragments, powders into glistening dust; and far beneath we can see the frosty mass strike black boulders and over and between them, flow off as frosted torrents into the dark green flood of gorge. From a distance the American Falls look quite straight. When we stand beside it, we see that its lines curve inward and outward. As we gaze down upon these, every change in the angle of vision and in the strength and direction of the light gives a new effect. -
Bruce Stiefelmeyer - Builder - Basketball - 1971-1990, 2012 Sports Wall of Fame Inductee 2012 Sports Wall of Fame Inductee. Bruce Stiefelmeyer's involvment really took off when he was hire to teach at N.F.C.V.1. As a coach, Bruce was greatly influenced by his fellow coaches. Jimmy Rose was the senior coach, Howie Triano was the junior coach, while Bruce coached the midgets. In time, Bruce would also coach the junior and senior teams. Both in 1969 and 1970, the N.F.C.V.I Senior red raiders won the Review Championship. In later years Bruce coached at Sta,ford, A.A. Myer and Lord Elgin. Bruce played basketball in local leagues for twenty years and he was a playing coach in 1969 and 1973. In 1984, along with Les Potapcyk and brian Mulligan, bruce helped organize and run the Niagara Falls Minor basketball League. This was a house league that provided boys in Grades 5-8 an opportunity both to play and to gain an insight into the sport of basketball. He continued with this league until his retirement from teaching in 1995. For his efforts with this league, Bruce was honoured by Rotary International and named a Paul Harris Fellow. In 1995, Bruce became the recruiting coordinator for the University of Western Ontario men's Basketball Tam - a position that he still holds to this day. Bruce was also very involved with girls' soccer. He coached both house league and traveling teams for Niagara Falls Minor Girls' Soccer Association. In 1987, Bruce coached the First Niagara Insurance Team that reached the Ontario Cup Semi-Finals. Bruce also served as referee in chief for many years. At the high school level, Bruce coached the Stamford Girls' Soccer Team, winning a silver medal at O.F.S.A.A. in 1986, and a bronze medal in 1987. From 1988 - 1991, Bruce coached the Myer Girls' Soccer Team, leading them to several O.F.S.A.A. competitions. Bruce Stiefelmeyer is a worthy addition to the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame. -
Hank (Henry) A. Boone Inducted January 2013 -
Through the Air : A Narrative of Forty Years' Experience as an Aeronaut This print from the above book is on page 505 and titled "What a Wonderful Cloud Manufactory This Niagara Is." Mr. Wise, John LaMountain, O.A. Gager and William Hyde were in the balloon "Atlantic" which took off from St. Louis, Missouri, July 1, 1859. It flew across the Niagara River just before noon July 2, 1859 and thus these men were the first to fly across the Niagara, and the first to record in print their observations of the Great Falls. Two others had seen the Falls earlier (1847 and 1858) from the air each from a distance of about twenty miles. Mr. Wise, on page 504, states they were 10,000 feet high and 'a bottle of Heidsieck" was uncorked to honour the occasion. From this height they also saw from Fort Erie and Buffalo to Fort Niagara and Youngstown. 'Indeed, there was so much of interest to be seen at one time that it was difficult to dwell upon any single sight without losing a great portion of the whole scene..." The balloon later landed on the shore at the eastern end of Lake Ontario and was the longest balloon flight, in the 19th century. -
Vant, Algie Inducted January 2016 -
Audibert, Amy Amy Audibert attended A.N. Myer where she excelled at basketball and was considered a top ranking post player in Ontario. She was awarded the Harold Biggar Niagara Falls Player of the Year twice and was inducted onto the A.N. Myer Sports Wall of Distinction in 2010. Amy played four years for the University of Miami Hurricanes. She was team captain in her senior year and named to the All-ACC Academic team. Amy also shared her passion and knowledge of basketball as a former Assistant Coach for the Brock Badgers women’s and the Niagara Knights men’s basketball teams.After university, Amy pursued a diploma in Broadcasting –Radio, Television, and Film at Niagara College. Soon after graduating, Amy began her career in broadcasting by calling NCAA Division 1 games for Canisius College and eventually the University at Buffalo. Since that time, she has had many broadcasting roles and has served as a Television Colour Analyst with the Atlanta Dream (WNBA), the Raptors 905 (NBA G League), and as the Courtside Reporter with the Canadian Elite Basketball League. In 2021, Amy made history twice in one week. On March 19th, during the Toronto Raptors-Utah Jazz game, on TSN 1050, Audibert became the first woman to call analysis on a Raptors radio broadcast.On March 24th, 2021 Amy was a member of the first all-female broadcast crew for a televised NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets. On September 23, 2021, it was announced that Amy had joined the NBA Toronto Raptors Sportsnet broadcast team as Courtside Analyst and Reporter. -
Collegiate Institute and Technical School Niagara Falls Canada Printed in Leipzig Saxony -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Gina Pietrangelo Marotta Athlete 1971-1990 Era Following a record-breaking Cross Country, Track and Field, and Ice Hockey career at both Loretto High School and Saint Paul High School, Gina took her athletic abilities to new heights after receiving a full scholarship to Princeton University. In 1984, following an undefeated season, and winning the Women's Ice Hockey Ivy League Championship, Gina was named Ivy League Rookie of the Year. Displaying incredible diversity, Gina was named to the All-Ivy Team for both women's ice hockey and women's soccer in each of her four years at Princeton. It was during this time that Gina met her future husband, David Marotta, goalie and captain of Princeton's men's hockey team. In 1987, Gina combined an intense competitive spirit, fierce determination, stellar leadership, and unparalleled drive to create a spectacular senior year. She was elected captain of both the women's ice hockey team and the women's soccer team and was awarded the highest honour in North American women's ice hockey: ECAC Player of the Year. Gina's most cherished athletic accomplishment came later in 1987 when she earned the distinction of Outstanding Female Athlete at Princeton. Equally committed to excellence in academics, Gina graduated from the Princeton School of Engineering with a degree in Civil Engineering. She later received an Honours MBA in Finance from McMaster University. Gina continues to instill the values of good sportsmanship and commitment to sport in not only her five children, but in many others through her dedicated coaching ; -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - Tabitha Stavrou Athlete Intercollegiate Wrestling 1991 - present era On Friday, March 4, 2005, Tabitha Stavrou made history, becoming the first Niagara Falls female high school wrestler to win a Provincial Championship. The following month, Tabitha Stavrou captured the National title winning the 90-kilogram Juvenile National Wrestling Championship in St. John’s, Newfoundland. In only her second year of wrestling, Tabitha has won at both O.F.S.A.A. and at the National levels - the two toughest wrestling tournaments in Canada. A former Stamford Collegiate student, Tabitha is a national champion in two sports - wrestling and rugby. She has won three National Rugby Championships: in 2004, she won the Under-17 National Rugby Championship and in both 2005 and 2006, the Under-19 National Rugby Championships. She was also named the prestigious “Player of the Match”, after playing rugby for Canada in 2006. Tabitha notes that her signature wrestling move, a double leg attack, is similar to the method she uses to make tackles on a rugby pitch. Her skills have led her to play on five different rugby teams: Stamford Collegiate, St. Catharines Tigers’ Women’s Rugby Club Team, the Under-17 Ontario Team, the Under-19 Ontario Team, and the Canadian Under-19 Team. -
Louis Ceccato Louis Ceccato, an outstanding Middleweight Class Boxer, was a Golden Glove Champion in 1934. Only a broken hand, in a qualifying fight for the Olympic trials, could slow him down. In 1958, Lou managed an Ontario boxing team that competed at the Canadian Boxing Championships and British Empire Games in Vancouver. At home in Niagara Falls, Lou not only participated in some of the biggest boxing events in our City, but he became a boxing event promoter, giving young fighters like Brian Kelly the public exposure and experience necessary to further their careers. Lou used his love of the sport to help teach and inspire boxers, and to give other people who shared his passion the chance to keep the sport alive in Niagara and across the country. This ‘Falls boy’ as the papers called him, was one of the smartest fighters of his time and one of the best referees in our area. He truly showed how love of sport can shape an entire life, and the lives of others. Lou participated on many championship sports teams that were sponsored by his employer Niagara Wire Weaving. Besides playing for the above teams, Lou coached the Niagara Falls Dynamo Football team of 1947, a team that won the Intermediate “B” Ontario Championship. Louis Ceccato was a life long resident of Niagara Falls and made outstanding contributions in the field of athletics, as a participant, coach, referee and boxing promoter. In addition, Lou’s accomplishments inspired his children to become outstanding athletes and sports contributors in Niagara Falls. -
Danny D'Addio In 1974, at 37, Danny D’Addio and the members of The Niagara Falls Rotary Club were invited to a luncheon at the local YMCA. A member of the fitness class interrupted the meeting, suggesting their time would be better spent working out in their noon fitness program. Danny took up the challenge and enrolled the next day. Within months he discovered he had an extraordinary talent for running—especially marathons, exhibiting both the speed and endurance needed for the 42.2-kilometre (26 miles) event. That summer, Danny entered a YMCA regional cross-country race in Hamilton where he finished first in his age division, proving to himself that he could compete at a higher level. The competitive spirit was now in his blood, and with the help of a local seasoned marathon runner he set out on a training program that would see him become one of the top long-distance runners in the area, on either side of the border. In 1976 he accomplished a feat that was rare at the time: he ran two marathons in one week. The first was on Labour Day Monday at Rochester, New York, and the following Saturday he won his age division at a marathon in Erie, Pennsylvania. Danny routinely medalled in the newly organized Skylon International Marathon, from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, taking individual and team awards as a member of Track Niagara. As well, he competed in notable events such as the Boston Marathon, Blossom Festival, Run for the Grapes and the historic Man-a-Mile race from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Oakes Park. -
Don McLean Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2012 ; Athlete - Hockey / Baseball Pre-1970 Era ; -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Lori Martin being rescued after she and Steve Trotter went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Steve Trotter being rescued after he and Lori Martin went over the Horseshoe Falls in a barrel. On June 18, 1995 Steve Trotter and Lori Martin were the first "coed" team to go over the falls in a barrel. The 12 foot barrel was made from 2 pieces of hot water heater welded together and coated in kevlar. They had an air supply lasting 90 minutes. After going over the Horseshoe Falls, the barrel became lodged in a rock crevice and members of the Niagara Falls Fire Department, along with Parks police had to climb over the guard rail in the tunnels to reach the trapped barrel and secure it with a line to shore. They then opened the hatch and pulled out Martin and Trotter followed. -
Reid, Charmaine Inducted January 2016 -
McCabe, Lois Inducted January 2015 -
Biamonte, Ralph Dr. Ralph’s interest in horses and the field of horse racing began in the 1950’s in Niagara Falls, where he was employed as a hot walker for horses at Fort Erie Race Track. His passion for horses remained strong, even as he attended dental school and established a dental practice in Niagara Falls (1971-2002). In the midst of running a busy dental office, Ralph pursued his interest in horse racing as an owner, and in 1985 he took the next step and acquired his Thoroughbred Trainers License. Within a few years, Ralph established himself as the top trainer at Fort Erie Racetrack, and was the leading trainer at that track from 1992-1997. In consecutive years, he broke the track record for number of wins in a single season by a trainer. Ralph achieved his 1000th career win in 2013 and currently has 1160 victories while still maintaining a successful stable. These wins include over 20 different “Stakes Race” winners, and Ralph is ranked as a Graded Stakes Winning Trainer. Over the past few decades, Ralph has raced his horses in Ontario, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, West Virginia, Florida, and Ohio. He has also enjoyed great success in the field of breeding, and has bred multiple Stakes winning horses of his own. Total purse earning over the course of Ralph’s training career have reached 23 million dollars. He continues to train and race horses in Southern Ontario. -
Bobby Leach and his barrel after his July 25, 1911 trip over the Horseshoe Falls from a photograph in the Buffalo Erie County Historical Museum 132 NF -
Frederick William Hill, Brigadier General CB, CMG, DSO,VD retired and living in New Brunswick LINCOLN AND WELLAND REGIMENTAL MUSEUM REGIMENT MAYORS -
Frederick William Hill, Brigadier General CB, CMG, DSO,VD retired and living in New Brunswick LINCOLN AND WELLAND REGIMENTAL MUSEUM REGIMENT MAYORS -
Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame - William (Bill) Irvine Builder hockey era 1900 - 1970 William (Bill) Irvine, a very dedicated sports enthusiast, devoted many years of his life to the game of ice hockey. His love for the sport began as an above average player, while performing with championship minor hockey teams in Stamford, Ontario. Hockey Icon, Jack Bell, was very impressed with Bill’s superb skating ability and vast knowledge of the sport. He introduced Bill as a referee in the Canadian Legion House leagues at the age of fourteen. After perfecting his officiating skills and being commended for it, Bill became a certified referee with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association. Reliable and proficient service led him to a job with the Ontario Hockey Association, performing as a linesman and referee for many seasons. The other leagues which Bill plied his services were: Stamford Lions Midgets, Niagara Falls Industrial, Chippawa “No-Hit”, High School, and Western New York Senior. He also refereed in various tournaments and Niagara Ball Hockey. Bill’s exceptional work ethic and unrivaled dedication to the sport, was admired by his supervisors and set a very splendid example for future referees to follow. Bill treasured the many friendships that were acquired through hockey, thoroughly enjoying the countless cities and venues where his assignments took him. Bill Irvine was always a very proud ambassador of his hometown of Niagara Falls ; -
Fox Head Hotel, Niagara Falls, Canada American and Horseshoe Falls (left and centre) ; Memorial Arch and Niagara Parkway centre ; Oakes Garden Theatre bottom right ; -
Public school Dunnville Ontario Brick building with flat roof and central portico ; snow on ground ; -
Post Office and Quality Store Ridgeville Ontario A low single storey building with a false facade fitted in two sections to make it look larger ; the far windows has " F C Williams" painted on ; door and transom has "Ridgeville Post Office" ; second window on second part of the facade has advertising for Salada teas ; to the left of the image is a cart drawn by two horses ; the driver is seated on the cart and there are boxes and packages piled on ; to the right of the image is a buggy drawn by a single horse being driven by a man wearing a boater ; a man is leaning on a post directly in front of the store ; -
Greater Niagara Softball Association honours Team and Individual Award Winners The Greater Niagara Softball Association honoured team and individual award winners at their annual banquet on Saturday night. Shown receiving trophies and awards are, left to right, front row, Larry Pineo, rookie-of-the-year; Terry Mann, leagues most valuable player; and Dave Kinsely of Ernies B's, playoff and league champion. Back row, GNSA president, Leo Burger; Tony Senese of city champion McRaes; Frank Rodriquez, batting champion; and Pat Defoe of McRaes, GNSA playoff runner-up -
Bob "Heater" Lavelle Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2011 ; Builder Baseball 1991 - present era ; -
Edward (Ed) Strohak Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2011 ; Builder Hockey 1971 - 1990 ; -
Paisley Janvary Pool Inducted into the City of Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame January 2011 ; Builder - Sports Wall of Fame Committee 1970 - 1990 Era ; -
Memorial plaque and fountain at the sidewalk along Victoria Avenue and Bender Street. Memorial plaque and fountain at the sidewalk along Victoria Avenue and Bender Street. The plaque reads : Danny (Annibale) D'Addio 1938-2009. Businessman/Tourism Pioneer/ Athlete. Danny D'Addio never turned away from a friend. Loyal and true, his heart was big enough to hold an entire city. Quietly he worked, shared and helped build lives. He earned the love of many and the respect of all. -
Film crew, Roger and Deanne Woodward and her rescuers, John Quattrochi, and John Haynes Left to Right: Crew member, John Quattrochi, Roger Woodard, Deanne Woodward, John Haynes and another crew member. They were filming a documentary, "Miracle @ Niagara - the Roger and Deanne Woodward Story."
