I would like to further comment about the live organ music (mentioned by Don Urtz in his article “Growing Up Near Canadarago Park,” printed in the February 5 edition of The Mercury).

Here is an old photograph of the Canadarago Skating Rink, Canadarago Park, in Richfield Springs, as provided by Marilyn Hext.

My brother, Gordon Pierson, was the last organist to play music at the rink. Gordon played there from 1967 to it’s closing, in 1972. The organ he played was located in a room up a few steps from the rink. It had a large glass window that allowed him to look out onto the rink and that allowed the skaters the opportunity to see him playing.

During skating time, when some of the skaters took breaks, they would go up and sit with him while he continued to play for the people remaining on the rink.

Here is a photo of Gordon Pierson, who was the last organist to play the rink. This picture was not taken at the Canadarago rink. (Photo submitted by Marilyn Hext)

Gordon lived in Richfield Springs all of his life and played at several rinks around the area, including Oneonta, Sidney, Utica and others. He also played music at cocktail lounges and even played several weddings, including mine and my sister’s weddings. Marc Delpozzo was his accompanying drummer.

Gordon currently resides in Otsego Manor, in Cooperstown.