The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-01-25
SKATING AT VAN CORTLANDT.

Not many winters ago II was the
custom OF those who owned ice skates
to walk periodically Over IT, Central
Park and take a peep u; the flag
STAFF that tops the Bclvedere. The
Bclvedere is at the southern end
Of the reservoirs and Il few blocks
above the large lake which IL the rem
dczvous for boaters in the summer and
skaters in the wintcr-at least that part
of the winter when the weather is suf-
tciently cold to provide ice of the re
quired thickness.
The Belvcderc Is located ut point
near Seventy ninth street and when the
trees are stripped of their leaves II Is
easy to see the hagstaff. The reason
that So many persons were Interested
in viewing that Flagstaff was 10 learn
whether the familiar white flag with
the red ball in the centre was dying
from it, such II tiag signhed that there
was skating In the park and the fark
department. was prompt in hosting the
signal
That was when Central Park was
tho fayorite skating place. Since that
time Central Park has lost prestige with
the skaters. not only for the reason tha'
there ~ only a minimum amount vi
skating there every season, but be
cause u lake In another park has super
seeded it in the estimation or ice skaters.
Van Cortlandt Park Is Central Parks
successor as n rendezvous for &c.
skaters. For one reason there is
greater amount of ice skating on the
lake In Van Cortlandt Park due to the
fact that the water freezes quicker be
4.
are no tall buildings IL impede the
wind and il has a clear play over the
lake. Another reason for the popularity
Of the lake in Van Cortlandt Park is
due i'm "a measure 10 the nat'ralness Of
the parl, itself. which is directly in con
trast with Central Park, which il known
~ an artihcial park.
Generally speaking, ice skaters are eN-
ponent- of that which tx natural. They
love the freedom aud fresh air which ar,
associated with the great winter sport.
Consequently they like to indulge In the
snort In natural surrOundings--and Van
Cortlandt Park furnishes those require
ments.
While there has been ice skating In
Van Cortlandt Park for many years, It's
location Vas such that # was only avail
able by trolley and steam railroad. But
when the broadway division OF the sub
way was completed # brought the park
within reach of those residing In all
parts of Manhattan and a certain par
OF Brooklyn, for Il must bc borne In
mind that the subway extends as far az
Atlantic avenue in the borough OF
churches. y Brooklynite boarding
| subway express can reach the park IN
.n ~ ,,,4 H., ,rir, T., ,,,r,b Will.
~, u,,,, ,.,.s ,b. van r,r,landt paw,
,.,,' ..,,,c. mathematics aud rroot.
-. -. I,.'.,,f.,., c,. ,..,,,o,,s
,,t,..,.i,f,,,,. yo,l,.rs Nom,
49, g., t.,.',,,,, Iia.rins. nnhbs
| 80, ~ ,r...,.,,..' ~ 800, ron,a
80 ,..I. ,,.,,.e.,,t..,
~ '.,' '''No
IRONY ',''H .''i"' " 81" ''' ''',
'o,N n'".' ~ "'''', u" NV '"Ne'
"" ''" '''. Gu'''''s ~
| '"u 'N va '"'7 ''''''
seen ~ any ,''''r ""' '''N '''' ""H n,," ="
! lh' evening III 'hc SUBWAY cars VT M
van '"ruahu' iAIh 'Ni'IeSs trains i"
! "'c"iliii"ua'' '''' c'"N'S " l'"sp'v''N'
{ skaters ''' '''"@N "'ahhseii'eht INKS
up ten cars ana sends them through Z"
the last S'"p--Nan 'ortiandt fark. IN
looking IN" passengers over 1t VIII b.
discovered mat only about one person In
: my ! moi supplied Win PAR of ice
/ Skate. 'u" pdickI! recognizes tho df-
!"r,Al Glasses '\ hook al their skates.
Invariably yo1 VIII discover tnat tn
! persons carrying hockey skates. NE
! very latest IN that Linz. convey 90" I'm
/ pr >S''r lu.' tn'y ar" well off, ihat x.
~ fdr as in"h"I is concerned MA Nor
| "lL aIs" note" mat persons cdrrI .hs "
! pan oi dnlipIai'd shdl"S, me knd tHa'