Brodhead Roller Skating Association
The Rolling Craze
"A roller skating craze swept the country in the 1880s. Opinions were divided on whether roller skating rinks provided the public with 'healthful amusement' or were 'pits of perdition' as some preachers claimed.""The 'roller skating craze' began in the 1880’s after a fellow named James Plimpton redesigned the roller skate ... Plimpton designed a skate with two parallel sets of wheels, the base cushioned with rubber to allow flexibility. Later ball bearings were added to the wheels. The user then had at least a fighting chance of staying upright and this was enough to begin the roller skating craze of the 1880’s."
Roller Skating in National Hall, Brodhead
In reading multiple snippets about a roller skating rink in Brodhead, I was unable to string together Miles M. McNair's involvement, as well as exact location, until I read a hand typed account by Augusta Ryall. In her account of 1860's Brodhead, she mentions M. M. McNair owning National Hall on Exchange Square with partner Kurtz.
This account was the key to understanding all the blurbs in The Brodhead Register.
The Brodhead Register | November 15, 1883
Piecing together the Story
The Brodhead Register from November the 15th of 1883 stated:
"Messrs. Kurtz and McNair have taken the staging out of the east end of National Hall, and put it in the west end, and are now putting in a maple floor. When the work is finished this will be one of the finest halls in the County. The Brodhead Roller Skating Association have leased it for one year."
"If nothing happens bigger than a horse fly, the B. R. S. A's. rink, in National Hall, will be open the first of next week."
"The B. R. S. A. wish it distinctly understood that rowdyism will not be tolerated in the rink."
The Brodhead Register | November 29, 1883
A Rolling Success
"Messrs. Brown & Lumbard opened the first Roller Skating Rink in Brodhead ... They have been very successful here, both in their business, and in securing a large number of friends. The secret of their success lies in the fact that they are gentlemen, and have proven themselves so in all their intercourse with the people of Brodhead."
