Know Your History: Rockefeller Skating Rink

Covered in banners and streamers of the class colors, students joyously donned their ice skates at the Rockefeller Skating Rink for the Opening Carnival in February 1896. The rink, gifted by John D. Rockefeller, was opened for student use in January 1896. Originally where Porter Hall is, it moved in 1897 to where Central Services are now located before being torn down in 1934. About the rink, The Mount Holyoke stated,  “we find it to be the most popular place of resort on these winter days when the ice on the lake is covered and the paths are deep in snow.”