Winter is upon us. What did our forefathers do to entertain
themselves in the late 1800s and early 1900s?”
I did some research in the old Springville Journals and found that., Toboggan
were advertised for a winter activity, along with sleighing, skiing, and ice
skating. Along with Advertisements for
the outwear such as coats, scarfs and gloves for these sports.
Now I wondered, where did they go ice skating around here
and I was surprised at what I found. Shuttleworth Pond (that use to be located
behind the stores on Main Street) was always popular for ice skating. In 1888
they were cutting ice from this pond as well, the crop of ice that year was one
of the best in a long time. Mr. Andrews and Mr. Richter jointly put up an icehouse
on the banks of the pond, so they did not have a long way to haul the ice. It
was reported in that same year that Willie Shippey, a lad of 14 years, while
skating on the pond, did glided out upon thin ice made by the ice gatherers and
went down though the ice. He kept
himself up by kicking about vigorously until a companion, Allie Parker came to
his aid and pulled him out of the water. This pond was used for years and years
as an ice rink in town and claimed to be one of the best around. The Village Highway Department at a later
point erected a wind shelter on the dam at the west end of the upper pond, and
they keep the large rink free of snow.
A warning that was published read, “it is well to remember
that even the best swimmers are unable to swim in ice water with skates and
winter clothing.” Also “Children throwing stones on the ice just for the sport
of watching them glide across the pond, should be discouraged. If these stones freeze on the ice, they will
spoil the skating.”
In 1887, it was recommended to wear proper head dress, which
included turbans and toques of sealskin, beaver and other suitable furs. The fur turbans follow the accepted ideas for
the season, having the crown taller and fuller than in the past, and a wider
brim. Some of the Sealskin turbans were trimmed with ribbons and bows, and some
even had quill feather embossed on them.
Of course all of these could be purchased and one of the many stores
like J L Cohen, A D Jones Emporium, Smith Brothers Store, that were located in
Concord.
Going back to research in the newspapers I found that in the
year 1930, that the baseball field on Eaton Street was flooded and was safe for
children to skate. The ice rink that was
formed was 150 feet by 150 feet and they say that about 200 could use the rink
at one time. There were benches along
the back for putting your skates on and off and for resting.
In 1937, the
Springville Journal, reported that, good ice could be found behind Frank
Connolly home on Central Avenue, where there was a low land area that filled
with water. Wyatt’s Pond on Franklin
Street had 3 inches of ice and was smooth.
Sleighing was popular as well, going from house to house, or
house to ice rink. A Buffalo fur, or
thick blanket across you lap, bells that jingled as the horse trotted along,
and maybe even singing songs, as you went. Meeting up with friends along the
way.
Sledding down hills, was popular, as it is to this day. A hill on the farm, or even in a Park would
see young and old sliding down and enjoying the winter, in a toboggan, sled,
home made or store bought.
So don’t hibernate this winter, but go out and enjoy the
snow, make snow angels, snowmen, snow forts, have a snowball fight then go
inside to enjoy hot chocolate and cookies… why not?
