Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1884-04-17
CAPITAL SKATING.
A Description Of the New Rink on Crosby
Street.
The Opening Last Evening Draws q Large
Crowd.

For centuries Terpsichore has held abject
sway over her devotees Her reign has been
imperious. and her subjects have been willing
ones But of late rival has arisen, The
muse of roller skating, By cunning artifce or
ortherwise, has ingratiated herself into the
good graces of the amusement-loving pec-
pie, until to-day it is a difficult matter to
decide which Of the two goddesses prevails.
The goddess of the rink rules in no uncer-
tain manner. Thousands of her admirers
have humbled themselves before this divinity
on their very knees. and have even rolled in
the dust in obeis4nce to her mandates.
Rinks-some of them well nigh palaces
have been erected throughout the country
and State for her reception, and it was but
fitting that Augusta, the capital, should have
one that in size and completeness should be
in conformity with her station. In answer
to the demand, . company consisting of DR..
j. +. Hill, Mr.. Geo. w. Vickery, Mr. John
P. Wyman and others, was formed for the
purpose, and the outcome is that to-day
Augusta has one of the finest Kinks in the
State, and is fully up with her sister cities
skating.
The site selected was on Crosby street, on
considerable elevation and overlooking the
river as it pours over the dam with ceas-
the valley of the Kennebec and its varied and
beautiful scenery. The structure rests on
l25 cedar posts, the lower ends of which stand
on squares of 8 inch oak planks feet beneath
the surface. This insures stability. The
snow was cleared from the site shortly
after the middle of March, and on
the 24th work was CONNIE need on the timber,
fitting it for the frame. Mr.. John P. Wy
man was master workman and never was tim
Der handled more actively or to better advant.
age. An average of 90 men was employed
and in l6 days work, yesterday being the last,
the rink was completed in readiness for
the skaters. Its total dimensions are I5Ox6O
feet, with Is feet posts. The roof is of the
double truss, pitch variety, and model OF
strength and symmetry. The floor is second
best to none in the State. Its dimensions are
l30x60 it, and the material used the best kiln
dried yellow birch that could be obtained 1t is
quite free from knots. The main entrance is
on the south side, where a broad platform.
with a wide walk leading thereto, is seen.
On the right as one enters is the ticket office
and skate-room l0xl5 feet Still further to
the right comes the cloak and check room 10
K l6. On the left are found the gentlemen
room 15xl0 and the ladies' parlor 15xI7.
These latter apartments will be supplied
with all necessary appurtenances. Over
the rooms is a gallery 60xl5 feet, and
equipped with five rows of seats. Extending
along the sides from the front are side CALLER
les 80 feet in length, with two rows of seats
each. 1t is estimated that 500 people can be
accommodated in the galleries alone. At the
upper extremity of the west gallery, hangs by
iron rods, capacious band stand. At the
southeast corner q saloon 12x20 feet. Be-
meath it is the boiler house. The building
will be heated by steam. The apparatus, how
ever, will not be put in until next fall. Light
will be furnished by lamps at present. al
though gas will probably be employed later.
1t required 200 feet Of lumber for the
construction of the rink, besides 100000
shingles and 900 clapboards. There are 80
windows and IL doors. Sixty chairs and 40
settees will make up a portion of the equip
ments. One hundred and fifty pairs of roller
skates have been purchased. A veranda
extending along the east side, is one of the
additions which may be expected in the near
future. The total cost will reach 5000.
The name of Capital skating rink. which
has been selected, is a fitting one and in &C
cordance with the location Of the rink and its
surroundings.
Last evening the floor having been COM
pleted, the rink was opened to the public. II
was most conspicuous opening. All were
admitted free of cost A great crowd
thronged the rink. Every seat in the CALLER
les was taken. and many people were obliged
to stand The floor was perfect mass OF
skaters, and it is estimated that $50 persons
were on rollers. Many came up from Hal
lowell. The Togus orchestra, which is SO
much favorite in Augusta, furnished the
music. Everybody liked the floor. Every
body admired the rink, and all went away
satisfied. The rink will remain open all day
today.