did you know?

Roller skating was a popular past-time in the 1880s and Minneapolis had many roller rinks the best of which was advertised to be the Washington Avenue Roller Rink.

Minneapolis Police officers often took part in contests – sometimes for prizes and sometimes for charity – at the Washington Avenue Roller Rink.

From the Minneapolis Tribune of January 12, 1885
From the Minneapolis Tribune of January 13, 1885
From the Minneapolis Tribune of February 18, 1885