SKATING IN TROPICS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 January 1939, Page 9

SKATING IN TROPICS

HOUSEWIFE’S INVENTION ‘IN AMERICA. "SYNTHETIC” RINKS POPULAR. Inquiries from all parts of the United States and from some foreign countries followed announcement in Ohio of the invention of artificial ice skating in all climates and seasons by an obscure housewife chemist. Preparations are being made to place the new product on the market. City officials and newspapermen, who attended the demonstration, were enthusiastic about the possibilities of the new product. They pointed out that since the product is to be inexpensive, small communities everywhere, as well as private clubs and organisations, will be able to have their own rinks. The new material seems destined, many think, to revolutionise recreational activity, making ice skating possible in all seasons of the year and on the floor of any public building or rink. Iceolite was christened by its inventor, Airs Bessie Pastor, who will not disclose the ingredients used except to say that there are 16, one a silicate and one a vegetable oil. Chemistry is her avocation. In private life she is Mrs Michael Berliney, housewife. Mrs Pastor, while not giving up her home duties in a modest Toledo dwelling, has patented 17 other chemical products. Professional skaters who gave the "synthetic” ice a trial at its world debut recently, declared it to be as "fast” as natural ice.

The material is expected to be inexpensive. High temperature melts the product into liquid form. It then is poured about an inch thick upon any surface. The iceless ice then hardens into a smooth surface.

The surface is said to be equally adaptable for ice skating, roller skating, dancing, tennis, basketball, or other games. It is described by its sponsors as being so durable that it will last for years.