St. Louis Skating Club formed and skates at Forest Park Post-Dispatch Lake
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
December 30, 1894
ORGANIZED A SKATING CLUB
YOUNG PEOPLE IN NORTH ST. LOUIS READY FOR WINTER.
RED, WHITE AND BLUE SKATES
Written for the Sunday Post-Dispatch
The St. Louis Skating Club, the first of its kind ever formed in this city, was organized in North St. Louis on the 13th inst. The club includes young ladies, as well as gentlemen, and starts out with the healthy membership of twenty-four. Tom J. Lourence of 1509 Hebert street was elected president; Sam J. Clifford of 1312 Hebert street, Vice-President, and Otto L. Wuebbold of 1308 North Market street, Secretary and Treasurer. Besides the officers the following are the charter members of the new club: Misses Orlinda Thias, Jessie Floreth, Maud Washington, Lotta Cooper, Letta Cornwall, Julia Durnan, Mary O'Donnell, Kate and Eva Lourence, Mamie Ross, Florence Mullally, Sadie Grace and Messrs. John Beck, C. H. Hitchcock, Nacey Harkins, Julius Thias, Richard Lourence, John O'Donnell, Richard Durnan, Thomas Clark and John Coffey. The club members will have the top of their skates painted red with the runners striped in white and blue. They will also wear a button crossed with two skates and the name of the club over the top. Although a North St. Louis organization, the club members expect to do most of their skating on the Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park. This magnificent body of water will give skating and other sports on ice a boom this winter if the weather does not interfere. Park Commissioner Fechter and Supt. Callahan have made extra preparation to keep the lake in good shape for the skaters. The park department will keep the skaters informed as to when the lake is in condition for their sport, and precautions will be taken as usual to prevent skating when the ice is unsafe. The St. Louis Skating Club expects to give a series of races at Forest Park as soon as the lake receives a dose of zero weather. Skating races on the ice will be a novelty here, and they are sure to prove popular with lovers of outdoor sport in the winter. Besides the lake at Forest Park good ice skating g can be had at Lafayette and Hyde Parks and the Fair Grounds. The lake at Lafayette Park is especially popular with the residents of the South Side. They throng there in great numbers during the skating season, as do also the West and North End people at Forest and Hyde Parks and at the Fair Grounds. Although they have had but little of it in recent years, ice skating has a firm hold on St. Louisans. This facte is not generally known because no organized effort to increase the interest in the sport has been made until this year. The promoters of the St. Louis Skating Club were overwhelmed with applications for membership when they first announced their plans, and the girls especially are eagerly awaiting the opening of the season. The club plan for promoting the interest in skating is certain to prove successful if the water is cold enough for the sport for any length of time in the next two months. The new club is hoping for some opposition, so as to bring about a series of match races.
Heretofore fancy skating has monopolized the local interest in the sport, but if the club plan proves successful, speed will be cultivated to a greater extent in the future. Jack Crooks, the base ball player, is one of the best skaters in St. Louis. Jack comes from St. Paul. At the Fair Grounds last winter the attraction of the skating season was Crooks' cleverness on the ice. Nothing approaching his fancy skating was ever seen before. Skating is one of the most enjoyable of winter outdoor sports. The only drawback to it here is the lack of cold weather. The members of the St. Louis Club expect to indulge in roller skating when the weather won't permit them to glide over the ice.

St. Louis Skating Club has permanent home at the Winter Garden

January 30, 1933

The Midwestern Figure Skating Competitions held at St. Louis on the twenty-ninth of January are an encouraging sign of the really serious interest shown in a difficult sport by the skaters of this section of the country. The standard they have set for themselves is a high one, and while all technical equipment is not yet fully at their command, they showed by their skating the earnest endeavor to grasp and retain only that which is fine and worthwhile, and to cast aside that which is meretricious and shoddy. With but an exception or two, one and all skated with a natural good taste and a refinement of expression. The Men's Senior Title was won by William Swallender of the Twin City Skating Club of Minneapolis. Mr. Swallender showed both in his school figures and in his free skating a comprehensive grasp of technical difficulty and of good form. His figures were large, beautifully retraced, and the turns good. The free skating program was comprised of many of the standard difficult jumps and spins with the inclusion of some delightful dance steps and novel moves. Mr. Arthur Preusch, Minneapolis, who placed second, is an experienced competitor who skated well both in his school figures and in his free program in which he kept the best time to the music of any one. Ollie Haupt, St. Louis, who placed third, is only thirteen years old. He showed himself to be a natural free skater of promise, but due to the fact of having to attend school, and also of skating a Pair, needed more time spent on his schools to reach a higher rating. Robert Piros, St. Louis, fourth, skated excellent figures, and showed the result of earnest application. With a more varied free program, in future he will undoubtedly place higher. The Women's Single Title was won by Miss Katherine Durbrow of the St. Louis Skating Club, and who performed well, with Miss Frances Johnson of Minneapolis, a very close second, and Miss Myra Azbe of St. Louis, third, a coming skater. Miss Elizabeth Ann Reflow, St. Louis, who showed much promise in her free skating was fourth. All these ladies skated well and were a pleasure to watch, while not quite reaching the standard of difficulty set by the men. The Pair Skating was most interesting, this event being won by Mrs. Ruth English and Mr. Len Fogassey, who skated with excellent pace and rhythm and a good feeling of pairness. Their routine included some familiar lifts, such as the carry lift and the lift from a right back outside edge, both nicely done, and rather more separating figures than are done in the East, although their meetings were timed beautifully. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Preusch, second, had a very attractive routine, which was very well executed, in splendid time to the music. Both Mr. and Mrs. Preusch also skated in the Singles, and are excellent all around skaters. Ollie Haupt and his partner, Miss Jeanne Schulte, are the youngest pair skaters to be seen in senior competition; their program was charming, they were always in perfect unison, used great pace, and were a delight to the eye. The evening's program finished with a waltzing contest, skated with a stranger partner, and won by Miss Virginia Bucher and Mr. Len Fogassey. Miss Bucher lives in Kansas City, and is a charming young skater who competed in the singles, never has had any instruction, and who skated with the instinctive good form of her fellow competitors. A Ladies Four, composed of Mrs. George Muller, Miss Myra Azbe, Miss Reflow and Mrs. English gave a varied and polished performance, and were greatly applauded. The prize exhibition, however, was given by seven year old, Shirley Reflow, daughter of the Winter Garden's capable manager—Shirley, who passed her first class test the day before, skated a charming single with the poise of a champion. The Championships were held at the Winter Garden Skating Rink, under the auspices of the St. Louis Skating Club, which is most fortunate in having Mr. Erwin P. Hilts as its hard working president, and who is ably seconded by Mrs. Hilts in their unselfish endeavors to promote the best interests of the skaters of their section. Mr. William Cady, secretary of the Club, is another member who works untiringly to promote figure skating and to help in every possible way by precept and example. Mr. Cady is an excellent pair skater and dancer. I must add that the St. Louis Club is most fortunate in having Mr. and Mrs. George Muller to guide and train their members with whole hearted devotion. An interesting side light at the competitions were the number of visiting skaters eager to take advantage of the opportunity afforded them at this time, due to the presence of Boston and New York judges, Mrs. Theresa Weld Blanchard, Mrs. Lillian Cramer and Miss Ethel R. Bijur, of taking Tests, ranging from the first to the sixth. Among them were Miss Nass, Miss Bucher, Miss Murdoch and Dr. Ockerblad of Kansas City.

The first all-figure skating carnival ever seen in Chicago was that which featured the European champions, given under the auspices of The Chicago Figure Skating Club on April 7 at the Chicago Stadium. Although lack of indoor ice until the week preceding the event prevented long preparation of group numbers, the members worked diligently, directed by Gladys Lamb and Norval Baptie. We were fortunate in having the assistance of several members of the St. Louis Skating Club, who cooperated with us and joined in the group numbers. The program opened with a waltz and ten-step by the whole cast. Then twelve-year old Nancy Meyer was pulled on the ice by mischievous red imps who stood by in charmed wonder as she skated. Norval Baptie, as Satan, chased, spun and lifted her until she fled from the ice. Then he went after the frightened imps. Another group number was the colorful military drill, formally garbed in white trousers, red swallow-tail coats trimmed in silver and silver hats with white plumes. Against a gaily costumed background of twelve couples, who did a circular tango, Ruth English and Len Fogassey of St. Louis presented their rhythmic tango interpretation. The Black and White group was composed of sixteen couples, who skated a very striking mass routine. The solo part was taken by Eleanor Berger of Chicago. The Cellophane ballet, arranged by Gladys Lamb, with Myra Jean Azbe, Ruth Banks, Ruth English, Elizabeth Reflow and Jean Schulte, of St. Louis, was skated under blue and green floods, which reflected from the crinkled white cellophane and satin costumes. It was a very effective number. The St. Louis Four: Ruth English, Ruth Banks, Eduardo Hellmund, Len Fogassey, executed a difficult routine with beautiful timing and rhythm. Jean Schulte and Oliver Haupt of St. Louis gave a delightful performance. Oliver Haupt also did a solo, very speedy with splendid jumps. Norval Baptie and Gladys Lamb presented a spectacular pair. Heine Brock provided comedy with his trained duck in "Over the Barrels," also in the "Dying Duck," which is a tremendously amusing parody on the Dying Swan. Shipstad and Johnson's "Bull Fight" was very entertaining, as was their "Flying Trapeeze" act, done against a background of club members dressed in Gay Nineties costumes. The special features of the show were the European champions but since these skating celebrities starred in other carnivals their skill, grace and daring will be more adequately described elsewhere. Suffice it to say that their performanc was even greater than our highest expectations. Vivi-Ann Hulten skated both a tango and a Slavic dance, Maxi Herber and Ernst Baier did their pair and solos, Idi Papez and Karl Zwack skated their pair and a Gay Nineties comedy number. Not less great in importance or quality of skating were the Canadian Pair Champions and our own United States Singles Champions. Louise Bertram and Stewart Reburn of Toronto, in their artistic coordination of music and motion, have a smoothness and fluidity which emphasize the oneness of real pair skating. Maribel Vinson gave her first Chicago audience just reason to be proud of the American champion, both in her picturesque Hungarian dance and in her spectacular exhibition program. Robin Lee skated as Robin Hood—the character he represented was never more dashing than this young man from St. Paul, who is a champion in every way. The Stadium never looked more glamorous. A transition was made from the scarlet seats to the wine colored outer rim of the ice by a dark and a pale tone of wine colored crinkled metallic foil which covered the wooden rink enclosure. The ice shaded from wine through lighter tones of blue to a light greenish blue in the central motif, at each end of which was the Club insignia. Rich lighting effects were obtained by the use of colored flood lights and spots. The music was provided by the orchestral organ played by Al. Melgard. Michael Covert, who directed the orchestra for the New York carnivals, supervised the music and contributed largely to its effectiveness. The audience, which filled the Stadium, received the carnival with tremendous enthusiasm and proof of its success is evident in the fact that by popular demand the show was repeated the following Sunday night, April 14. The second show was less in the nature of a repetition than a new show with new effects. The decorations were scarlet and gold crinkled foil and the ice design was even more full of color and beauty than before. The Europeans skated the same numbers except Vivi-Ann, who gave her Hungarian dance in place of the tango and Karl Zwack substituted a comedy, "Learning to Skate," instead of the Gay Nineties. The Toronto contingent were accompanied by Club President and Mrs. Howard Ridout. Louise Bertram and Stewart Reburn returned to thrill us again and brought with them Dorothy and Hazel Caley, whose peppy, difficult program was amazingly well timed, and Ralph McCreath, who gave a splendid single with outstanding jumps. Robin Lee, dressed as a Bavarian lad, repeated his success of the preceding Sunday. Norval Baptie and Gladys Lamb again drew much applause, as did Roy Shipstad, who added his brillance to the second show. Shipstad and Johnson chose "Spark Plug" and "The Bowery" in place of the numbers they gave the week before. The opening waltz and ten-step was repeated, as was Satan and his Imps, starring Nancy Meyer. The Black and White group was given again with new costumes, which provided a different effect. The Cellophane ballet was presented with a changed cast. To three of the original members—Ruth English, Ruth Banks and Gladys Lamb—were added Marion Jacob, Valerie Fink and Eleanor Berger of Chicago. The finale was the Fox Trot done by a few couples and then joined by the rest of the cast in a ten-step. The members of the Club and the visiting skaters did all in their power to cooperate in making the show a credit to the participants and the people who worked behind the scenes. Of these workers behind the scenes I would like to mention one in particular, the man who is responsible for the greatest portion of the organization and success of the two carnivals, our Club President, Harry E. Radix. ELEANOR BERGER

Remember, years ago, when stretched full length before the fire, your nose buried in a book of Fairy Tales, you departed in spirit from this earthly sphere and wept with Cinderella and exulted when she won her Prince Charming? Thus it was when one entered the Winter Garden on March 25, 26, and 27, to witness the Extravaganza "Cinderella" by the St. Louis Skating Club, and found oneself in Fairyland indeed. The decorations were beautiful and it took no trick of the imagination to become enthralled in the story. The fading of the first scene wherein the fairy godmother (Mrs. Helen McMillan) had gladdened the heart of Cinderella (Miss Jeanne Schulte) by promising she could attend the ball, was the signal for the entrance of the Royal Party. Announced by four heralds, the King and Queen, followed by the Court Jester, Prince Charming, the two ugly Sisters, and the entire royal court, in gorgeous costumes, glided across the ice with such dignity, grace, and beauty that one fairly held one's breath. Cinderella appeared in a shell-like carriage drawn by six mice, and was assisted by Prince Charming to the throne, to enjoy the festivities. The Mice Court, in which six cunning little girls frolicked with the Court Jester, amused and delighted the spectators. Stella Bixby and Mary Louise Levis as Dresden figurines performed their enchanting number, "Le Valse." "La Danse Exquisite" by Miss Myra Jean Azbe (Missouri Lady Champion) and "Paire Extraordinaire" by Miss Azbe and Mr. Cady were delightful, as was "A Princess from Barcelona" by Miss Audrey Miller of The Granite Club, Toronto, while the programs offered by Miss Mary Jane Halsted and Mr. Osborne Colson (Canadian Champion) both of the Toronto Skating Club, were thrilling and enjoyed to the utmost. The audience shook with laughter upon the arrival of the mad knight Don Quixote (Dorothy Hyland), who appeared on a skating horse to the tune of "Horses, Horses, Horses." While saluting the Court, he was unceremoniously dumped from his mount, which capered over the ice performing crazy antics. "The Minuet," the "Harlequin Court" and the "Corps de Ballet" executed by twenty-four members of the St. Louis Skating Club will linger long in the memory of all; such symphony of rhythm and color was almost unbelievable. Tiny Gloria Haupt, as "Le Page Royale," performing difficult feats was a joy to see, and cute beyond description were dimunitive Rene Flammer and Carol Gregory in their "Le Petit Intermezzo." Mrs. Ruth English (Midwestern Pair Champion) and Mr. John Ingledew skated a beautiful and difficult program in "Arabesque." The "piece de resistance," however, was Cinderella and Prince Charming— the petite blonde Jeanne Schulte and handsome Oliver Haupt, Jr. (National Junior Pair Champions, 1935) who, alone or together, were just "too, too divine" and portrayed their roles most charmingly. In the midst of this splendor and gaiety, a clock struck twelve and lovely Cinderella disappeared across the ice pursued by gallant Prince Charming holding her slipper. Thus the pageant closed. The foregoing is a feeble effort to describe a marvelous production and too much praise cannot be given to Adolph Windsperger, Club Professional, for his efficient and artistic efforts in training the cast of 125. Many thanks to Mr. Windsperger, the entire cast, and the executive committee for a delightful evening and more, please, we say. DOROTHY HYLAND.

St. Louis Skating Club incorporates in Missouri under President Walter S. Powell ------ St. Louis Skating Club sponsored a highly successful carnival, "The Ice Revue of 1938", which was produced by Maribel Vinson and Guy Owen, on November 4, 5 and 6. Among the highlights of the carnival, which was staged in a night club setting, were a Tyrolean Four by Mary Jane Halsted, Prudence Holbrook, Jack Hose, and Guy Owen (all professionals); "Gaucho" by Guy Owen, who effortlessly performed the most difficult jumps; "Park Avenue Fantasy" by Maribel Vinson in accepted swing style; and "Life and Death" by Maribel and Guy, a wonderful interpretation of Dance Macabre with Life pursued and finally won by Death. Among the amateurs who took part in singles and pairs were Ruth English and Louis Pitts of Chicago; Gloria Haupt, Carol Gregory, Shirley Reflow, and Ollie Haupt. Assisting in the Rose and Gardenia Ballet, which starred Mary Jane Halsted, were the Misses Banks, Capps, Carnoske, James, Lamb, Niedt, Taylor, Weitzel, White, Mrs. Claggett and Mrs. Hyland. Twelve couples skated an effective minuet in the Court Scene, and club members also took part in the dance numbers in the Night Club, and in the Lambeth Walk. The final number, "St. Louis Blues", featured the Vinson-Owen pair; an eight by the Misses Halsted, Haupt, Holbrook, Vinson, and Messrs. Haupt, Hose, Owen, and Pitts; and a large group of club members. Other professionals, besides those already mentioned, were Douglas Duffy, Duke and Noble, and St. Louis' Jeanne Schulte and Bud Lewis. After the last performance, Earl Reflow entertained the cast at a most enjoyable dinner party. It was a grand windup to the carnival, as we really had a chance to talk to the visitors. We had been so busy during rehearsals that this was practically impossible. With this carnival to inspire us, we are looking forward to a splendid winter.

On August 19 and 20, the first Dance Conference to be held in this country outside of Lake Placid was conducted by the St. Paul Figure Skating Club under the supervision of the Dance Committee, composed of Stanley W. Dwinnell, chairman; Eileen Bigelow, Edith Preusch, Ruth English, Verna Thysell, Shirley Bowman, Arthur Preusch, Lyman Wakefield, Jr., Warren Throop, George McCullough and Jack Knight. The attendance was even larger than expected. Representatives from the following cities were present; Chicago, Detroit, Everett (Washington), Minneapolis, Moorhead (Minnesota), New York, St. Louis, St. Paul, Seattle, Spokane, Toronto, Trail, Winnipeg and Woodstock (Ontario). Sessions were held on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening. At these sessions special emphasis was put on one of the four dances. Standard methods and "usual faults" were demonstrated. The desirability of proper timing was stressed and the requirements for passing the present dance tests were explained. The method, as taught by Joe Carroll of New York, was the standard used. Many for the first time had an opportunity to realize the difference between the dancing as frequently done and the dancing required for passing of the Dance Tests. We were very fortunate to have present Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Preusch, Mid-west Dance Champions, to demonstrate for us the standard way the dances should be executed. On Saturday evening there was a demonstration by Pierre Brunet and Andree Joly of "The Blues." On Sunday morning the same dance questionnaire used at Lake Placid was gone over in detail. There were blackboard illustrations and also a demonstration of correct timing of a record with a metronome.

THE ST. LOUIS SKATING CLUB recently put on two numbers which other clubs will do well to consider carefully. The first was a large opening group that included several pairs and singles. The title was "Gay Nineties to 1940" and was a study in contrasts. A Picture of the 90's was followed by a typical 1940 Holiday Skating Crowd; A Race Among Stars of Half-a-Century-Ago, actually included some of the original participants and was followed by a Race Among Present-Day Stars, by local speed skating champions including Ted Young, President of the Amateur Skating Union!
A Bustle Bumping pair by Ruth English and Lou Pitts was contrasted with a Modern Pair by Norval Baptie and Delores Ziegfield; Eric Wait appeared as a Gay Ninety Girl and Shirley Jean Reflow was an attractive Modern Miss; the number was concluded with Dance Moderne by ten couples. Local historical scenes and the inclusion of famous local people add much to the appeal of carnival numbers and a scene such as this could be carried out in any club. Undoubtedly other clubs will follow St. Louis' example and use the Wizard of Oz as the children's number. Ruth English scored, costumed and produced this colorful group which proved a tremendous success. It brought to life such universally loved characters as Dorothy, the Scatterbrained Scarecrow, the Tinman without a heart, the Timorous Lion, the Good Witch, the Wicked Witch, as well as the Lollypop Boys, Ballet Girls, Munchkins, and that lovable old mountebank, the Wizard of Oz himself. Jane Zeiser, as Dorothy the Heroine, and Gloria Haupt, as the Good Witch, had the leading parts and both were delightful in their clever solos and in the ensemble numbers.
The customary group of carnivals were held in early December in the Pacific Northwest, starting in Vancouver and followed by shows in Portland and Seattle. The visiting amateur skaters who appeared in all three shows were the Caley Sisters of Toronto, Britta Lundequist (who possibly should not be classed here as her home town is Seattle) and Eugene Turner of Los Angeles, who gave his striking solo and combined in an informal but highly successful pair with Britta. Professional stars were Erna Andersen, lovely Norwegian champion who charmed everyone with her graceful dances; tiny ten-year-old Phyllis Thompson who won all hearts with her skill; Red McCarthy, who gave two very unusual numbers, ("King Bat of the Forest", in which he was assisted by Phyllis Thompson as a vivid scarlet firefly, and "The Wounded Warrior", a splendid interpretive number); Adolph Windsperger contributed two comedy acts, assisted in one by Wenala. The Granite Club has a comedy men's ballet which usually follows their lovely senior ballet; this year the ladies gave a beautiful Oriental ballet and the men appeared as Hawaiian Knights! Granite used the Toymaker's Dream for the children's court, and other clubs might well copy the trio of Little Fishies, based on the popular song, which proved a big hit. St. Louis Skating Club (November 16, 17, 18): The Caley Sisters, visiting amateurs, brought down the house with their new pair programs, as did Ollie Haupt, local headliner. Visiting professionals: Eric Wait in his usual riotous comedies; Don Condon in two comedy numbers; Norval Baptie and Delores Ziegfield in two pairs. Local professionals: Inger Kragelund, in two solos; Ruth English and Lou Pitts in a comic and a straight pair; Buddy Lewis in his novel frog act and in a barrel jumping number. Groups: "Half-a-Century-Ago" and Wizard of Oz, described above; Twelve girls in a Swing Ballet; "A Bit of Holland" and "Collegiate", two large dance numbers.

Ruth English spent the summer managing Northwoods Inn at Lake Placid; after putting that to bed for the winter, she returned to her home in St. Louis and will teach at the St. Louis FSC
The St. Louis SC's first session was held in the Winter Garden on Oct. 1 with Ruth English returning as club professional.

MID-WESTERNS
Maurice W. Cogan
Cleveland Skating Club
FOR THE SECOND consecutive year and for the seventh time in its ten year career (in its own club house), the Cleveland Skating Club was most happy to be host for the Mid- Western Championships on Friday and Saturday, February 7 & 8 at the Club Rink.
Everyone was impressed by the very fine caliber of skating in this year's Mid-Westerns which contrasted very sharply with that displayed at the first Mid-Westerns held at the Cleveland Skating Club in 1938. This splendid brand of skating was displayed by every class in the Championships. For instance, in the Senior Ladies' the pace was really terrific with the final result decided by Virginia Baxter's (of Chicago) all-out marvelous free skating, which brought the house down in little pieces, to nose out cute little Joanie Swanston of the St. Louis SC. This field of six excellent skaters, in which Helen Geekie of St. Louis SC (last year's Junior winner) placed third, was the most hotly contested Mid-Western Ladies' Senior in many a moon. Another very enjoyable feature was the large number of entries (eight) in the Novice Men's class—a very healthy sign for the future of our sport. Incidentally, in this class, Jack Jost from the St. Louis SC came through with flying colors after being knocked out in a fall during his free skating on Friday night. He was allowed to skate again the next day and came through to win over two little fellows: Evy Scotvold, Chicago FSC, and David Jenkins, Cleveland SC. John Lettengarver, St. Paul FSC, repeated his previous year's victories: in the Men's Senior with his usual fine job; and in the Senior Pairs with Harriet Sutton of Minneapolis FSC, winning over Jane Schellentrager and Riki Bliss of the Cleveland SC, last year's Junior Pair champions. The Jenkins family of Cleveland SC did their usual fine performance with Hayes Alan winning the Junior Men's title. He then teamed with Nancy Sue to annex the Silver Dance title over Mary Elizabeth Anderson and Malcolm McConnell, also of the CSC. Nancy Sue and Hayes also placed second to Norma Lee Caine and Walter Sahlin of Chicago FSC in the Junior Pairs. David Jenkins (age 10), as mentioned above, was third in the Men's Novice.
The Scotvold twins helped in the Ladies' Junior to win the Trophy for Chicago in placing first (Joanne) and third (Joyce) with two marvelously similar free skating programs. Margaret Ann Graham of Tulsa FSC got in between them for a second with a fine performance. Sonnie Gene Murray, also of Tulsa FSC, won the Ladies' Novice over a very large and hard-skating field.
The competition started at 9:30 A.M. Friday with the Men's Senior school figures and ended with the Awarding of Prizes, at exactly 10:45 P.M., by our Henry M. Beatty, USFSA President and 1947 Mid-Western Championships Chairman, and also Walter S. Powell of St. Louis, Chairman of USFSA Competitions Committee. During the evening it looked as if Henry would end the Competitions 15 minutes early, but the plane which was flying the Cleveland Skating Club Memorial Trophy in from Chicago had been grounded due to bad weather. The Trophy was delivered in the nick of time and presented to Harry N. Keighley of the Chicago FSC to be taken back again to Chicago as that club had scored the most points, followed by Cleveland SC and by St. Louis SC. A fine crowd was in attendance during the two days. An expected capacity crowd for Saturday night was cut slightly but not much by zero weather. The competitions were a great success in every way and our hats are off to Henry Beatty and his Committee for another grand job well done. At the Championship Dance, held after the awarding of prizes, Mr. Beatty was presented with a beautiful Dunhill lighter by Willard J. Crawford, Jr., President of the Cleveland Skating Club, on behalf of the Trustees—a fitting close to two marvelous days of the 1947 Mid-Westerns.

SENIOR LADIES
1. Virginia Baxter, Chicago FSC
2. Joan Swanston, St. Louis SC
3. Helen Geekie, St. Louis SC
4. Lois Johnson, Chicago FSC
5. Ann McGean, Cleveland SC
6. Evelyn Fasnet, St. Louis SC
SENIOR MEN
(The Cleveland Skating Club Trophy)
1. John Lettengarver, St. Paul FSC
2. Gary Wilson, Cleveland SC
JUNIOR LADIES
(Raymond Cup)
1. Joanne Scotvold, Chicago FSC
2. Margaret Ann Graham, Tulsa FSC
3. Joyce Scotvold, Chicago FSC
4. Carol Olsen, Chicago FSC
5. Harriet Sutton, FSC of Minneapolis
6. Nancy Sue Jenkins, Cleveland SC
7. Barbara Jane Carr, Cleveland SC
8. Mary Lou Rolfson, Chicago FSC
9. Margaret Anne Greene, Cleveland SC
JUNIOR MEN
1. Hayes Alan Jenkins, Cleveland SC
2. Marlyn Thomsen, St. Paul FSC
3. Hugh C. Graham, Jr., Tulsa FSC
NOVICE LADIES
1. Sonnie Gene Murray, Tulsa FSC
2. Cynthia Hanson, WC of Indianapolis
3. Nancy Mineard, Akron SC
4. Miggs Dean, Olympia SC
5. Sandra Rittinger, Cleveland SC
6. Dorothy Will, Chicago FSC
7. Patsy Herrick, Cleveland SC
8. Barbara Bancroft, St. Paul FSC
9. Betsey Todd, WC of Indianapolis
10. Eleanor Keimel, Arena FSC
11. Eleanor Bond, WC of Indianapolis
12. Nancy L. Wilson, Cleveland SC
13. Kay Crum, Akron SC
14. Phyllis Romain, Chicago FSC
15. Joanne Kohnen, FSC of Minneapolis
NOVICE MEN
1. Jack Jost, St. Louis SC
2. Evy Scotvold, Chicago FSC
3. David Jenkins, Cleveland SC
4. Philip B. Skillings, Jr., Duluth FSC
5. Robert J. Knoll, St. Louis SC
6. Robert Alan Keyes, Cleveland SC
7. Burton Weymier, Chicago FSC
8. George H. Scragg, Jr., Cleveland SC
9. Paul Van Voorhees, WC of Indianapolis
10. John Carlow, Chicago FSC
SENIOR PAIRS
(Radix Pair Cup)
1. Harriet Sutton, FSC of Minneapolis, & John Lettengarver, St. Paul FSC
2. Jane Schellentrager & Riki Bliss, Cleveland SC JUNIOR PAIRS
(Metternich Trophy)
1. Norma Lee Caine & Walter F. Sahlin, Jr., Chicago FSC
2. Nancy Sue Jenkins & Hayes Alan Jenkins, Cleveland SC
3. Margaret Anne Greene & Gary Wilson, Cleveland SC
4. Beverly Young & Gary Kepler, Akron SC
SILVER DANCE
(Radix Dance Trophy)
1. Nancy Sue Jenkins & Hayes Alan Jenkins, Cleveland SC
2. Mary E. Anderson & Malcoln E. McConnell, Cleveland SC
3. Jackolyn Phillips & Kirk Tischler, Chicago FSC
4. Mildred Messer & William Lang, Akron SC
5. Jane Schellentrager & Riki Bliss, Cleveland SC
BRONZE DANCE
1. Laverne Buetlich & Matthew Solomon, Chicago FSC
2. Kay Crum, Akron SC, & Burton Weymier, Chicago FSC
3. Nancy Mineard & Gary Kepler, Akron SC
4. Mary Lou Rolfson, Chicago FSC, & Jack B. Jost, St. Louis SC
5. Margaret Anne Greene & Gary Wilson, Cleveland SC

On Jan. 25 the Wintergarden FSC of St. Louis held an outdoor skating party on Grand Basin Lake in Forest Park. Music was provided for the dance numbers and about 25 or 30 skaters took part. A crowd gathered to watch and seemed delighted with the event. Afterwards all members were invited to the home of Mr. N. H. Von Soosten where hot dogs and coffee were served. When 5:30 arrived everyone had to leave in order to get to the rink for the club session, and by the time this was over the exhaustion was quite apparent and all seemed ready to admit that they had had enough for one day.
The first of three Pop Concerts was held by the Wintergarden FSC (St. Louis) on Dec 13. Another Christmas Party, for Juniors of the Wintergarden FSC (St. Louis), was planned for Dec. 18 and was to include games and refreshments. Both the Fargo-Moorhead WC and the Wintergarden FSC boast of having three families of three generations. These include the Hopewell, Dubois and Forshaw families in the Wintergarden Club, and the Fosters, C. H. Engh and Ernest Breyer, their daughters and granddaughters in the Fargo Club. The final session of the Wintergarden FSC (St. Louis) on Mar. 21 was celebrated by a party. Solos, dance numbers and pairs provided the skating entertainment for this event. The following names of Official USFSA Judges for 1947-48 were approved after publication of the 1948 edition of the USFSA Rulebook: Low Test Judges WINTERGARDEN FIGURE SKATING CLUB OF ST. LOUIS: Anthony V. Canal.

After a summer of informal get-togethers, the Dallas FSC opened on Aug. 25. This is the first year that the club has had high test judges, and Oct. 3 marked the date of the first high tests given at the club. On that day also a practice judges school was conducted by visiting judges, Walter S. Powell of the St. Louis SC, Dr. Hugh C. Graham and Mrs. H. T. Leroux of theTulsa FSC. Several judges from the Fort Worth FSC were able to attend. Plans for resuming the judges school at the University SC (Toronto) were made soon after the opening on Nov. 7.
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An increased schedule of five sessions and group instructions are further proof of heightened interest at the club. Increased membership in the Wintergarden FSC (St. Louis) was a feature of its opening on Oct. 29.

Alex Fulton has gone to the Wintergarden FSC of St. Louis.

The first of three Pop Concerts was held by the Wintergarden FSC (St. Louis) on Dec 13.

Mound City SC (St. Louis) Junior Christmas Party was on Dec. 19 with games and races, and Santa, who distributed prizes, gifts and refreshments. One feature was an exhibition of groups, pairs and solos, the latter by Valerie Pantaleoni, Dorsayae Sellman, Larry Hunter, Diane Williams and Mimi Heman. The pairs were by Connie & Bob Barrett, and Mary Zimmerman & Dick Geekie. The Senior party followed with informal skating, and off-the-ice ballroom and square dancing.
Mound City SC (St. Louis) was organized last season and opened this year early in October with a busy schedule of sessions. Notable are the group dancing lessons given on Monday evenings at a charge of $.50 per person. Almost all members attend these classes, which are preceded by an exercise period of practice on edges and mohawks. Mound City SC (St. Louis) members plan to square dance at the Winter Garden frequently this summer.
Mound City SC (St. Louis) presented 131 skaters from 4 to 18 years old in a highly successful show called Pied Piper of Hamlin on Feb. 27. The youngsters, mostly under 12, pantomime skated to narration by William Cawley. Soloists were Valerie Pantaleonie, Dick Geekie, Dorsayae Sellman, Diane Williams, Mimi Heman, Lynne Kuehne, Alice La Bagge, Mary Zimmerman and Sydney Gurley. Pairs were skated by Mickey & Dick Kuehne, and Connie & Bob Barrett. On Mar. 6 at the Missouri Athletic Association's racing competitions, exhibitions were given by Diane Williams, Mimi Heman, Sheilah Teiman, Connie & Bob Barrett, and Sally Haas & Robert Knoll. Groups presented the Spinning Waltz and the Texas Star square dance.
St. Louis SC met several times during the summer with the Mound City SC. As a result, the two clubs have merged legally and have adopted under charter the name of the former. The new group has already contracted for ice time at the Winter Garden, and plans are underway for a busy season, scheduled to start in October.

1951 - SKATING MAGAZINE EXCERPTS
February
St. Louis SC presented an exhibition on Nov. 27, with about 100 skaters performing for parents and friends. Demonstrations of the Pre and First Test figures were given by 16 members. Helen Geekie and Jack Jost did the Eighth Test figures simultaneously at the center of the rink, and later both soloed. Other soloists were Mary Zimmerman, Valerie Pantaleonie, Richard Geekie, Lynne Kuehne, Sidney Gurley, Diane Williams, Mimi Heman and Shiela Tiemann. The program also included three group dances and pairs by little Mary Angela & Dickie Kuehne and Connie & Bob Barrett. Club Pros Carole Gregory and Alex Fulton conducted the Saturday group class as part of the exhibition. After almost every session, the adults spontaneously plan a party. Most frequent hosts are the William Helds, at whose home a group gathered on Nov. 30 to bid farewell to Jack Jost before he left for Baltimore. A party was given by Mrs. Ben Wells, Club President, and Mr. Wells at their home on Thanksgiving evening. Dancing, refreshments and singing in the rathskeller made for a convivial spirit.

St. Louis SC members participated in a series of farewell parties, with impromptu exhibitions, informal competitions and mock carnivals during the remaining weeks of the season. After a luncheon under the direction of Mrs. L. D. Byrne and Mrs. J. E. Williams, Jr., on Mar. 7, a 25-minute program followed with pair and group numbers. Joseph Forshaw skated with Club Pros Mrs. Carole Krummenacher and Mrs. Betty Potter; Mrs. Louis F. DuBois & Mrs. Dean Sauer skated to "Me and My Shadow;" Mrs. Laughlin D. Byrne & Mrs. J. Edward Williams were the "Smooth Oldies;" and Pros Ruth English & Alex T. Fulton, Jr., skated a pair. Later an informal competition on the forward outside eight was held for the "One Day Skaters." On Mar. 8, final dance competitions took place and an impersonation of Velloz & Yoland was given by Mrs. Mary Ellen Young & Frank Burghold who won the senior dance awards, while Diane Williams & Sidney Gurley won in the junior group.

St. Louis SC celebrated Christmas with parties arranged by Entertainment Committee Chairman Jeanne Berman. The senior affair was a buffet supper for members and friends, and was such a success that plans for another were formulated for the near future. The juniors gathered at the home of Mrs. Ben Wells. A huge cake decorated with miniature figure skaters produced "ohs" and "ahs." After refreshments "Red" & Sally Knoll showed skating movies, and carols completed the evening. The Winter Garden gave a Christmas party for its skaters; club members gave exhibitions, with solos by Jimmy Dodge, Dorisjean Steger, Micki Kuehne and Mimi Heman and a pair by Robert & Sally Knoll.

St. Louis SC's President & Mrs. Richard Kuehne entertained seniors with a Mardi Gras party at their home on Feb. 27. Jeanne Berman, Entertainment Committee Chairman, planned the festive decorations. Frank Berghold and Mrs. Joseph Flynn won prizes for the most original masks. The first Winter Garden championships, with 59 members entered, were held on Mar. 8 and 15; Pro Ruth English was General Chairman and Walter S. Powell presented trophies and medals to the skaters. The winners were: Mimi Heman, senior lady; Sally and Bob Knoll, junior, mixed pair and senior dance; Micki Ann Kuehne and William Held, novice; Joan Kirn and Ben Wells, Sr., pre-novice; Barbara Brown and James Lee Dodge, juvenile; Lynne Kuehne & Mary Burnett, ladies pair; Jean Schrier & John Finnegan, preliminary dance; Mimi Heman & Richard Conrad, novice dance.

St. Louis SC members and friends were given a Christmas party by Pro Ruth English at the Winter Garden. The youngsters all received gifts—dolls and stuffed animals for the girls and ukuleles for the boys. Santa was on hand; he gave a skating exhibition and distributed candy. Solos were skated by Mary Schniedermeyer, Sharon Aimino, Jimmy Dodge, Alice La Bagge and Micki Kuehne, and a pair by Dorisjean Steger & Janet Chase. A highlight of the party was the Grand March which ended in a circle in the middle of the rink with the whole group singing carols. The directors planned the second annual Winter Garden Championships for Mar. 20 with added classes. On Jan. 9, the 1955 Silver Skates Carnival held under the auspices of the Missouri Skating Association featured speed races and a few skating numbers—two by World Champion Hayes Alan Jenkins, one by Micki Ann Kuehne, and a pair by Pros Evelyn Robson & Alex Fulton. Each skater was presented with a gold medal and the girls received large bouquets.

St. Louis SC skaters competed in the Winter Garden Championships and there was a very large entry, especially in the lower test brackets.
The singles winners were: Micki Ann Kuehne and Robert Knoll, senior; Dorisjean Steger and James Lee Dodge, junior; Susan Kunz and George Faulstich, Jr., novice.
The preceding classes had no age limits, but because of the large number of skaters, the following classes were divided into under and over 12 years of age.
The winners were: Sharon Aimino and Nick Skrainka, pre-novice ladies and men; Sharon Linton and Michael Geekie, prenovice girls and boys; Sharon Scott and Tom Heller, preliminary ladies and men; Marjorie Johnson and Randy Siefert, juvenile girls and boys.
The couples placing first were: Sally & Robert Knoll, senior pair and senior dance; Dorisjean Steger & Janet Chase, senior ladies pair and ladies waltz; Sharon Aimino & James Lee Dodge, junior pair; Micki Ann Kuehne & Maria Skye, junior ladies pair; Lucy Ross & Joe Heinrich, novice pair; Vera & William Reynolds, junior dance; Pat Hogan & George Faulstich, Jr., novice dance; LaDonna Mitchel & Ben Pruitt, pre-novice dance; Jane Kirk & Billy Boeck, juvenile dance; Sally Knoll & George Faulstich, Jr., American Waltz; Mary Ellen Young & William Reynolds, Fourteenstep.

November - Jack Jost is teaching at the Winter Garden, St. Louis before returning to the WC of Fargo-Moorhead later in the winter.

St. Louis SC inaugurated a policy of holding a series of informal meetings following Sunday night dance sessions. Business discussion is held to a minimum with the main talk centering around dance patterns and steps. This practice has proved most effective as the errors of the evening are still fresh in the skaters' minds. One discussion was at the home of Mr. & Mrs. William Held; movies of previous World and Olympic competitions were shown by Walter Powell, and other special dance movies by Pro Jack Jost. A campaign to get a broader display of both club pins and arm patches by members is proving successful. The annual Christmas party, hostessed by Pro Ruth English, was held in the Winter Garden and had a capacity turnout. The party featured games, presents from Santa, exhibitions by James Lee Dodge, Dorisjean Steger, Micki Anne Kuehne, and Pro Jack Jost.
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The Membership Committee reported that the Wintergarden FSC of St. Louis had changed its name to the Forest Park FSC.
We welcome the following clubs which appear on our club subscription records for the first time, or after an absence of a year or more: Chatham FSC (Ont.); Desert Blades FSC (Lancaster, Calif.); Esmeralda Junior FSC (Spokane, Wash.); Forest Park FSC of St. Louis; Garden State SC of Asbury Park (N. J.); Genesee FSC (Rochester, N. Y.); Grimsby SC (Ont.); Hempfield SC (Greenville, Pa.); Midland FSC (Mich.); Skokie Valley SC (North Chicago, 111.); West End FSC (Montreal, P. Q.).

Forest Park FSC started skating at the new outdoor Steinberg Memorial Ice Rink in Forest Park, St. Louis, in November. Four one-hour sessions are scheduled each week on Saturday, Sunday,Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Because of the enormous size of the ice surface, the area can be divided to suit everybody's needs: figures, free skating, dances, etc. A dedication ceremony was set for Nov. 24 in which the club members and members of the Missouri Skating Association were asked to participate.

St. Louis SC members enjoyed the annual Christmas party and show at the Winter Garden, directed by Ruth English, the Garden's Managing Director. The show, called "Christmas in Hawaii," was an exceptionally fine one. Members of the club, joined by several Forest Park FSC skaters, participated in a social on the ice on Nov. 19, which received a full-page spread of photographs in the Dec. 6 edition of the St. Louis Globe Democrat.
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Forest Park FSC members enjoyed a Christmas party at the outdoor rink in spite of the freezing temperature, misty rain, and cold wind. A Grand March opened the party followed by a dance exhibition skated by Margie & Bob Brightfield. Ten couples entered the Dutch Waltz contest, won by Mary Schniedermeyer & Don McCarthy. Other activities included a spiral contest, relay races, and a wheelbarrow race—Bob Brightfield & Bill Waggoner who slid across the finish line on the seats of their pants won this event. Santa Claus stopped by earlier in the evening and left stockings filled with candy for the children. Later refreshments were served to all the hungry skaters.
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Forest Park FSC's annual picnic on June 13 took place at the Green Acres in St. Louis County, where a large turnout of members and guests enjoyed a basket supper and swimming. Further summer activities included a trip up the Mississippi River through the Alton Locks on a chartered excursion boat, and a luncheon and swimming party at St. Albins Resort.
Clevette Cohn is the new professional at the Forest Park FSC, St. Louis, Mo.

Forest Park FSC ran its first club competitions on Mar. 26. The ladies' event was the most exciting one of the evening with Mary Schniedermeyer coming in first, and Mary Flynn a close second. The men's class was won by Ray Wanderer, the dance competition by Alice La Bagge & John Tolcou, and the pairs by Mary Flynn & Steve Anstey.

FOREST PARK FSC: Muny Opera on Ice; Steinberg Memorial Rink; Feb. 25-26. The show drew approximately 4,600 spectators to the outdoor rink; the Saturday performance was skated under adverse weather conditions—a 30 m.p.h. wind—but Sunday's weather was favorable.
The production featured eight group numbers, seven solos and a comedy act. Soloists were Mary Schneidermeyer, Bob Brightfield, Alice La Bagge, Nancy Mallon, Mary Flynn, Bill Beck and Micki Kuehne, and comedy was furnished by Harry Montieth and Tom O'Neill. Numbers included the adult group led by Mary Abele & John Tolcou, the teenage girls with Mary Flynn and Mary Schneidermeyer, 35 little girls with Stephanie Tower, and eight tiny girls whose performance was highlighted by three-year-old Denise Gillespie's solo rendition. The carnival's music consisted of selections from popular musical shows.

Gateway FSC, formerly called Forest Park FSC, held its annual fall meeting and a buffet dinner on Nov. 18. During the evening, a design for the new emblem was chosen. The highpoint of the affair was the showing of 1960 U. S. Championship movies.
Gateway FSC of Missouri's new staff is composed of Nancy Mallen, Carole Gregory Krummenacher and Helen Geekie Nightingale

by Marjorie Martin
How appropriate that the gentle, jocular humanist Walter S. Powell should be remembered through music. A man of all seasons, he was known to figure skaters as a lovable counselor, to businessmen as an able director, to fellow St. Louisans for his dedicated involvement in civic affairs, to artists as a generous and understanding patron. Powell Symphony Hall, the new home for the St. Louis Symphony, will be a living memorial to a man of noble spirit. St. Louisans were stunned when Mrs. Helen Lamb Powell's one-million-dollar gift to the Symphony Society was announced. Though local citizenry had long been aware of the generous amounts of time the Powells had given to municipal affairs, their financial contributions had always been modest. The trust fund has injected new life into the organization, enabling the Society to forge ahead in its plans for total refurbishing of the opulent forty-one-year-old St. Louis Theatre, selected as a site because of the already proven excellence of its acoustics. "I had been thinking of what organization I could give to in commemoration of Mr. Powell," Mrs. Powell told newspaper reporters. "When I read that the Symphony might fold, that made up my mind. We had always loved the Symphony."
And so did figure skaters love Walter Powell. Juvenescent in mind and spirit, he sought the company of the young for whom he was confidant, counselor and friend. In this capacity, he accompanied the U.S. World Team in that fateful trip to Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1961 and perished with them when the airplane crashed outside Brussels. His place has been hard to fill.
Starting with his active participation in figure skating as a young man, Walter Powell went on to found the St. Louis FSC. With his partner-wife, Helen, he was active at Sunday night dance sessions almost to the time of his death. It could be said that he devoted nearly a lifetime to figure skating - President of the USFSA, 1943 to 1946, World Referee in both Figures and Dance, member of the Council of the International Skating Union. At the time of his last trip with beloved associates, Walter Powell was an elected member of the USFSA Executive Committee and a Representative to the ISU. His international stature in the sport was greatly respected in European figure skating circles. "If ever an ambassador was persona grata," wrote F. Ritter Shumway after attending several ISU congresses, "it was Walter Powell. His gentle, self-effacing effectiveness was held in high regard amongst his colleagues." Such integrity was an intrinsic part of Walter Powell's involvement with life.
From 1926 until 1951 Mr. Powell was a director and manager of the Brown Shoe Company in St. Louis, having started in the leather business with his family's tanning firm in Gowanda, New York. Through his wife's interest in anesthesiology (she founded the Barnes Hospital School of Anesthesia), he came to know so much about anesthesia and medicine that many people assumed he was a doctor. A known devotee of painting, sculpture, ballet and music, it still came as a surprise to St. Louisans that such a large gift should come to the Symphony from the widow of a man who was not a musician. But Helen Lamb Powell must have been as wise as her husband in the knowledge that spirits lifted by music for generations to come would represent an on-going affirmation of Walter Powell's philosophy for living. "He would have been too modest to give a gift like this," she said. "I'm sure he knows— and that he is embarrassed, but pleased."
Courtesy of Skating Magazine

BORN - To Mr. and Mrs. Larry Corwin (President of Gateway FSC of Missouri), St. Louis, Mo., a son, Jan. 25.

Not far from Mrs. Broders's home club [Silver Blades FSC of Greater Kansas City], the Gateway FSC of Missouri has set out to make a name for itself. This club recently held an area-wide competition—the first such competition in St. Louis in ten years. Gateway members attribute much of their progress to the arrival of the St. Louis Blues hockey team, whose first face-off in 1967 triggered an ice rink building boom. For the Gateway FSC, the result has been more ice time and increased interest in figure skating.

St. Louis Skating Club changes it's name to Castle Oak Figure Skating Club to skate at the Castle Oak Country Club.

Dear Kid Talk,
I have been skating for six months. I went to my first competition in Kansas City and I was in sixth place in my compulsory figures. I am practicing for my Pre Test very hard. My pros are Jane and Richard Horne at Castle Oak FSC. I like your magazine.
Love,
Kelley Connell
Chesterfield, MO

Dear Kid Talk,
I am 11 years old and I've been skating for one year. I skate at Castle Oak FSC. My pro's are Jane and Richard Home. I took my first test. I can land all my single jumps and I try to land my Axel and double Salchow. I like my pro's very much and I like your magazine, too.
Yours truly,
Marcy Berger,
Castle Oak FSC

Castle Oak FSC, St. Louis, Missouri, has changed its name to St. Louis FSC

St. Louis FSC merges with Gateway FSC to form Gateway/St. Louis FSC

The mailing address for Gateway/St. Louis FSC is incorrect. Send all mail to either of the following addresses: Edith P. Lustig 12226 Mentz Hill Road St. Louis, MO 63128 Gateway/St. Louis FSC Brentwood Ice Arena 2505 S. Brentwood Blvd. Brentwood, MO 63144