Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
Historian's Corner
February 26, 2016
Photo taken behind the Town Hall (JS) showing: 1.bridge base 2.skate rink 3.heated building. I hope this photo is clear enough to see in the newspaper. When I first came to Sandy Creek to serve as your historian my office was at the back of the building and when I questioned Margaret Kastler as to what the stone structure and small building was across the creek I was told it was where the kids from the town ice skated. Recently I reinitiated that conversation with her and was told the building was where the kids put on and took off ice skates and there was a small wood stove just to take the chill out of the building. The kids either accessed the building and rink by Academy Street or crossed a bridge of slats and rope handles from the back of the town hall, then Blount Parker Recreation Hall. What a great time they had and I so enjoyed the story I wanted to share it with the readers of this column.
Phyllis LeBeau went on line to the NYS historic newspapers and found articles on the rink. Percy Caster, a Lacona resident and fire chief, was noted for doing things for the community and its kids and appeared to head this up, one behind the town hall and one in Lacona.
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January 5, 1944: Sandy Creek News: Skating Rink Prepared: Through the kindness of Percy Caster, an ice skating rink about 300 feet long by 40 feet wide has been made ready for the young skaters of the community at the gravel pit in Lacona. Flood lights used on the school rink have been set up there. Even the fickle weather man has been kind and many a Christmas gift pair of skates have been tried out the past week. The evenings with bright moonlight and crisp but not too cold temperature have been ideal for skating. (We are looking for the location of this ice rink) January 4, 1951: Sandy Creek News: Skating Rink Is Well Patronized During Holidays: The local skating rink sponsored jointly by the BPE (Blount Parker Employee) and youth recreation program was a popular spot following its opening last Thursday with many skaters enjoying the sport. On Sunday there was quite a crowd and on New Year?s Day over 100 used the rink according to Percy Caster, who supervises the rink. He advises the skating fans to make the most of the sport during the next two weeks, weather permitting, as it is not anticipated that the rink will be flooded throughout the winter. As Mr. Caster remains at the rink only Sunday afternoons and from 7 to 9 in the evening, parents of young children are advised to accompany their small fry at other times. The building adjoining the rink is heated and parents are welcome to stay there, Mr. Caster stated. With so many children and young people using the rink, good sportsmanship and courtesy is in order so that all ages may have an opportunity to enjoy the sport, Mr. Caster stressed, adding that there is to be no playing of ice hockey on the rink except when permission has been obtained from him.
January 27, 1955: Sandy Creek News: Community Service: Ice Skating may be enjoyed at the BPE rink thanks to the efforts of the Local Explorer Scout Post. These young people have taken an interest in putting the rink in shape for skating and they deserve our congratulations for performing this service for the community. Margaret Kastler remembered fondly the wonderful time had by all. She remembers the skaters had to shovel the rink before skating. The group would go into the Blount Parker Employee Building (Town Hall) and get a hotdog and hot cocoa. We are looking for others with fond memories of ice skating at these rinks. |
Charlene Cole
Sandy Creek/Lacona Historian
1992 Harwood Drive
Sandy Creek, NY 13145
315-387-5456 x7
office hours: Friday 9am to 2pm
www.sandycreeknyhistory.com |
