Honoring their horseshoe hero

COEUR d'ALENE - When it comes to the game of horseshoes in North Idaho, one name stands out above the rest: Elmer Currie.

Revered as a legend by many and "Mr. Horseshoe" to some, the 94-year-old horseshoe enthusiast was inducted into the Idaho State Horseshoe Pitcher's Hall of Fame in a touching ceremony Saturday afternoon in the Winton Park Gazebo.

"I never thought anything like this would ever happen to me," Currie said, softly and humbly as he stood and accepted the award.

"I'm so happy, I can hardly stand it," he said. "I was so surprised."

The award was kept top-secret by his kids, David, Ted and Rick Currie and Beverly Oliver, a couple of whom also surprised him by appearing at the ceremony. Rick and his wife, Vicki, hid behind a tree so Elmer wouldn't see them until the very moment the glossy, wooden plaque was presented.

"It really is wonderful and he deserves it," said Bernie, Elmer's wife of 73 years. She was right by his side for the honors.

"He's helped a lot of the young people get started when they started to pitch horseshoes, and you know, that's good for the younger people," she said.

The award presentation occurred during a meeting that followed the first half of the Idaho State Horseshoe Pitching Association (ISHPA) singles championship tournament, which included about 45 participants from all over Idaho. Although Elmer didn't pitch any shoes in Saturday's tournament, he mingled with other players, watched the competitions and visited with old friends.

"Most of us know people that are exceptional," said Ted, 70, who is Elmer and Bernie's oldest child. "I've known a lot of guys in my life, but he's actually the most exceptional I've ever known - even if he wasn't my father, just knowing what he's done and knowing what he's accomplished."

Elmer is a former Kootenai County commissioner who began playing horseshoes at the age of 55. He garnered support and funding for the original horseshoes facility at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds and again when it was permanently moved to Winton Park. He was always an advocate for a local horseshoes organization and served three terms as the president of the ISHPA. A local horseshoe tournament, the Elmer Currie Classic, was named several years ago in his honor.

David Spears, the ISHPA regional director and Idaho Hall of Fame chairperson, said he conducted research and found that Elmer's dedication, love of the game and hard work to organize it locally have been more than what is needed to qualify for the prestigious honor.

"I make sure that people who are worthy of getting into that go way above and beyond what is normal," Spears said, adding that those who are inducted are determined and passionate about the game.

Glen Wessel, president of the Kootenai County Horseshoe Association, met Elmer more than 30 years ago. He was a bit tearful during the ceremony, remembering when he first bonded with Elmer and when they struck up their friendship playing horseshoes.

"Congratulations," he said to Elmer while shaking his hand. Elmer reminded Wessel about a set of horseshoes he gave him when they first met.

"I've still got it, and I still use it," Wessel said with a laugh. "32 years ago. It wore out and he gave it to me."