Nicholson Stadium To Have A New Look

Probably the only remaining original structure left standing at Nicholson Stadium is the eastern side grandstands. For nearly 75 years it has stood symbolizing decades of loyal fans. For as far back as we can remember is was the “home” side for the Wellsville Tigers.

It was build in 1936 as part of FDR's Works Progress Administration. It is constructed of concrete, iron rebar and steel beams. Across the field was a similar, duplicate grandstand. It came down in 1995 because it deteriorated into an unsafe structure. The “home” side outlived his twin across the way by 15 years. From what we saw this past week it was only through the grace of God and some determined efforts made over the years that it lasted this long. While touring the old facility we were told about some individuals in years past did everything in their power to preserve the old grandstands. New support posts and angle iron was installed for support. Fresh concrete was used to patch different areas. Unfortunately it was all for naught. Time has taken its toil.

This past October school officials closed off the worse section for safety concerns. There were holes you could see day light through. Then they called in a structural engineering firm to conduct an inspection. With the flaking concrete, the corroded rebar hanging in various places and the holes it didn't take them long to render a professional opinion. The old stands had outlived its structural integrity and deemed it unsafe to be used. The cost to renovate it would be prohibited. There wasn't any alternative left to preserve the stands. It has to come down or sit there until it collapses. It couldn't be used. Safety of all concerned could not be compromised in any way, shape or form.

In our post of the last Board of Education meeting we reported a contract was given to a demolition company to do the deed. They are to begin tomorrow and estimate it will be all gone and cleaned up by the end of the month.

The land the stadium sits on was part of the Nicholson family farm that goes back to the 1800s. The Nicholson family donated the land so the school could build a new athletic facility. It was adjacent to what an 1877 map of that part of town called the Nicholson Addition. Back in those days Wellsville was a growing, thriving town, bulging at the seams with an expanding population. We've read where the growing railroad industry in Wellsville was the biggest reason for the town expanding in that direction. Land was being used up to build homes for the railroad workers and their families.

It's sort of sad to see the last original structure come down. There were countless football games, track meets and other events witnessed from those stands. It adds up to a lot of memories and some would say tradition. We hate to see it go but we can't argue with the decision to bring it down after our tour. It's the right thing to do.

In a few weeks it will all be just a memory of what was. All that will remain is pictures, paintings and those memories. It did get memorialized on one of the Floodwall Murals. Sad though it may be, years from now it will still be Nicholas Stadium, home of the Wellsville Tigers!

ole nib