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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »