Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-29
SLEDS ON ROLLERS.
A Novel Disposition to Be Made ofthe
Grand Central Rink.
NO rHEATER THERE FOB AWHILE.
Lovers Of Coasting to Be Given Their
Sport All the Year Round.
THE sLsDs TO BE MADE In PITTSBURG

Ever since it was definitely settled that
"Aivin Joslyh" would push his theater
scheme through, it has been matter of con-
lecture as to what would be done with the
Grand Central Rink. Manager Harry
Williams, of the Academy of Music, who
had contemplated the erection there of q
new place of amusement, came to the con-
clusion that he would wait until he saw
what success the other new houses had be-
fore venturine to make the investment.
Within the past few days, however, nego-
tiations have been consummated by which
the rink is to be converted into what will in
the future be known as the 'Penn Avenue
Amusement Hail." in which will be oper-
ated patented roller sled, which furnishes
new and novel kind of amusement after
the fashion of a toboggan slide.
j. w. Bankson, who has followed the
theatrical profession for the last 20 years, is
the inventor of the new device, known as
the Bankson roller sled. 1t is builtmuch
like the ordinary sled, except that it is a
longer apparatus, with rubber-tired rollers,
which add smoothness and kill the sound
while the sled is in operation.
Within the next few days large force OF
men will be put to work getting the build
ing into shape. 1t will be SO remodeled
that the only feature about it which will re-
main is the gallery. The interior will be
painted and decorated and slide erected,
13O feet long and 70 feet wide, extending
from the front of the building toward the
rear. The slide will consist of II alleys,
separated by a strong scantling to serve as
guide and prevent accidents.
At the bottom Of the slide there will be
long stretch of level floor. followed by
gentle rise to break the speed of the sleds.
The latter are 50 constructed as to carry
three people, and it is claimed for them that
a ride on one of them gives more pleasure,
although experienced with less danger, than
either 'switch-back, ;" old-fashioned circu-
lar roller coaster, roller skates or the
modern toboggan slide.
Arrangements have been made to have
the sleds manufactured in this city. MUIR
ply & Diebold will turn out the woodwork,
and another local firm will furnish the
trimmings.
1t is expected to open up the Amusement
Hall on Saturday, April IL. Plttsburg
will have the distinction of making the first
test of the new sport, although contracts
have been closed to have slide erected at
several summer resorts. Piper & Co. have
been engaged to erect one at Coney Island.
Wainwright 6 Smith will put up one at
Rockaway Beach and Augustine Beck will
build one at South Beach, Staten Island.
Mr.. Bankson will remain in Pittsburg
and have full control of the concern here.
He will open on April 10, giving a compli-
mentary exhibition and reception 10 the
members Of the local press and their fami-
lies, and will open the house to the public
the following day. Mr.. Bankson is we'll
known in theatrical circles. He appeared
at the Grand Opera House two seasons ago
with the 'sMain Line" Company.