Buffalo Skating Club-History of the BSC

History of the BSC

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS

1928 - 2008

The Buffalo Skating Club, a member club of U.S. Figure Skating, was formally organized in 1928. At that time, all skating sessions were conducted at the Fort Erie Arena. in 1938, the old rink at the Nichols School was first used by the Club. "Nichols Rink" was its home for the next 25 years.

Although the BSC was formally organized in 1928, our history goes back to 1921 when a group of skaters who frequently skated at the Delaware Park Lake formed what was then called the Skating Club of Buffalo. Although an informal organization without a home rink the group gave many exhibitions, which the newpapers of the time noted as "fancy" skating. On October 1, 1924 the first officers were elected: Mr. Emil Rotopan-President; Mr. O.A. Statler -Vice President; Mr. Myron W. Finch-Treasurer; and Miss Helen Blackman-Secretary. Over the next four years, the club continued to skate one night a week, weather permitting, at the Nichols Rink. In 1926 the first competition was held in Niagara Falls, with skaters invited from Western New York and Ontario. There was only one class for both men and women, consisting of School Figures and Free Skating. This competition was won by Mrs. Helen Blackman Stapleton.

The BSC hosted the first regional competition, the North Atlantic Sub-Sectional, in 1959. Since then the BSC has played host to numerous Regional and Sectional Championships. In 1971 the USFSA National Championships were held both at the rink at Nichols and the Memorial Auditorium. The Buffalo Skating Club has hosted it's own competition the NIAGARA INVITATIONAL since 1949. This competition sanctioned by US Figure Skating and Skate Canada is now held biennially and is celebrating it's 30th year in 2008.

The Club is still thriving today. Currently holding sessions at the Buffalo State College Ice Arena and North Buffalo Town Rink. We have skaters that range from beginners to Senior, children and adults, as well as family members that span three generations (with all three generations still skating together every Sunday night). We look forward to another 80 years of promoting and encourging all levels of interest in the sport of Figure Skating.

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Our sincere thanks to Martha Rasmussen (Club Historian & Judge) for all your hard work at keeping all of this and much more information alive and available to members old and new.

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