1850-1853:
Streets laid out around the OSH.As this block was at low elevation, the streets were elevated on raised embankments about 15 feet above the original ground level, leaving the Old Stone House in the bottom of an enclosed basin.

1861-1864:
OSH used as a clubhouse by the "Washington Skating Club."This was the first private skating rink in the city, possibly in the country. In the fall of 1862, the pond was “enclosed by a close board fence,” due to problems caused by dust blowing on to the ice. The “Old Headquarters” served as the “Gentlemen’s Saloon.” The pond was lighted by “Calcium lights” for evening events.

January 1864:
“There is shortly to be prize skating on the Washington Pond for the best skaters of both sexes, and a grand match for a silver ball at base ball.... The Atlantic Club can present a team on skates that few clubs can equal...”. [The Brooklyn Atlantics were one of the first professional baseball teams.]

1864:
“The Washington Pond, on Fifth-avenue, corner of Sixth-street, Gowanus, has passed from the hands of Major Oatman into those of Messrs. Carter, Skinner & Foster, all of whom have had some experience in skating-pond management.... The old Cortelyou House ... occupied by Gen. Washington during the battle of Long Island, stands on the margin of the Washington Pond, and is open to visitors. ” It appears that the new management failed.

1866:
“Washington Pond ... has departed, and nothing is left to mark its locality, but a little puddle of dirty water full of weeds and other trash, a half torn down fence, and a shanty-like building”

1883-1888:
Washington Park used as a skating rink during winter. “The grand stand has been inclosed with a glass front, so as to form a cosy, comfortable ladies’ hall.... The old house known as Washington’s Headquarters has been fitted up as a restaurant and a place for the boy patrons of the park.” The Dodgers played exhibition baseball on ice skates; Norwegian speed skater Axel Paulsen set a new world record, skating 25 miles in 1 h. 33 m. 28.4 s. ‑‑ breaking previous record by more than 25 (Axel Paulsen was the inventor of the modern form of figure skating, including his trademark “Axel” jump - his demonstration of “fancy skating” mentioned in the Brooklyn Eagle, 1/27/1884.)

1886-1888:
Toboggan run operated in Washington Park during the winter by “Charley” Ebbets, Secretary of the ball club. The Park was “brightly” illuminated by electric lights for night tobogganing.