Vintage celluloid pin, n.d.
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The Plainfield Amusement Academy was built in 1885 as a roller rink by Clark Evans. Located on Watchung and East 4th Street, it was first called Clark’s Grand Enterprise. During its 80-year existence locals called it “Plainfield’s Pleasure Palace,” “Evans’ Folly” and “The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield.” When the building was first erected, crowds came to gape at the cluster of electric lights rising from its tower, a sight to behold in a time when streets were still lit by gas lamps. According to eyewitnesses, the tower lights glowed so brightly one could read a newspaper at night from anywhere within half a mile.
Originally built as a roller rink, the building was also used as a cycling velodrome; a drill hall for the Leal school; a boxing and wrestling ring; a dance hall; a miniature golf course; a convention hall for religious, fraternal and social events; political rallies; and a silk factory. It also hosted a circus performance and many automobile, boat, dog, and flower shows. After a disastrous fire in 1944 it was reopened as a roller rink until 1964, when it was demolished to make way for the Plainfield Police Headquarters and Municipal Court. |
