LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 60th Anniversary of Guptill's
Arena, Latham, New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the mile-
stones of those exceptional recreational facilities which have positive-
ly impacted their communities and are a crucial element in the economy
of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 60th Anniversary of Guptill's Arena, Latham, New York; and
WHEREAS, For over six decades, Guptill's Arena has provided Capital
District residents with a place to have fun, get some exercise, enjoy
some old-fashioned ice cream, and take in a little piece of Americana;
and
WHEREAS, Pearly Guptill and his family relocated to the Capital Region
from Maine in the 1930s due to the Great Depression; with foresight
enough to recognize an area that would grow and prosper, the family
settled in Boght Corners, New York; and
WHEREAS, Early on, this pioneering family contributed much to the
expansion of their community; they owned a gas station, built roads, and
dug many cellars for homes within the town; the grandson of Pearly
Guptill, Charles Guptill, is credited with being one of the first citi-
zens to help put the hamlet of Latham on the map; and
WHEREAS, In the 1940s, Charles Guptill developed debilitating rheuma-
tism that rendered him unable to walk; as part of his rehabilitative
therapy he began to roller skate and slowly regained his ability; subse-
quently, he decided to build a roller skating rink for his community;
and
WHEREAS, The construction of Guptill's Arena began in 1946, on a
Guptill family lot located on Wade Road; wood from the family's farm was
used to build the arena and provided all the lumber for the
400,000-board oak arena floor; the production was completed on February
14, 1951, and Guptill's Arena was officially open for business; and
WHEREAS, The massive arena's main floor is one-acre of space and
consists of the practice rink, the baby rink and the main rink, as well
as private rooms for birthday parties and other celebrations; attached
to the arena is the Coney Express, which serves ice cream and other
treats to its many patrons; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the members of the Guptill family have dedi-
cated themselves to keeping alive the traditional look and feel of this
treasured piece of Americana; today, Guptill's Arena still houses all of
the same classic cars and original decor, as well as its original stage,
which hosted many acts during the 1950s; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable landmark gained global recognition in the
1970s, being awarded the honor of the largest skating rink in the world
by the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its history, Guptill's Arena has persevered,
remaining untouched in an ever-changing society and weathering over
half-a-century of economic ups and downs; acting as a piece of nostalgia
for the Town of Colonie, this beloved landmark has been a source of fun
and cherished memories for generations of Capital District families and
residents; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to honor and commend the
members, past and present, of the Guptill family who have labored so
conscientiously to secure and improve the quality of life for the resi-
dents and community they serve, noting the significance of their
unremitting efforts to build a commonality of interest and pride of

cooperative achievement, inherent in the values of community and family
life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Guptill's Arena, Latham, New York;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Skip Guptill, Guptill's Arena, Latham, New York.