The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1868-12-04
SkalIng Rinks,

SkaiIng Kinks.
We notice that considerable activi
ty IS being displayed in different parts
of the State in the construction of
Skating Kinks and the organization
Of skating clubs. The invention OF
parlor or roller skates, so that the
amusement and exercise can be en-
loved in Summer as we'll as in Winter,
and the construction of comfortable
houses. we'll lighted with gas and sup
Dlied'with refreshments, has Invested
skating with a new interest, and
it is now becoming epidemic. In
Chicago there are no less than six or
eight magnificent Kinks, which are
nightly, and almost daily, crowded.
Pittsburgh, Cleveland. Cincinnati, S..
Louis, and all the prominent cities of
the Northwest have caught the infec-
ton, which has spread to the smaller
cities. indianapolis has very fine
Rink. Madison is having one built.
New Albany is not yet provided with
a Rink, but has been supplied with a
very elegant arrangement for skating
by one of her citizens, who is fixing
up park not far from the city. La
fayette is anxious for a Rink. and is
taking steps to have one. Messrs.
r.. r. PARKER & j. HODGsoN, of In
dianapolis, have proposed to build
one for that city, provided the follow
ing proposition is accepted:
We propose to build skating rink,
to be located within the corporate
limits of the city of Lafayette, and on
or contiguous to the street railway ::
PROVIDED, the citizens of said city
obligate themselves to purchase two
hundred season tickets at $50 each !;
said tickets to admit one gentleman
and lady for the period of six months,
excepting six nights, which shall be
reserved by the management to be
paid for as follows, viz: oue-half of
the amount $50 when the rink is
half built, and the remaining SO upon
the completion thereof Said rink to
be about the following dimensions:
Is feet wide by 225 feet long and As
high.
The Skating Rink removes many of
the objections which are reasonably
urged against skating. They avoid all
danger of breaking through the ice and
drowning, as frequently happens on the
streams and lakes and ponds. to
which the sport has heretofore been
confined. They also avoid the ex-
posture which can not be prevented in
the open air. This, with the ladies
in particular, is of vital Importance
A more beautiful sight cannot be
desired THAI that of large party of
gentlemen aud ladies aud children,
dressed in bright colors, going through
the most graceful evolutions on
skates. There is variety and wac
ity in their movements that is perfect
ly charming. la all the Kinks. too,
there may be seen the awkward be-
ginner, whose first attempts and many
mishaps always provoke shouts of
laughter, and is source of mex
haustible amusement. The exercise
is most exhillerating, and can only be
beneficial to al who enjoy it.
Now, why can't we have Skating
Rink in Evansville? We appeal to
the proprietors of the Crescent City
Springs. Can they not, with the as
sistance of the young gentlemen aud
ladies of the city-in some such way
as suggested by Messrs. PARKER &
HoDGsoN to the citizens of Lafayette
construct a magnificent Rink on
their grounds at the Crescent City
Springs? They have excellent means
already provided for flooding the Rink,
and when not wanted, letting the
water into the creek. We are confident
enough season tickets could be sold
to go far towards paying for the con-
struction of the building, while the
lessee of the Springs would make a
good thing out of the sale of refresh
ments. By all means, let US have
aSkating Rink, aud that right early.