We all have memories of special occassions with our childhood friends. This memory is mine.
Snow laden trees created a winter wonderland last week. It reminded me of being a kid 10-12 years old. My buddies (girls weren't allowed because they were still yukky) and I would wander up and down the local railroad tracks looking for things to do. It was winter and we found the early construction of a huge building in Plymouth for a new Borden Cheese office building and warehouse. It was just south of Plymouth adjacent to a railroad spur. The basement had been dug out and the concrete walls poured. The first floor of the building had been poured but had many openings for things like future elevators or ventilation systems. When construction workers were preparing to pour concrete for the basement floor, they struck a water spring. Water gushed into the lower level and rose to a level of about 3-4 feet. Everything stopped. Construction was held up until they could figure out how to deal with the water. Winter set in and all the water froze
My buddies and I found this wonderous fantasy skating rink. It was surreal. The ice was glistening and clear because snow could not reach it. There was enough light coming in from the openings in the floor above to make it seem like an ice arena with spot lights.
As kids, it was special. There was no wind because the basement walls protected the ice. There was no snow except in isolated piles where the sunlight poured through openings in the floor above. You could look down through the ice and actually see the bottom of the basement.
Each stroke of your ice skates made a new mark in the clear ice. There were no bumps or cracks. Each stroke of the skate made a crisp sound that echoed in the huge cement room. When you slid sideways to stop, your blades would shave a layer of perfect ice.
We didn't tell anyone about the special ice rink. For sure, you didn't tell "grown ups"? We knew if we told, someone would say don't go there because it was private property. So we would sneak away and enjoy probably the best ice skating condtions ever created. The ice was clear, pristine and untouched. It was fun to keep the place secret.
I think the Borden Company eventually abandoned the project and tore down the construction. I don't know how they solved the "waters spring" problem but if you drive in that area today, it is occupied by many buildings.
Now you know about a secret place from my ice skating past. It was a place that less than 10 people knew about. And now you know! You are sworn to secrecy. I only share memories with loved ones because I know they can keep a secret.
Can they arrest me for trespassing 50 years after the infraction?
Love,
Dad