~Begin Shameless Event Promotion~

As I celebrate my birthday today, there’s really only one thing I could possibly want as a gift: you to attend the Preserving York Fundraising Picnic that I’ve been promoting lately. I can’t say it enough, but I’m looking forward to meeting my readers as they come to support two worthy organizations during a day of local history.

~End Shameless Event Promotion~

While searching through the nooks and crannies of my favorite York County, Pennsylvania junk stores sometimes an ordinary item catches my eye. Of course I usually add the item to my collection but don’t always know what I’m buying.

The mystery “thing” shown below is a case in point:

Measuring 1 3/8 in diameter and 5/16 thick, this metal oddity appears to have been given to commemorate an anniversary… or something like that. “York” and “40 Years” are the only markings present on this side. The opposite side offers a few more clues, but nothing concrete:

Okay, this side doesn’t really offer us many more clues, but it gives us years that may help: 1953 and 1993.

When I look at this small token-like object, my original thought is that it resembles a small metal hockey puck. Perhaps it was to mark the 40th anniversary of the old ice skating rink along Vander Avenue in York. The building is now used for roller skating by Roll ‘R’ Way Family Skating Center.

In fact, 1953 was the year when Memorial Park was turned over the the city of York by the Spring Garden Memorial Park Association. To be exact, this took place on December 18, 1953. Is this the mystery event?

What are your ideas about this circle of mystery?

NOTES:

1. The Preserving York group on Facebook is nearing 150 members, Will you be the next to join?