The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1906-02-12
WARNING WERE
IGNORED BY
THE SKATERS

About every person that could manipu-
late a pair Of skates yesterday had
good word for winter. and having allowed
at least one good day OF skating. no mat
ter what pranks IL may play for the re-
mainder of the season, the sting OF dis
appointment has been taken of and the
city is glad
Yesterdays weather was enough TO
bring JOY 10 the heart OF the most crusty
old rheumatic and 20 cause him TO for
get HIS ills and pains for the delights Of
fered by the sun overhead. the joyous
laughter Of the.younger element on what
ever bit OF space there was I'm about the
city covered with skating possibilities, and
the Jingle OF the sleigh bells over the
The sun has past that portion on the
solar system on the way to summer.
where the breath OF winter can do much
harm TO its rays, and despite the fact
that under foot there was every evidence
that winter was still with us. the sun In
ito glow belied that announcement with
all the vigor OF its So.s4 barometric pres
The humidity was low, but OF what in
terest was that 10 the most OF the
younger element, 80 long as there was
possibility of listing TO the crunchine
sound Of the steel runners on the ice or
the gliding in and out among the hun
dreds OF others bent upon the same Plies
The park lakes called with voice that
was irresistible TO many. and though the
danger signs were displayed conspicuous
ly In various portions OF the ice. IL was
any terror The determination Was TO
skate and skate they did. The lakes at
Roger Williams park were fairly well
All along the streets where the ice had
been allowed TO melt and then harden
again could be heard the jingle OF the
sleigh bells but the most of those who
had been signing for one chance To get
the rust of the runners made fast tracks
for the cuontry and outlying districts,
where the gracing air sent the fresh red
Even the most spawned old plug seemed
to scent the merriment and fun and for
get age and weaknesses in the fun OF
stepping behind the bells. Those who
have 10 toll all the week and get but lit
tie recreation during that time seized upon
any pretense TO be out Some got into
the hockey games on whatever pond there
happened to be one. while those who had
not the skates or sticks just simply had
to get out the ice and see that there was
no delusion about II.
When the news spread that there was
skating on the lakes there was a tumbling
OF skates from the shelves and attics and
soon there was a throng on the fee.
on the whole. the skaters were OF the
nance OF boys. who performed the usual
alarming and spectacular feats on the
steel runners. Swapping the whip" and
the roll were two diversions that came
in for large share of the popularity.
Another sport that developed into tumbles
which might cause serious injury to older
persons was practiced by a number of
boys Climbing 10 the top of an incline.
they would sided own the snow and ice
course upon their ekates. and on reaching
the bottom would tumble and slide along
the ice on their backs.
There were also numerous older per-
sons. who attracted considerable attention
by the ability to execute fancy features
on the skates. With considerable grace,
they did the roll, and the supple manner
in which they glided over the ice was the
cause OF much admiring comment from
the younger companions in enjoyment.
There were many examples OF awkward
and inexperienced skaters who took n
large number Of tumbles. which were Gre
ative OF much enjoyment to all except
themselves.
III the weather continues 20 he cold and
clear. the skaters signs will be on the
cars, and the sport may be enjoyed with
the approval OF the park authorities to-
day. the rain Friday improving the sur
face 10 an appreciable extent.
With the exception OF two or three
places where there is running water. the
lakes are frozen solidly. and there ls
promise OF considerable sport for the skat-