Oakland: Duquesne Garden

CAPTION: Pittsburgh, Pa., Ice Rink, Duquesne Garden.
NOTES: Postcard.
The Hugh C. Leighton Co., Manufacturers, Portland, Me. Made in Germany.

"Another more 'integrated' artifact of the trolley age was
Duquesne Gardens, which, although it vanished in 1956 (demolished
to make way for an apartment house) was, in its various mutations
an established social fixture of Bellefield--indeed of Oakland 
and the City. This long low building was constructed in 1890 as a car
barn for the Duquesne Traction Company. In 1896 it was remodeled
into a long hall that could be used as a theater, sports arena or
an indoor skating rink. Over the years until its demise, it 
fulfilled all these functions abundantly and when it finally bit
the dust, it was much lamented by the general populace."(32) 

"Now [1932] called by many "The Arena" but still Duquesne Gardens to 
us. How could it be called anything else to the thousands of Pittsburghers 
who in the past have learned to ice skate here. Or to the thousands that 
in the past learned to dance in the once magnificent ballroom on the 
second floor. But call the place what you will; it still is the home of 
ice skating and hockey in Pittsburgh. We've talked to many hockey players 
and they've all agreed that the rink is one of the finest in the country. 
That's talking from the players' angle. From the spectator's viewpoint we 
believe that you can get as good a peek at the thrilling game as at any 
rink in the land. And if you've never seen a real fast hockey game, 
you've got a thrill or two coming to you. Go out some day and watch such 
stars as "Whitie Fields," "Stoney Reise" and "Sonny Baxter." And if you 
don't agree with us that hockey is one of the greatest thrills in the 
sports world we'll gladly give you two tickets to the next checker or 
chess championship match. The Pitt Hockey Club plays twenty-four games at 
home and the season is from November 1st until April 1st. After the game 
is over and you think it's so soft get a pair of skates and enjoy the ice 
yourself. You'll probably find a charming partner or two just dying to 
learn the gentle art of balancing the blades. Conveniently located at 110 
N. Craig Street near Fifth Avenue."(89)

PHOTOGRAPHER: R. W. Johnston.  
DATE: c1909.   
HEADING: Pittsburgh. Buildings.
#: 
From the Collections of the Pennsylvania Department,
The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

mages 6. utline. eighborhoods. ain Menu.