Minneapolis Speed Skating Update
The articles I’ve posted on speed skating have been among the most widely read of all topics I have covered. Many readers also have added comments that are full of interesting information and reminiscences. So I would encourage anyone interested in the history of speed skating in Minnesota, especially at Powderhorn Park, to revisit those posts to catch up on the latest info. (Click on “Speed Skating” under “Popular Tags” at right for a list of articles.)
Along those lines, I got a recent note from Patrick Fitzgerald that the description of the photo of the 1948 Olympic team was correct even though it was taken in February, 1947. The 1948 team was selected based on results of the National Championships the year before.
Bob Fitzgerald was the first man named to the 1948 team as a result of his winning the Senior Men’s National Championship in January, 1947, a repeat of his 1946 title. Both times he edged out Ken Bartholomew, another Minneapolitan, for the title.
Who is this Bearcat skater?
A reader sent me a copy of the 11 x 14 photo above of an unknown skater, which he had found at a local garage sale. He purchased the photo as well as the size 10 Riedell skates the man in the photo was wearing. We believe he is wearing the uniform of the Bearcats from around 1950. Can anyone identify the skater?
I hope to have more recollections of the Powderhorn skating scene from the 1940s sometime this fall.
David C. Smith
© 2014 David C. Smith
Minneapolis Park History 
Jonny Werket (i believe the one in the photo) was one of four members of the American speedskating team to come from Minneapolis in 1948. Another Minneapolitan– Ken Bartholomew–brought home a silver medal. Two other teammates from the Powderhorn Skating Club– Arthur Seaman and Robert Fitzgerald–also competed for the United States. My uncle is Art Seaman.