In 2013, town and city councils have undoubtedly been inundated with requests and petitions for changes and additions to community life. It was no different in 1913.
The North Battleford Optimist, Oct. 8, 1913, reveals that the community needed a skating rink and one person chose to request this in a poetic form. Unfortunately, the author of the poem was not disclosed.
"Our city wants a skating rink
A skating rink wants she,
If smaller towns than us have them
Then say why cannot we?
O, List! Ye City Fathers
And you, ye Board of Trade
Will ye do naught to help it on,
Have ye the matter weighed?
'Tis healthful recreation
'Twill also advertise
Our City. Take the matter up
Ye mighty ones. All wise.
Ye talk of Parks and Fair Grounds
Of Celebrations grand
Do you not know a skating rink
Is also in demand.
With good control 'twil money make
Our taxes are not small.
Then let us have a skating rink
And we will bless you all.
Arlene McPherson in her book, The Battlefords: a History, informs us of the outcome of this request:
During the early years of development of the town and city, "North Battleford was indulging in even more elaborate public works schemes. But in 1913, brakes were being applied to the program. Nothing came of the street railway or river development proposals. When residents petitioned council to build a hockey rink costing approximately $10,000 in 1913, 'Most of the council favored the rink, but several were of the opinion that it would hurt the credit of the city if debentures were put on the market at the present time to secure money for this purpose.' A committee was appointed to investigate and the rink failed to materialize."
