Innocent Amusement: The Skating Rink Craze

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by Kristine Schmucker, HCHM Archivist/Curator

“Allow me to give you a few facts regarding the skating rink craze, which is becoming more and more violent and disgusting.” (Newton Kansan, 26 February 1885)

With this opening the editor of the Newton Kansan expressed his dismay at this past time that was “one of the most widespread and harmful phases of dissipation we have yet to meet.”

“Most Widespread and Harmful Phases of Dissipation”

The Kansan editor quotes a pastor writing to the editor of the U.W. Advocate who reported of young ladies “near death’s door” because of time spent at the roller rink.  One young lady implored her pastor “O, don’t cease to cry out against the rink, that is what brought me to this!” According to the article there were reports of deaths “through the rink.”  In addition, the craze was keeping young people from attending Thursday evening prayer meetings at church. Men were not able to pay their debts “because of money expended at the rinks” and families were broken up.

The rinks expose people to “over-exertion; accidents occur in the form of broken arms . . .there is doubtless always a class of present to see ladies fall, and the gentlemen fall over them.”  They are expensive and often had side shows with opportunities for “indiscretion, the first steps toward vice there is no parental supervision.” Even secular newspapers like the New York Tribune and Sun declare the rink as “an evil . . . worse than the ordinary theatre.”

The article concludes with three points against skating rinks 1) an antagonist of church, 2) demoralizes and undermines character, 3) destroys health.  (Newton Kansan 26 February 1885)

“Immoral Effects”

Another writer wondered in 1884:

“Does it improve a young girl’s modesty or morals to fall in a heap on a skating rink floor, in the gaze of hundreds, with perhaps her feet in the air and her clothes tossed over her head?  Is it good for her proper training to see other females in such plight?”

The editorial concluded by claiming that roller skating could not “help having immoral effects” even if the management of the rink was sound.  The long-ago writer also claimed that roller skating was the “most mischievous form of public amusement ever introduced” and believed that it would soon be “suppressed as a dangerous evil.”

The editorial staff of the Lowell, MA  paper expressed dismay at the way skaters were “enthusiastically, hurling themselves across the floor.” They also lamented that the local rink was “the cause of more and worse immorality […] in the city than even music halls. multi-purpose facilities, playing host to dances, meetings, and other community events.”

“Preacher’s Occupation”

A short article in the Newton Kansan, author unidentified, pushed back at these negative voices noting, “were there no dangers to menace the soul, the preacher’s occupation would be gone . . .just as a subject was on the point of exhaustion . . . instantly the church finds a new target to practice on.” (Newton Kansan, 12 March 1885)

Other than concerned preachers, roller skating was deemed an appropriate activity for men and women to do together in the 1880s- 1910, allowing young couples to meet without reprisal or rigid chaperoning. Most of the early marketing included the health benefits of roller skating.

Roller Skating in Newton: “Fun for Every Lover of Innocent Amusement.” 

Roller skating was a popular pastime in Newton with at least three skating rinks in operation from 1882 – 1890. Halstead also had a skating rink in 1884 managed by Gus H Otto. (Newton Kansan 18 December 1884)

On December 14, 1882, Henry Brunner and George W. Seaton purchased the Chamber Bros skating rink which was under construction on W 6th street, opposite the Presbyterian Church. At times this skating rink was referred to as the Parlor skating rink, the Eagle Hall Skating Rink, the Seaton & Brunner.

“A Grand Time is Expected:” Seaton & Brunner Rink

The skating rinks were more than skating, they also served as a community center and were used for a variety of activities. December 20, Seaton & Brunner announced that they would need to delay their next masquerade skating until January 1, 1884. They promised that the doors would be opened as usual, “the bank will be on the streets, which everybody follows to the rink and there have fun and grow fat.”

In February 1884, the theme at the Eagle Hall Skating Rink was a masque carnival featuring colonial dress. Prizes awarded for best costume and only 25 cents for admission. “A grand time is expected.” In the May 10, 1883 Kansan, people were invited to attend a ball hosted by the Newton Cornet Band, noting it “will be one of the grandest of the season.” On July 2, 1883, participants were promised “lots of fun for every lover of innocent amusement.” As part of these events contests were sometimes held.  In February 1883, Fred Durcher was awarded the best man or boy skater and Flora Bassett the best lady.

The proprietors of the Parlor rink also engaged the services of J. Steward Hunell, professor of roller skating, to teach those interested in “this most healthful exercise with special attention given to the ladies and children at the afternoon session.”

Newton Kansan, 28 February 1884

In 1884, the Eagle/Parlor/Seaton & Brunner Skating Rink enjoyed enough popularity it expanded with an additional 6 feet on each side with a 40 foot addition and a hard maple floor, making it “one of the largest rinks in the state.”

Liberty Skating Rink

A second skating rink located in Newton in 1884 was known as the Liberty Hall. Little reference can be found in the newspapers to this establishment. They also had professors of roller skating teach roller skating.

Newton Kansan 30 October 1884

“The Biggest Political Meeting:” Wright’s Rink

The other long running and popular skating rink was owned and operated by George Z. Wright. He opened Wright’s Rink, sometimes known as Wright’s Opera house, in 1885-1886 on E 5th.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1886

Like Seaton & Brunner’s, Wright’s served as more than a skating rink as  it was the meeting place for many important community meetings.

Wright’s hosted the county convention in August 1888. On September 20, 1888, Hon. Samuel B. Peters, Kansas Representative, spoke at Wright’s Opera house on “the political issues of the day . . .good music will be in attendance. The ladies are especially invited.” (Newton Kansan, 20 September 1888). In October 1888, “the biggest political meeting of the year was held” at Wright’s. A joint debate between Hon. J. W. Ady and Hon. Cyrus Corning, with two moderators, one for each party and a referee with “careful arrangements concerning the seating of the audience, so that each party may receive fair treatment.”

Dr. J.F. Hilts gave “what he called a spiritual entertainment” at Wright’s in November 1885.  Although well attended, the editor of the Newton Kansan was not impressed with Dr. Hilts performance, noting it “was a slim affair . . . he didn’t give them much.” In 1887, a sparring match between Thomas McLain and Frank McClintic, both local men, was hosted at Wright’s. Other events included plays and balls.

One wonders how much time there was for actual roller skating.

Things changed and roller skating lost some of it’s popularity. By 1901, Newton Steam Laundry was located in the building.

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1901

Roller Skating

Roller skating has enjoyed popularity at different times over history. The activity originated in the performing arts in the 18th century and was first used on stage in a 1743 theater production.

HCHM Collection

It boomed in popularity again in 1880-1910.  The 1930s-50s saw another revival of interest and another in the 1970s & 80s.

Many probably remember the Starlight Roller Rink located on E 3rd, Newton, Ks. These photos are from a Girl Scouts’ event in March 1987.

What favorite memories do you have of roller skating? Share on our Facebook page!

Sources

Qualified in Every Detail: Miss Ruth Mitten

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by Kristine Schmucker, Archivist/Curator

“The Most Important County Offices”

In advance of the 1910 vote for Harvey County Superintendent of schools the Newton Journal broadly proclaimed, “One of the most important county offices is that of superintendent of schools . . .”  Efficiency was highly desired, practical knowledge, executive ability and “a sincere devotion to the work.  Above all things the office should not be one with political coloring.”

Who could fill such a position? The editors recommended the democratic candidate, “a young lady qualified in every detail,” Miss Ruth Mitten.

Ruth Emma Mitten was born in Troy Grove, Illinois, in May 1876. Ruth was the fifth child in a family of ten children. She grew up on the family farm and attended local schools. Ruth came from a family that valued education. Her father, J.H. Mitten, a Civil War veteran, served as county superintendent in Illinois and likely provided inspiration for Ruth’s chosen career.

Mitten graduated from Mendota High School, Mendota, Ill in 1894. She continued her education at Illinois Normal University, Normal, Ill and the University of Illinois, Champaign, Ill. While she was educating herself, she was also teaching in local schools.

In 1902, she traveled with her parents, J. H. & Almira Bell Ransbarger Mitten to Harvey County, Ks. Her first teaching job in Kansas was in ElDorado, but after a year she taught in Harvey County schools. The family farm was located 2 1/2 miles east of Newton on 1st Street.

No doubt her father was a source of wisdom for Ruth embarking on her own time as county superintendent.

“Forget Political Affiliations . . . To Vote Right “

The newspaper editor praised Miss Mitten, a Democrat, as highly qualified for the position of County Superintendent noting that “she is thoroughly conversant with school law and requirement . . . possesses that tact and diplomacy so essential in successful school work. She has splendid business judgment and practical common sense.”  The editor concluded by urging voters to “forget political affiliations long enough to vote right on this matter.” (Newton Kansan 27 October 1910)

Newton Kansan, 15 October 1914

Miss Mitten won the election in 1910. She was reelected in 1912, 1914, and 1916. In 1912, she ran unopposed.

“The Best Years of Her Life”

The A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans (1918) praised Mitten for giving “the best years of her life to educational work and progress.”

As Harvey County Superintendent, she supervised seventy-five schools, 125 teachers and a total enrollment of 5,730 students. Her offices were located in the courthouse.

Mitten was also active in the Christian Church, where she served as superintendent of the junior department. Contributing to the community was also important and she was involved in the Macon Township Grange, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and several state and local teacher associations.

In 1918, Miss Mitten was appointed to the Education Commission with the National Educational Association. She was appointed by Kansas State Superintendent, W.D. Ross.  The Education Commission was to act in advisory capacity to the National organization giving each state a voice, “so that when it [National Educational Association] makes a pronouncement on national education it can speak not for itself but for all of the highest educational interests of the country.” (Newton Kansan 4 July 1918) It was an honor for Miss Mitten to be asked for such a role.

Ruth Emma Mitten.

Ruth Mitten resigned from her position on September 1, 1920. The County Commissioners accepted her resignation and appointed Mary Morrison to fill the position until the November election.  Mitten served has County Superintendent for five consecutive terms, “having always rendered excellent service and her resignation from that office was receive with regret in the educational circles throughout the county.”  The Kansan noted that she, along with her father J.H. Mitten and two brothers planned to travel to Furgis, Montana to visit another brother, J.H. Mitten Jr, at his ranch “for an indefinite time.” (Newton Kansan, 6 August 1920)

Ruth Mitten died November 5, 1942 at the age of 66. She is buried in an unmarked grave in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Ks.

Sources

  • Newton Kansan:  21 May 1906,  27 October 1910,  15 October 1914, 14 July 1918, 2 April 1920, 6 August 1920.
  • “Ruth Emma Mitten.” A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans, written & compiled by William E. Connelley, 1918, transcribed by students from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, March 13, 2000.
  • Photos from L.London on Find A Grave, Ruth Mitten (1876-1942).

Memorial to Early Efforts: Themian Park

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by Kristine Schmucker, Archivist/Curator

The First Woman’s Group in Town: Themian Club

The day was ideal, “autumn sun, soft and yellow and the late rain making the air fresh and invigorating.” The event meticulously planned and presented. It was a fine October morning in 1919, to celebrate the silver anniversary of the Themian Club, the oldest woman’s group in Newton. The celebration was held in the lovely home of Mrs. H.L. Hart,  “just west of town.” Upon arriving the women found “four spacious rooms opening together, set with quartet tables and one long table, beautiful snowy linen, silver and crystal and basket vases of pink carnations and greenery – the club colors.” Present at the event were fifteen of seventeen of the past presidents of the club.

“The Club That Gets Things Done”

After a four-course dinner was served, the first president and charter member, Amelia C. (Mrs. S.R.) Peters, recalled the early years of the club.

“She remembered clearly about the earlier efforts of the woman suffrage society in Newton. How the sentiment grew after the war and the outgrowth was suffrage societies.” 

In Kansas, after municipal suffrage was granted in 1887, these societies disbanded in Newton.  In the absence of these societies, the women of Newton organized the Themian Club. Named after the Greek goddess of Divine Justice, Themis, they adopted for their motto a quote from Lincoln, “”do the best you can if not, the best possible.”  Among their early accomplishments was the establishment of a curfew bell to ring at nine o’clock every evening. They had a keen interest in civic projects and became known as “the club that gets things done.” At one point the club had 150 members.

The Themian Club was the first woman’s club established in Newton and throughout the years they promoted projects of public interest and welfare. Some of the projects included the Public Library, the Music Talent Audition to support young musicians, Penny Art Fund and Gifts to the War Veterans of War 1 including the Cancer Control project of the Field Army. The Themian Club supports worthwhile causes both locally and nationally.  (“History of the Themian Club,” von der Heiden)

Themian Park

One of the club’s biggest contributions to the Newton community was Themian Park. In 1875, two city parks were established one in Block 24 (West Park) at N Poplar & 7th, and in Block 30 (East Park) Broadway & Oak.

Over time the upkeep of the parks left something to be desired. The ladies of the Themian Club had a proposal for the City Council.

Amelia C. Doane Peters (Mrs. S. R.)

“The Question of Parks”

In the February 16, 1898 issue of the Evening Kansan Republican it was reported that the Themian Club and the Commercial Club met with the city council for the purpose of improving the city parks. The president of the Themian club, Mrs. S.R. Peters reported that the club “is ready to prosecute the work it commenced last summer. The park fund now has $109 to its credit . . .to be used in beautifying the parks.” If the city council and Commercial Club would match the funds “the two parks will indeed look metropolitan by next summer.” The ladies had already secured J.P. Rogers of Topeka to submit plans for the two parks when he submitted plans for Athletic Park.

July 1, 1898, the Themian Club held a formal opening of the refreshed West Park. Plans included musical entertainment with refreshments of ice cream and cake. The reporter noted that “the place presents a remarkably different appearance from that of last summer.”

Evening Kansan Republican, 1 July 1898

For several years the actual upkeep of Themian Park was the responsibility of the club members. After several years, the city took over the upkeep of the park.

Evening Kansan Republican, 21 March 1899.

Later Mrs. Amelia Peters, Themian Club’s first president, would recall that the club,

“agitated the question of parks. Secured Themian Park and had it named for the club. Hired a landscape gardener and planted the park to trees and flowers. Later the city council took over the parks, not showing favor toward flower beds and women pottering around.” (Newton Journal, 17 October 1919)

Newton. May 9, 1930. Young women wind a May Pole in Themian Park during May Fete.

The ladies of the Themian Club also worked on Military Plaza Park. However, in September 1898 they decided that it would “take a good sum to beautify the East park according to the plans, and the east siders are willing to wait till enough money can be raised to do the work properly.  The club will . . . give its attention to maintaining Themian park.” (Evening Kansan Republican, 7 September 1898)

This fall, get out and enjoy the two oldest parks in Newton, Themian and Military Parks.

Newton City Parks Quick Facts

  • April 1875 East (Block 30) and West Parks (Block 24) established.
  • In 1898, the Commercial Club had the honor of renaming the park in Block 30 Military Park and a year later in May 1899, the Themian Club was asked to rename West Park. They decided on Themian Park.
  • Military Park was also known as Military Plaza. The Themian Club worked on improving this park.
  • Nov 2, 1909 Athletic Park vote carried to purchase 30-acre tract of land from the Newton Driving & Athletic Association.

Sources

  • History of the Themian Club: 1894-1945 by Mrs. W.H. von der Heiden, Clubs & Organizations, Box 3A, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, Newton, Ks.
  • Themian Club, Clubs & Organizations, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, Newton, Ks.
  • “Three Beautiful Parks” 22 August 1922, 50th Anniversary Edition, Newton Kansan.
  • Newton Journal 19 October 1919.
  • Evening Kansan Republican: 30 July 1897, 1 February 1898, 8 April 1898, 15 June 1898, 1 July 1898, 7 September 1898, 21 March 1899, 4 May 1900.