I know I’m late reporting this but Rich City Skate in Richton Park, Illinois closed on Saturday, July 30, 2016. Tina and Dyana, producers of United Skates Documentary, told me when they interviewed me for their project in July. Honestly, it slipped my mind and I didn’t hear anything about it until yesterday, the… Read More: Last Roll at Rich City Skate Was July 30, 2016 »
Happy 2016 all! I know I’m waaaaay behind on this site but there’s a good reason for it. I have been compiling my roller skating information and conducting more research to complete my roller book this year. I started researching in 2009 and I’m ready to bring this baby full circle. In the meantime, though,… Read More: Chicago Roller Skating History Presentations »
It’s a great honor to share this video of veteran roller skater, Calvin Small, on “In the Loop”. He’s been skating for a half century and was one of my skate instructors. Click on the picture to watch him in action. Image: In the Loop
If you have any articles, images or memories of roller derby history, particularly Chicago roller derby history, please share. For as huge as it was in its heyday, I’m having challenges finding information. I did get a few responses to a previous article about roller derby in Chicago but I need more. All help is… Read More: Seeking Information on Chicago Roller Derby History »
Last night, I spoke with radio personality, Al Greer, who shared his experience as a roller skating DJ. He said that he DJ’d at Rollerena on 103rd and Calumet in Chicago and Skate City on 63rd. When I ask people about the rinks where they skated, only a few have mentioned this rink, so I… Read More: Did You Roller Skate at Rollerena on 103rd & Calumet… »
There were two such rinks in Chicago in the 1950s and 60s: Riverview and White City. As I conduct my research, I am learning that Chicago has a history of everything, including being home to the Chicago Skate Company, which was one of the largest roller skating companies in the WORLD during its day. It… Read More: Did You Know Roller Rinks Were Attached to Amusement Parks? »