The Roller Rink That Saved Seattle’s Winter Evenings
Before the city lights were bright, the local Pavilion offered a refuge from the damp, offering lessons and laughter to the residents of 1872 Seattle.
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.
On and after March 11th, the Pavilion will be open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings. Every day and evening this week, ladies and gentlemen accompanying ladies will attend for practice and instruction from 2 to 5 o’clock, P.M. daily. Boys from 10 to 12 a.m. Admittance, 25 cents. Use of skates, 25 cents. Ladies admitted free. Monthly dues for use of rink: Gentlemen, $6; Lady and Gentleman, $8; Ladies and Children, $5. Ruth C. Spring and Plimpton Skates on hand. J.W. Sweeney, Proprietor.
“Every day and evening this week, ladies and gentlemen accompanying ladies will attend for practice and instruction.”
Long before the modern boom of indoor entertainment, Seattleites were looking for a way to stay active during the 'raw dampness' of the Pacific Northwest winter. The roller skating craze of the 1870s reflects the city's perpetual search for social spaces that can keep residents connected despite the gloom.
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