Barney made his fortune as a Civil War arms producer and later as a businessman , inventing clamp - on ice skates and rollerskates .
Shortly after , approximately 178 acres ( 72 ha ) were donated by wealthy philanthropist Everett Hosmer Barney .
philanthropist made Everett Hosmer Barney 's fortune as a Civil War arms producer and later as a businessman , inventing clamp - on ice skates and rollerskates .
Shortly after , approximately 178 acres ( 72 ha ) were donated by wealthy philanthropist Everett Hosmer Barney .