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Home , Hartland Molson, Hockey Hall of Fame

Hockey Hall of Fame,

STEVE PRYSTUPA

Hockey Hall of Fame the reconstruction of the meaning of work and Curatorial responsibility: Ray Paquet, leisure in the nineteenth century. The first Phil Pritchard, Jefferson G. Davis, Craig organized sports clubs in North America were Campbell typically of upper middle-class origin but Designer: Ken Young, Design Workshop acquired a broader demographic base as the Opening date: 18 June 1993 century progressed. Ordinary townspeople Accompanying publication: The Year­ continued to participate in various loosely book of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Toronto: structured activities and amusements wher­ St. Claire Group, 1993.194 pp., illus. Paper ever open water courses or fields could be $7.95. found within or near growing towns. Prototypes of hockey such as hurley (and other game vari­ The origin of the "Hall of Fame" as an exhibit ants such as rickets, ice polo and shinny) genre may be traced back at least half a century. evolved as versions of other devel­ That is when the baseball hall of fame at oping nineteenth-century Irish, Scottish, Cooperstown, New York, was first established. English and Aboriginal games such as foot­ Exhibits of sports memorabilia as such pre­ ball, polo and lacrosse. The word hockey, date the hall of fame venue. displays which came into common use in the 1870s, is in sports club rooms and private caches of believed to be derived from the French hoquet game-related collectables go back to the begin­ or the Iroquois hoghee. Until the '70s, these pop­ nings of competitive organized sports in the ular outdoor pick-up games did not mark a nineteenth century. sharp break with older, rural-based leisure Organized sports — including hockey — activities. By the latter part of die nineteenth are very much a part of the "invented tradition" century, increasing urbanization placed a which Eric Hobsbawm talks about in his greater premium on urban space, and sports influential book, The Invention of Tradition. activity was being channelled into two new New traditions, concepts of leisure and forms directions. of popular culture began to evolve in the nine­ Commercial sports facilities were con­ teenth century in conjunction with industri­ structed and teams with superlative skills were alization and urbanization. In time, music halls, organized to compete against each other in theatres, public libraries, museums, fair front of an appreciative, urban populace. The grounds, recreational parks, nature preserves spectators paid admission fees for this privilege and sports facilities became part of this emerg­ and sometimes also placed bets on the odds. ing new social and cultural complex. In a great The middle-class entrepreneurs, who provided variety of ways, these became the sites of con­ organizational skills as well as investment testation between different class, ethnic, capital, came to own the facilities as well as regional and national interests and shaped the the teams. character of contemporary society. The growing popularity of commercial spec­ Considering the centrality of these devel­ tator sports caused concern in both conserva­ opments to modern society and culture, tive and left-wing circles. There was opposition Canadian historians and museums have been to drinking, betting and brawling, which some­ somewhat tardy if not negligent in researching, times accompanied spectator sports, and collecting and interpreting such fields to the emphasis was placed on positive values such general public. Viewed in this light, sports his­ as democratic participation, fitness and incul­ tory is not just a subject of interest to aficiona­ cation of moral principles. As a result, a par­ dos of the game but an important sphere of allel stream of school and community fitness mainstream history and culture. It is of inter­ and amateur sport facilities and programs est in its own right and can also serve as a evolved. valuable indicator of larger social and cultural The history of Canadian hockey is deeply trends and inter-group relationships. embedded in both of these streams and the Thus, the emergence of hockey as an orga­ two streams penetrate one another to a large nized sport is part of a larger phenomenon, extent. The new Hockey Hall of Fame

Material History Review 41 (Spring 1995) I Revue d'histoire de la culture matérielle 41 (printemps 1995) 81 consciously tries to straddle both streams but, information on individuals of special interest in a last analysis, its main concern is with the or play a trivia game, while other visitors fol­ evolution of organized professional hockey. low intently. For the most part, the story is told through a rich Another kind of participatory experience array of artifacts, vivid dioramas, effective is offered by the "Coca-Cola Rink Zone." A experiential settings, historic film footage and realistic plastic ice area in front of a set of interactive video units that answer a wide bleachers is used for ice skill demonstrations. range of programmed questions. Large blocks As well, young and old alike may test their goal- of anecdotal copy provide the main storyline, tending abilities against a television simulation. placing emphasis on the heroes, the highlights, The "Household Family [sic] Zone" shifts the the great moments and certain curious footnotes emphasis away from the professional specta­ to the game, but few visitors read them. As a tor sport attractions, which tend to dominate result, the interpretation is carried in an impres­ much of the exhibit hall, to nostalgic family and sionistic way by the sensory impact of the community settings. Two dioramas, one show­ exhibit modules, which maintain a lively ing a family watching a T. V. hockey broadcast change of pace as visitors walk through. in the 1950s and another showing a family A quick run through the main exhibit hall group en route to a local game or practice, are layout will demonstrate the latter point. Not sur­ utilized for this purpose. Although they are prisingly, the names of the main modules reflect effectively executed, these dioramas do not the degree of corporate affiliation to the game, say a lot and appear anticlimactic within the since organized hockey was, from its inception, more lively atmosphere generated by the other a commercial spectator sport. The exhibit exhibit modules. sequence begins with a " Great The "Ford North American Zone" again Moments Zone." Presented in a series of glass underlines the continental orientation of much encasements, it serves as an exciting post­ of the hall. Although Canada is, through its own modern grand entrance to the hall. Next is a more prominence in international hockey, well rep­ laid-back "History Zone;" it effectively uses resented in this exhibit hall, the hall does not sepia tones of early visuals to cast the visitor into exclusively portray "Canada's national sport," the historic Canadian backdrop of hockey. The as some might suppose. The overall mandate "Marquee Zone" focusses on the arenas of the is clearly international. Featuring collections 24 cities of the (NHL), and images as well as interactive units, the showing both old and new, and featuring an Ford section updates the visitor on the history actual ticket kiosk from the Olympia. The of amateur, community-based hockey. How­ continental dimension of professional hockey is ever, without the glamorous facets of profes­ evident here. Curiously, this section also features sional hockey, this area also lacks zest. This hockey greats such as Jean Beliveau and a fas­ underlines the limitations of the vignette cinating display of goalie masks. approach. As long as the subject itself is com­ Next, the visitor may enter into a full-scale pelling or has a nostalgic value, this approach replica of a recent Canadiens dress­ works well, but more prosaic subjects require ing room and observe on-site demonstrations a stronger interpretive armature to give them of exercise and physiotherapy equipment. significance. Awareness of hockey's close connection with The latter observations bring into relief the the mass media is reinforced in the "TSN/RDS intrinsic character and formative principles of Broadcast Zone." An animated human figure the Hall of Fame. As the "Bell Great Hall" sec­ of a producer at the controls, so to speak, tion strongly underlines, it is, first and foremost, demonstrates how a television broadcast is a shrine to the heroes and great moments of produced and recreates the sounds that one hockey. The atmosphere of a shrine is indeed might experience from this vantage point. The evoked by this hall. Whereas the other exhibit " Theatre" is, in effect, a 150- modules deliberately block out the architecture seat arena-cum-theatre, where film clips rang­ from the show, this one makes it the central fea­ ing from professional ice action to a child's ture. The , emblematic of hockey first tenuous strides on skates are shown. The excellence since 1893, and other important "Arena Zone" presents equipment, historic are displayed in glass vaults beneath images and other memorabilia of many of the beautiful, ornately decorated dome of an hockey's great names. Here, a visitor may also 1885 bank building, which was restored for this operate interactive modules to pursue further purpose. Another standard feature of halls of

Material History Review 41 (Spring 1995) I Revue d'hii de la culture matérielle 41 (printemps 1995) 82 fame also appears here—the photographs and To some extent, this may be attributed to the supporting texts that present all those players, Hall of Fame's outstanding collection of historic officials and builders (corporate owners, man­ photographs (300 000 images in total); a wide agers, organizers) who have been inducted into range of hockey clothing and equipment asso­ the Hockey Hall of Fame. ciated with famous personages as well as more The Hall of Fame is to be congratulated modest community clubs; early posters, pro­ for the way it has incorporated a fine heritage grams, press clippings, audiovisual materials building into its overall concept — an effec­ and miscellaneous other memorabilia. These tive juxtaposition of functional contemporary are displayed in great quantity in the exhibits. exhibit space with the serene period atmo­ A strong collection to begin with, it is being vig­ sphere of the "Great Hall." Apart from the orously promoted as a research resource. New historic hall, there is a definite post-modern acquisitions are quickly channelled into the feel to the exhibit gadgetry and a very con­ in-house exhibits as well as temporary emplacements at sports events and mobile temporary use of glass and superimposed exhibits. The facilities also provide a venue for graphics in the case design. However, this is training programs and other special gatherings not done simply for the sake of effect. Watch­ within the exhibit environment. Thus, there is ing visitors move through the exhibit area, an overall dynamic to the Hall of Fame that one is struck by how absorbed they become belies the notion of a "permanent" exhibit. in the subjects and activities that are pre­ sented and how they socialize with fellow In a last analysis, historians may argue that visitors. On first glance the exhibit media are more interpretive depth could have been quite striking, but then seem to fade out of con­ achieved in the new round of exhibits at the sciousness as engagement occurs. The visitor Hockey Hall of Fame. Sports history can be pre­ is taken quite intimately through time, made sented as a valuable indicator of wider socio­ to feel a brush-past with the great ones, and economic trends as well as a fascinating sphere re-lives some of the moments of a colourful of popular culture in itself. However, on bal­ ance, the Hall of Fame has done an admirable past. Old-timers no doubt find that the well- job in broaching this new sphere. It has also constructed vignettes of earlier days ring true, shown considerable acumen in presenting his­ while young visitors assimilate vivid impres­ tory effectively through some ofthe latest media sions of a past they have only perhaps heard and establishing a vital participatory relation­ of but never knew. In effect, the exhibit re­ ship, not just with sports buffs but with the pub­ invents memory and tradition for them. lic at large.

Curatorial Statement

JEFFERSON G. DAVIS

While laying the groundwork for presenting the ofthe Museum will cater to them at some point history of ice hockey, the Hall of Fame staff has during their visit. The feedback we have worked with a of key objectives in received thus far has been overwhelmingly mind. On a general level the goal is to educate positive. The display cases dealing with Bobby and entertain each of our guests through vari­ Orr, , , , ous themed displays of high quality. The inten­ , the great goalies, the great tion is to ensure that all levels of play from the coaches and other important figures have suc­ grass roots to the National Hockey League cessfully appealed to people of various age (NHL) are represented. The growing interna­ groups who saw these individuals during their tional appeal ofthe sport and its cultural impor­ prime. In addition to the obvious merits of tance within Canada are also stressed. Hockey their respective careers, the "greats" were Hall of Fame members have been granted a selected based on sufficient artifacts being special area where their accomplishments will available and the need to have representation be forever honoured. from hockey's different eras. Regardless of a person's chief area of inter­ The beautifully restored Bell Great Hall est regarding hockey, it is intended that a part serves as an ideal setting for a tribute to the

Material History Review 41 (Spring 1995) I Revue d'histoire de la culture matérielle 41 (printemps 1995) 83 Hockey Hall of Fame members. People have an our guests to make donations. Our ability to opportunity to learn about the careers of these offer as many aspects of hockey history as pos­ storied figures on the honoured members' wall sible has given many people the idea to come or through the touchtone monitors provided. forward with artifacts related to their own per­ The setting is formal, with the Hall of Fame sonal experiences. members' full names being used. Rather than Our unique position as a library, archives, ignore the fact that the Great Hall was a bank media centre and rentable entertainment facil­ throughout its existence, the old vault has been ity can make it difficult to adhere to principles used to display the original Stanley Cup bowl and bands engraved with team rosters. of archival arrangement, description and con­ servation. We often deal with interests whose The North American zone is the key area concern is to make use of our collection with­ stressing the notion that all levels of play are out the required concern for the care of our arti­ relevant when coming to terms with hockey his­ facts. Generally, it is possible to provide good tory. Minor hockey artifacts are displayed in service to people while enlightening them as conjunction with such well-known facets of amateur competition as the Memorial and to the importance of careful handling of vari­ playoffs. ous materials. The replica of the present-day Montreal We often deal with journalists or publishers Canadiens' dressing room is completely accu­ who require immediate access to negatives or rate and is among the most popular features of artifacts. It is at these times where our staff the Museum with fans and players alike. It is must be firm yet courteous in order that prop­ equipped with monitors that illustrate aspects erly documented retrieval occurs. We must of an NHL trainer's work and also show teams take the time to ensure that only those images preparing themselves before an NHL game. we own are used for publication. The family/cultural zone brings back such Because we sell refreshments on site, our rituals for people as early morning practice guest services staff are instructed to strictly and . Guests have been enforce the delimited areas where consumption thoroughly entertained as they search for the may occur. When food and alcohol are served subtle props in the 1950s scene of the family during special events, the ability to control watching Hockey Night in Canada. This exhibit guests' points of consumption is often reduced. illustrates the cultural relevance of hockey in All of these concerns are of the utmost pri­ Canada in an entertaining and vivid manner. ority with the Hockey Hall of Fame Resource An interactive games area combines the Library and Archives staff. While difficult situ­ high-tech wizardry of the present era with the ations do materialize, we are unified in our pol­ timeless desire of people of all ages to play icy to ensure that our collection is protected. our game. The NTN trivia station and the TSN broadcast booth provide further opportunities Located in the heart of , to directly participate in the enjoyment of the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibitry has gener­ hockey's heritage. ated many accolades from the public during its The modern facilities do not detract from the first year. During the next few years, artifact dis­ importance of the artifacts themselves. People plays will be updated as frequently as possible. have been continually mesmerised by such A key component of our future success will be gems as the original Stanley Cup, the story of the use of donated artifacts not included in Jean Beliveau as told through his own scrap- the opening-day exhibitry in June 1993. As we book, the Detroit Olympia ticket booth and the acquire more artifacts, our range of themed generic hockey equipment dating back to the displays will hopefully expand. Our staff is nineteenth century. driven by the challenge to continually offer The sheer volume and variety of the Hockey an educational and entertaining experience in Hall of Fame exhibits have inspired many of the competitive environment of Toronto.

Material History Review 41 (Spring 1995) I Revue d'histoire de la culture matérielle 41 (printemps 1995) 84