About Us

Watertown Skating Club | Established 1951

The Watertown Skating Club (WSC) was established in 1951 through the vision and initiative of Jack Galgot, a former competitive figure skater and judge from Waterbury, Connecticut. Upon learning of Taft School’s plans to construct an ice rink in Watertown, Mr. Galgot, along with other local skating enthusiasts, formed a group to assist in planning and constructing the facility. They successfully secured permission from Taft to utilize the rink for club sessions, and in January 1951, the Mays Rink was completed. The club formally incorporated in December of that year, with Wooster Canfield appointed as its first president.

The inaugural club session took place in December 1952 with approximately 60 members. From the outset, the club offered structured skating opportunities for juniors, adults, and families. Sessions were scheduled on weekends for juniors and families and on Thursdays for adults. Early membership dues were modest, and financial arrangements with Taft initially took the form of annual contributions before evolving into a standard hourly rental agreement.

In its earliest days, the rink had no roof, windbreaks, or amenities. Ice maintenance was labor-intensive, relying on manual tools and the efforts of volunteers. Over time, the facility was improved significantly, with the addition of a roof and warming rooms in 1956 and the acquisition of one of the earliest Zamboni machines.

In 1952, WSC was officially recognized as a member club of the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). The club initially focused on ice dancing and figures, maintaining formal standards of dress and decorum during sessions. While not primarily oriented toward competitive skating, by design, the club fostered an environment of technical excellence and mutual support. Over the years, several members advanced to become nationally ranked ice dancers, certified coaches, and accomplished hockey players at the preparatory and collegiate levels.

During the 1990s, the club experienced substantial growth, offering up to 10 hours of weekly ice time and reaching peak membership of approximately 150 juniors and 30 adults. Programming during this period included structured group lessons, synchronized skating, private coaching sessions, and open freestyle practice. The coaching staff was supported by Junior Instructors, reinforcing the club’s commitment to mentorship and community involvement.

In 2015, scheduling changes at Taft School required the consolidation of local skating programs into a single rink. As a result, WSC’s weekly ice time was reduced to four hours, though the season was extended and programming resumed in the original Mays Rink.

Like many organizations, WSC experienced a decline in membership following the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating a further reduction in ice availability. However, the club has experienced a steady and encouraging resurgence over the past three years. In 2025, WSC achieved a significant milestone by obtaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This designation enhances our capacity to expand programming and seek philanthropic and institutional support.

Looking ahead, the Watertown Skating Club is committed to broadening its reach and impact. We are actively exploring opportunities to contribute to the Taft School community and the greater Watertown area through initiatives that promote student access, volunteerism, and community engagement.

Today, WSC proudly welcomes skaters of all ages, skill levels, and disciplines. Our programming aligns with the standards set by the United States Figure Skating Association. Each season concludes with an annual ice show—an enduring tradition that reflects the club’s legacy of excellence, inclusion, and joy in skating.