In the Great Hall…..
The Clinton Courant, February 5, 1884, reported roller skating In the Town Hall was the topic of the day. An application was made to 
the Selectmen to open the hall for skaters using skates just like those pictured here with leather straps and wooden wheels. The Selectmen declined to give permission without a vote of the town because many were opposed fearing it would injure the floor for dancing. The article, in jest, suggested that might be a good thing.
Interested parties handed a petition with sufficient signatures to the Selectmen asking them to call a town meeting, which they did. The citizens voted 19 in favor and 14 opposed at the January 29th meeting.
The argument was brought forward that the floor will have to be pumice-stoned before they can skate on it, and that that will spoil it for dancing. However, Mr. Dexter’s floor in Clinton was used several weeks before any pumice-stone was put on It, and people had no trouble in skating on it.” The selectmen would surely not allow any pumice-stone on the floor, and that If they find that the little rollers are Injuring the floor In any way that they will close the hall.
The selectmen fixed the price of admission at twenty cents each and roller skating was enjoyed by many at the Sterling Town Hall from seven to ten o’clock Saturday evenings in the winter of 1884. The price did not include music, but the selectmen promised that if there is good attendance, they will furnish a hand-organ for a night or two. “They know where they can get one cheap, in the way of trade.”