The Roller Rink Craze of 1872
Before the city's modern obsession with wellness, local promoters banked on a new indoor exercise to save Seattle’s youth from 'pernicious influences and vile haunts.'
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
We learn that certain parties in this city have made arrangements to build a large hall, 120x60 feet, to be used as a permanent skating rink, and have no doubt the enterprise will be a success. Roller skating is assuredly a novelty, but will wear. Its popularity is steadily on the increase throughout the civilized world. It combines the pleasures of the ballroom with the advantages of the gymnasium and is a delight at once to young and old. It is one of the few contrivances which the genius of amusement has supplied to youth, to which the doctors and preachers do not take exception. This exercise is also beneficial in its social and moral results; it quickens the mind, develops and disciplines judgment, activity and skill, and imparts a sure, elastic step and easy manners. In this way young people and others, who have not before had an opportunity of mingling in society, may make pleasant acquaintances and gain confidence in themselves. It affords just the sort of recreation required by our young girls for their physical development, while it is an attraction sure to allure from pernicious influences and vile haunts our young men and boys.
“It is one of the few contrivances which the genius of amusement has supplied to youth, to which the doctors and preachers do not take exception.”
In 1872, roller rinks were pitched as high-minded 'gymnasiums' to distract youth from the vice-filled waterfront. Today, Seattle’s debates over public space and youth activities continue, though the 'pernicious haunts' have been replaced by worries over smartphone addiction and the loss of physical third places.
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