Encyclopedia Dubuque
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
HORSESHOE PITCHING
HORSESHOE PITCHING. Inter-city horseshoe pitching contests were held as early as 1913 when a team from Dyersville as planning to meet a Dubuque team for team, doubles, and singles honors. (1) As a sport for social gatherings, horseshoe pitching, for men, was offered at the Ladies of St. Joseph Parish of Washington Township "Lawn Fete" organized for August 16, 1916. (2) In 1921 the third annual horseshoe pitching tournament, affectionately known as "barnyard golf," for the championship of the United States was held in St. Petersburg, Florida the week of February 21, 1921. (3) It became a popular sport for any summer occasion such as the annual picnic of the ELKS at the RIVERSIDE COUNTRY CLUB.
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Sources:
1. "Horseshoe Men in Contests," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, June 22, 1913, p. 7
2. "A Lawn Fete," The Telegraph-Herald, August 13, 1916, p. 8
3. "Old and Young to Match Skill in 'Barnyard Golf' Title Tournament," Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, February 15, 1921, p. 13
