For more than 70 years, Guptill’s Ice Cream has been a mainstay in Latham, New York. Harry Guptill founded the famous ice cream shop in 1951, and ever since, both residents and visitors have loved visiting it. But precisely when did Guptill’s Ice Cream begin operations?
Local archives indicate that Guptill’s Ice Cream made its debut in 1951. After observing the success of other nearby stands like Kurver Kreme and Jim’s Tastee Freez, Harry Guptill, a former employee of the dairy company Mohawk Dairy, made the decision to open his own ice cream shop. He bought a tiny piece of property on Route 9 in Latham and started constructing his stand, which gained popularity with the locals very quickly.
Guptill’s Ice Cream is now renowned for its mouthwatering homemade ice cream, traditional diner fare, and distinctive attractions like its indoor roller skating rink and outdoor mini-golf course. However, did you know that Guptill’s also boasts a hockey rink in the basement?
Although creating a hockey rink in the basement is not simple, it is possible with careful planning and perseverance. The basement needs to have enough area to accommodate the rink, therefore the first step is to gauge its size. The next step is to put in a subfloor and insulation to stop moisture from penetrating the concrete. After that, you can put up the boards, glass, and netting to turn your basement into a completely functional hockey rink.
A form of plastic material that resembles the feel and texture of ice is called synthetic ice. It is considerably more practical and economical than installing a basement rink, and it can be utilized to create a skating surface in your own backyard or garage. Synthetic ice panels are sold by several businesses, some of which also provide DIY installation choices.
Another well-liked alternative to skating on ice or artificial ice is inline skating. Many fitness enthusiasts have adopted inline skating as a means to keep in shape and have fun because it is a well-liked form of exercise and enjoyment. Inline skating is promoted as a high-intensity, low-impact exercise that can be done by persons of all ages and fitness levels.
How lucrative is an ice rink then? The answer is influenced by a number of variables, such as location, size, and management. Even though ice rinks can be expensive to develop and maintain, with the right management, they can also be quite profitable. Numerous rinks provide skating classes, hockey leagues, and other activities that can bring in extra money. Furthermore, rinks that are situated in regions with high demand and little rivalry are probably going to be more successful than those in oversaturated markets.
Finally, for more than 70 years, Guptill’s Ice Cream has been a cherished fixture in the Latham neighborhood. While some people may be unsure of the actual date of its opening, there’s no doubting Guptill’s influence on the neighborhood and the memories it has fostered for generations of tourists. Guptill’s is a must-go to location that will satisfy visitors of all kinds, whether they are hockey fans, inline skaters, or just ice cream lovers.