Those Places Thursday ~ The Skating Rink

Sicily Island Skating Rink in 2011

When I was in junior and senior high school, the Skating Rink drew teenagers from surrounding towns in Catahoula, Concordia and Franklin Parishes.  Whether you loved skating or just visiting with friends, it was the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights.

Sicily Island Skating Rink in 2011

History of the Skating Rink:

• In 1957 Edgar Garrison bought land and had the skating rink built.  He later sold the business to Howard Cater
• Howard Cater sold the skating rink to James David "J. D." Weeks, Jr.  
• After the 1968 death of J. D. Weeks, his wife (Lillie) hired Willard Posey to operate the skating rink
• Following the death of Lillie Weeks in 1973, Jerry and Elva Weeks Golmon became the owners of the skating rink and operated it through 1984
• Jerry Golmon's brother, Ray, Jr., purchased the skating rink in 1986 and continues to own and operate it today

Those Places Thursday ~ Sicily Island Hills WMA

Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area

The following photographs were taken at the Wildlife Management Area while on a trip back home in May of 2012. 

Former location of the old fire tower; arrows pointing out the cement blocks that formed the base

 

Blackeyed Susans gracing the area just past the former location of the fire tower

One of several dirt roads leading farther into the hills

Butterfly House

Unknown type of feeder hanging from a tree

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries:
Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area (SIHWMA) is located in northeast Catahoula Parish, 6 miles west of Sicily Island, Louisiana.  Major routes to the area are Louisiana highways 8 and 915.  A series of unimproved roads and trails provide access to the interior of the area.  Boeuf and Ouachita Rivers supply boat access to the western portion of the property.  SIHWMA is comprised of approximately 7,524 acres with the majority acquired by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in December 1980.

Courtesy of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries