December 21, 1849

Courtesy of the Anne C. Lewis Scrapbook

On this day in 1849 the first figure skating club in America was formed in the city of Philadelphia, named the  “The Skater’s Club of the City and County of Philadelphia”, which is now known as the “Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society”.   This club was formed by a small group of gentlemen who enjoyed ice skating on the frozen rivers and ponds of Philadelphia. They held  the first official meeting to organize the club at the Sigman’s Hotel located George Street (which is now Sansom Street). The objective and purpose of the groups formation is detailed on the Philadelphia’s Skating Club and Humane Society:

“The club’s objectives were “instruction and improvement” in the art of skating, cultivation of a friendly feeling in all who participated in the amusement of skating and efficient use of proper apparatus for the rescue of persons breaking through the ice. Skating on rivers, such as the Schuylkill, entailed risk, indeed. Club members were required to wear the club badge, a small silver skate which is still our insignia, and to carry a reel of stout twine, which could be thrown to a helpless skater. Both provisions apply today to members skating outdoors. Minutes were kept with magnificent regularity, and detail many an exciting rescue. From its inception, the club was both a gentlemen’s sporting club and a humanitarian group.”

Years after the formation of this society the club dissolved and ceased to aid the skaters of Philadelphia, as their responsibilities we absorbed by the Philadelphia Hospital. Years later in 1861 the Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society was formed and approved by the Governor by special act of the General Assembly.

Today the club has many services and groups for figure skaters of all ages. Please visit their website for club information and schedules.

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