The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-05-25
The New Parl0r Pastime.

Beauty on skates is the phrase that
describes parlor diversion, which is
taking the place of dancing in America
and England. In England the parlor-
skating rink has become an indispensa-
able adjunct OF all the fashionable water-
ing places. In Bath, Brighton and
Worthington il has superseded all the
old kinds OF pleasure, and day and night
throughout the year the rinks are filed
with beauty and fashion. In Brighton
rink has been constructed of an acre In
area, and over its smooth stone pave
ment every afternoon and evening O
thousand gentlemen and ladies glide in
every attitude Of the skaters graceful
movements.
At the entrance to the rink o door
keeper charges o shilling for admission
and sixpence for the use of pair of
skates. The visitor, if he is a novice, is
first conducted to training-r0om, called
| the "nursery," in which he is instructed
| in the skillful management of his feet on
the ''rollers," and made ready for safe
entry upon the main rink. All are re-
quired TO pass through the nursery, for
proficiency on ice skates does not insure
| success ON wheeled skates. Several se-
rious accidents have happened to the
fair skaters of Brighton, but without
chilling their enthusiasm in the exciting
sport. One OF the aristocratic myers Is
nursing broken thumb, another Is
mending broken leg, and third is in
the hands Of a surgeon and dentist, a
serious fall having dislocated her upper
teeth and driven them through her un-
der lip.
The rink Costume Of the ladies is said
to be exceedingly beautiful, being shs:t,
light and airy, and fitted close to the
/ ha hn al nf Uh fat
has also appeared, but 1t does not con.
tribute toward graceful curves and evo.
lutions. The Institution Of the rink in
Brighton has drawn to that city the
richest and most fashionable people OF
England, and made the place known az
the City of Butterflies.
The man who has thus revolutionized
the pastimes of the fashionable world is
a Yankee inventor, Mr.. Jas. l.. Plimpt0n,
of New York, who invented the parlol
skate about twelve years ago. His in
vention at once became popular, and he
lsold rights to manufacture in nearly al
the States Of The Union. In 1870 the
skate was introduced into California
favor that within three months rights
were sold to the amount of $3S, 900.
Mr.. Plimpton's income from the grea
Pavilion rink of San Francisco oftei
exceeded $4,000 month. About thre,
years ago his agent, W. H. Huntley, tool
the skate to England, and the favor will
which it was received there by far ex
ceeded its success in America. Mr.
Huntley also sold rights in most Of tn
countries on the Continent. Recent.
the skate was introduced into the Soull
American republics, into the Sandwich
Islands, and into Australia. The tota
Al. I4 4f frrhf In
, netted Mr.. Plimpton $50, 900.
The inventor has been in England TO
|; the past year, whittier he was called b!
the increasing magnitude OF that brancl
, of the business. He was accompanied
by his daughters, Frances and Kate
aged 10 and IL respectively, both grace
lful skaters, who have exhibited thei
: proficiency before the Prince OF Vale
and other members Of the royal fam lily