Oak Lawn Roller Rink was a popular rink where Chicagoans skated for over 40 years. It was located on 9121 S. Cicero in a segregated city on the southwest side of Chicago. The rink opened in the early 1950s (I don’t have the exact date); was hit by a devastating tornado on April 21, 1967;… Read More: Did You Skate at Oak Lawn Roller Rink? »
Altgeld Gardens is one of those little known places where people roller skated in Chicago for two reasons. First, Altgeld is a community located on Chicago’s far south side with limited access to public transportation. Second, it was a community where residents were not very trusting of outsiders. But the people who lived in Altgeld… Read More: Did You Roller Skate at Altgeld Gardens? »
The Swank Skating Rink graced the Beverly community at 1234 W. 111th St. It opened in the 1950s but I don’t have records of its closing. If you have that information, share it in the comment box below. Also, feel free to share your memories of roller skating at The Swank. Image credit: Google… Read More: Did You Skate at The Swank? »
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 »
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… »