Courtesy of The Cordova Daily Times, Thursday October 5, 1916.
Gordon's Roller Rink Fairbanks, AK
Gordon's Roller Rink was in Alaska but no town was known. In the email D. send to me about this rink was not clearly where but I will ask. But here are information about it in a timeline she send me and it is a copy and paste --
1906 - Gordon's Roller Rink in existence; not certain actual construction date.
11 Dec 1907 - JW McFadden defeated Robert Gierke in mile race at Gordon's Roller Rink.
15 May 1908 - Gordon's Roller Rink "model" marathon (26 miles 385 yards) with $2050 purse of gold to winner; 8 of the swiftest runners in the North are entered with top two to go to Seattle for AYP Exposition athletic meet in summer 1909 (runners entered Jerry Sullivan-Nome; Nick Demara-Tanana; Jujira Wada, George Taylor, Frank Ahlberg, George Lehman, Mato Gilzvich; George Darrin).
29 August 1908 - Gordon's Roller Rink scene of Fairbanks to Fox road benefit dance; Durand's orchestra played; automobile pressed into service between creeks and Fairbanks so that all could attend but be back for Sunday morning work.
Sept 1908 - steam heat installed in Gordon's Skating Rink to provide comfort on cold evenings; dances held often in the space now that warmth is available.
Winter 1908 - Gordon's Roller Rink afternoon and evening skating with Durand's Orchestra.
14 Nov 1908 - anniversary ball held at rink as well as send off of Frank Gordon, who was headed Outside.
Dec 1908 - Relay Racing starts at 10:30 PM after regular skating ends at 10:15 PM TWT nights
(management pitted McFadden, Wally Mcdonald & Hugh Paris against Al & Freddie Pauli and Young Hofstad as a draw).
27 Oct 1909 - dancing entire evening at Gordon's Roller Rink but next day conversion begins to create ice rink.
15 Dec 1909 Ice removed from Gordon's Roller Rink after final hockey game played between Cathcart team - Kavanaugh, N. Pauli, J. Norman, G. Kennedy, C. Creamer, Mayhood and Naether's team - Matt Allen, Roy Porter, V. Taylor, F. Larson, J. Cummings, F. Johnston.
22 Dec 1909 - over 600 invitations were sent out for reception that followed Frank Stark Gordon's marriage to Marguerite Myrtle Pauli; Gordon Roller Rink decorated with cozy corners, Japanese lanterns and numerous banners and streamers; punch and refreshments served throughout the evening; music provided by Durand and Carpenter. Orchestra played for dancing later in evening.
25 Dec 1909 - Harmonie Dance Christmas Night at Gordon's Roller Rink. Christmas tree secured and ladened with gifts distributed at midnight to young and old alike.
31 Dec 1909 - Gordon's Roller Rink for Grand Mask Ball hosted by Arctic Brotherhood; over 1,000 invitations out; dancing started at 9 P, grand march at 10 PM, unmasking at midnight followed by supper. Ladies admitted with escorts but all others must have invitations to enter.
Jun 1910 - The Athletic Club, which lost its space with the destruction of Riverside Hall, made arrangements with Gordon's Roller Rink to alter space for a gymnasium, with the expected athletic carnival to be held in the roller rink itself.
27 Dec 1910 - Gordon's Roller Rink showcased 20 mile long distance endurance/speed race; contestants included Jack Norman, Nick Thomas, Anton Tropea, Ole Hoolie, Archie Grant, Roy Lund, Mike Sawin and James Juan. Management was trying to induce Wilson, still at Manley Hot Springs, to enter as well. Before the race, special attraction was mile race between McCord and Dumbolton, keen rivals; numerous wagers were already laid on this even.
3rd of July 1911 - Harmonie Ball at Gordon's Roller Rink; preparation for events on the 4th.
Labor Day weekend 1911 - Tanana Valley Fair in Gordon's Roller Rink; Ball held last night of event.
3 July 1912 - Harmonie Society ball; the Germans kicked off their annual prelude to Fairbanks' 4th of July events.
17 Aug 1913 - Gordon's Roller Rink to reopen to public throughout the winter; 2-5 pm or 8-11 with skates 50 cents for women and 75 cents for men with admission free; music every evening; afternoons will have teachers for those beginners.
Dec 1914 - after months being closed, Gordon's Roller Rink will reopen as an amusement hall after much renovation; a new ceiling was put in, the balcony lowered, the walls calcimined, a new stage built, and refinished flooring; Masked ball takes place on Saturday night, 19th Dec; Sunday 20th a moving picture show put on. John Morback, William Ketchpole and Fred Holmberg have leased the property.
5 Jan 1916 - Murdock, Catchpole and Hollenburg made agreement with Frank S Gordon to continue running big hall as a roller rink, along with dances, basketball and private parties.
August 1916 - Tanana Valley Fair held the event in Gordon's Roller Rink.
Sept 1916 - Frank S Gordon went into moving picture business by operating a show house.
Thursday October 5, 1916 - Frank S. Gordon enters movie theater business in the rink. (The Cordova Daily-Times).
4th of July 1940 - Annual Harmonie Society's dance was held at Gordon's Roller Rink.
Date is unknown for closure. Last entry was that July 4th weekend in 1940. Fate of the rink was unknown after that. Any one know about this rink? Especially toward its end? And what town? Street? why closed?
22 July 1964 - written by Clara Rust's sister in the FDNM " Fairbanks Such a Picturesque Little Village"--
Gordon's Roller Rink was the center of entertainment during the winter months. In it was held dances, bicycle races, and marathon races and of course, hours of wonderful skating. During the dances, a potluck supper was held on the balcony. We kids managed to stay away until time to eat but just usually went to sleep on the benches after supper at midnight.
30 Sept 1977- Clara Rust remembering --
I really got away from what I first started to tell. The costume Sol was wearing was made by my mother-in-law, Cora Madole It was in green and white stripes of silk and did he ever get kidded about it. He wore it proudly even though he did not come in any of the money. He often took part in boxing and wrestling events, being a strong and husky fellow. Wada won his first Alaska race in the old Gordon’s Roller Rink in the winter of 1909.
The Interior.
Maple floor. It was used as many different venues, not just skating. It was renovated in 1915. Sorry no photos available.
The Exterior.
N/A.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Maple, briefly as ice. Floor Layout: N/A. (as for ice, hockey format)
Building Size: N/A. Built: c.1906. Demolished: N/A.
Type of Building: N/A.
Roof: Gable. (Likely)
Acres: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1906 to after 1940s.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: D. in email; The Cordova Daily Times - Thursday October 5, 1916;
Date of issue: 15 February 2021.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.
1906 - Gordon's Roller Rink in existence; not certain actual construction date.
11 Dec 1907 - JW McFadden defeated Robert Gierke in mile race at Gordon's Roller Rink.
15 May 1908 - Gordon's Roller Rink "model" marathon (26 miles 385 yards) with $2050 purse of gold to winner; 8 of the swiftest runners in the North are entered with top two to go to Seattle for AYP Exposition athletic meet in summer 1909 (runners entered Jerry Sullivan-Nome; Nick Demara-Tanana; Jujira Wada, George Taylor, Frank Ahlberg, George Lehman, Mato Gilzvich; George Darrin).
29 August 1908 - Gordon's Roller Rink scene of Fairbanks to Fox road benefit dance; Durand's orchestra played; automobile pressed into service between creeks and Fairbanks so that all could attend but be back for Sunday morning work.
Sept 1908 - steam heat installed in Gordon's Skating Rink to provide comfort on cold evenings; dances held often in the space now that warmth is available.
Winter 1908 - Gordon's Roller Rink afternoon and evening skating with Durand's Orchestra.
14 Nov 1908 - anniversary ball held at rink as well as send off of Frank Gordon, who was headed Outside.
Dec 1908 - Relay Racing starts at 10:30 PM after regular skating ends at 10:15 PM TWT nights
(management pitted McFadden, Wally Mcdonald & Hugh Paris against Al & Freddie Pauli and Young Hofstad as a draw).
27 Oct 1909 - dancing entire evening at Gordon's Roller Rink but next day conversion begins to create ice rink.
15 Dec 1909 Ice removed from Gordon's Roller Rink after final hockey game played between Cathcart team - Kavanaugh, N. Pauli, J. Norman, G. Kennedy, C. Creamer, Mayhood and Naether's team - Matt Allen, Roy Porter, V. Taylor, F. Larson, J. Cummings, F. Johnston.
22 Dec 1909 - over 600 invitations were sent out for reception that followed Frank Stark Gordon's marriage to Marguerite Myrtle Pauli; Gordon Roller Rink decorated with cozy corners, Japanese lanterns and numerous banners and streamers; punch and refreshments served throughout the evening; music provided by Durand and Carpenter. Orchestra played for dancing later in evening.
25 Dec 1909 - Harmonie Dance Christmas Night at Gordon's Roller Rink. Christmas tree secured and ladened with gifts distributed at midnight to young and old alike.
31 Dec 1909 - Gordon's Roller Rink for Grand Mask Ball hosted by Arctic Brotherhood; over 1,000 invitations out; dancing started at 9 P, grand march at 10 PM, unmasking at midnight followed by supper. Ladies admitted with escorts but all others must have invitations to enter.
Jun 1910 - The Athletic Club, which lost its space with the destruction of Riverside Hall, made arrangements with Gordon's Roller Rink to alter space for a gymnasium, with the expected athletic carnival to be held in the roller rink itself.
27 Dec 1910 - Gordon's Roller Rink showcased 20 mile long distance endurance/speed race; contestants included Jack Norman, Nick Thomas, Anton Tropea, Ole Hoolie, Archie Grant, Roy Lund, Mike Sawin and James Juan. Management was trying to induce Wilson, still at Manley Hot Springs, to enter as well. Before the race, special attraction was mile race between McCord and Dumbolton, keen rivals; numerous wagers were already laid on this even.
3rd of July 1911 - Harmonie Ball at Gordon's Roller Rink; preparation for events on the 4th.
Labor Day weekend 1911 - Tanana Valley Fair in Gordon's Roller Rink; Ball held last night of event.
3 July 1912 - Harmonie Society ball; the Germans kicked off their annual prelude to Fairbanks' 4th of July events.
17 Aug 1913 - Gordon's Roller Rink to reopen to public throughout the winter; 2-5 pm or 8-11 with skates 50 cents for women and 75 cents for men with admission free; music every evening; afternoons will have teachers for those beginners.
Dec 1914 - after months being closed, Gordon's Roller Rink will reopen as an amusement hall after much renovation; a new ceiling was put in, the balcony lowered, the walls calcimined, a new stage built, and refinished flooring; Masked ball takes place on Saturday night, 19th Dec; Sunday 20th a moving picture show put on. John Morback, William Ketchpole and Fred Holmberg have leased the property.
5 Jan 1916 - Murdock, Catchpole and Hollenburg made agreement with Frank S Gordon to continue running big hall as a roller rink, along with dances, basketball and private parties.
August 1916 - Tanana Valley Fair held the event in Gordon's Roller Rink.
Sept 1916 - Frank S Gordon went into moving picture business by operating a show house.
Thursday October 5, 1916 - Frank S. Gordon enters movie theater business in the rink. (The Cordova Daily-Times).
4th of July 1940 - Annual Harmonie Society's dance was held at Gordon's Roller Rink.
Date is unknown for closure. Last entry was that July 4th weekend in 1940. Fate of the rink was unknown after that. Any one know about this rink? Especially toward its end? And what town? Street? why closed?
22 July 1964 - written by Clara Rust's sister in the FDNM " Fairbanks Such a Picturesque Little Village"--
Gordon's Roller Rink was the center of entertainment during the winter months. In it was held dances, bicycle races, and marathon races and of course, hours of wonderful skating. During the dances, a potluck supper was held on the balcony. We kids managed to stay away until time to eat but just usually went to sleep on the benches after supper at midnight.
30 Sept 1977- Clara Rust remembering --
I really got away from what I first started to tell. The costume Sol was wearing was made by my mother-in-law, Cora Madole It was in green and white stripes of silk and did he ever get kidded about it. He wore it proudly even though he did not come in any of the money. He often took part in boxing and wrestling events, being a strong and husky fellow. Wada won his first Alaska race in the old Gordon’s Roller Rink in the winter of 1909.
The Interior.
Maple floor. It was used as many different venues, not just skating. It was renovated in 1915. Sorry no photos available.
The Exterior.
N/A.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Maple, briefly as ice. Floor Layout: N/A. (as for ice, hockey format)
Building Size: N/A. Built: c.1906. Demolished: N/A.
Type of Building: N/A.
Roof: Gable. (Likely)
Acres: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1906 to after 1940s.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: D. in email; The Cordova Daily Times - Thursday October 5, 1916;
Date of issue: 15 February 2021.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.