Chris Campbell wants to know. Read the comment he left. I am from St. Anselm Skating Rink. I first skated when i was 7 years old and I was hooked ever since. I remember the organ music; the year was 1971-72. I also remember working there and learning all of the business. If you skated… Read More »
I’m excited to share my promo video for How We Roll: History of Black Skating in Chicago. Check it out when you get a chance.
How We Roll Event Remember when I posted the save the date to commemorate the very first day black people were able to roller skate indoors in Chicago. It’s 80 years later and there’s still a pretty big roller skate community in the windy city. This will be an educational program followed by skating.… Read More »
Based on conversations with roller skaters and the comments in my Calling Chicago West Side Roller Skaters post, here is a listing of west side roller skating rinks in Chicago and other places they skated: Roller Skating Rinks Concrete Jungle Concrete Jungle – Madison & Menard Motion Explosion 7 Grand Roller Rink Hot Wheels Broadway… Read More »
When you hear about public housing in Chicago, you mostly negative stuff – struggle, poverty, violence, gangs and drugs. You rarely hear stories about two-parent families, adults encouraging young people to go school and get jobs, and good neighborly relations within those complexes. Yes, that did exist. Now, tales that you won’t hear about unless… Read More »
I emailed YMCA Chicago for information on the three Ys where people skated on the south and west sides of the city. Following is the information provided. Hyde Park YMCA Located at 1400 E. 53rd Street (Dorchester & 53rd), Hyde Park YMCA Opened in January 1923 and closed in August 1980. Sears YMCA Sears YMCA opened… Read More »