Proof that our Field usage issues started long ago...

I love this editorial from the November 1921 issue of The Arrow, the student magazine of Ridgewood High School. (You may recall that I found this magazine on eBay a few months ago.)

Let's Skate

Some years ago, Ridgewood was the proud possessor of a fine skating pond. This pond was artificially made by the combined efforts of a few public-spirited citizens, and money which was contributed to support the cause. However, the joy was short-lived, for the field used for the pond was bought by a corporation of men who purchased it with the view of filling it in and building upon it. Since then any person who cares about skating has had to tramp a couple of miles, or else bother with catching a trolley.

Why is it necessary to do this? If we had one skating pond, why can't we have another? Right in back of the athletic field house, across the brook, is the finest kind of field for skating. It not only is very near the High School, but it belongs to the Board of Education. Yes, you would hardly believe it, but it does. Mr. Frank M. Stevens presented this field to the school about two years ago, and so far nothing has been done about it.

The site for a skating pond is not only convenient, but practical. The field could be flooded by the brook's being dammed up. Of course this would take up money, but there are enough people in Ridgewood who are skating enthusiasts to furnish this means. Or, as the High School pupils are keenly interested, why not let them furnish the money? If a skating rink could be realized, a part of it could be roped off for the use of a hockey team which ought to please Coach Cowell and a certain number of boys.

Some suggestion has been made of turning the athletic field into a rink by flooding it. This plan does not seem so very practical, for when the field and track have once been worked intlo good condition, it is not advisable to spoil it.

Therefore, what could be better than the field owned by the Board? Nothing could be better, and it's up to Ridgewood High to make it go.

J.M. '23