White City Roller Rink was part of White City Amusement Park, located on the south side of Chicago at 63rd & South Parkway (now King Drive). It opened in 1905.
After the amusement park closed in the late 1930s, the rink remained open and was a source of controversy because of the name, “White City”. White City was the name given to buildings at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. However, because only white patrons were allowed and black people were not, the name was changed to Park City Roller Rink.
When I talk to my “seasoned” citizens, most of them remember the midnight rambles on Saturday night.
Man, I’m telling you. You should see people faces when they start talking about roller skating. Their smiles are absolutely priceless!
The rink finally closed in the 1958.
Do you remember White City/Park City in Chicago? If not, can you ask your
Image and Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hollywoodplace/3596868172/in/photostream/
I lived in Parkway Gardens in the late 50’s to early 60’s. I went to John Foster Dulles when it first opened. 63rd and South Park was a magical place. I went to the last “carnival” near the intersection in around 1959. And believe it or not there was once a carnival in the lot adjacent to the church at 6600 and King Drive (South Park back in the day. In those days there was a big open lot with sand. Parkway Gardens was a community of professional and working class black folks.
Thanks for sharing, Kenneth.
WOW!!! I lived at 68th & Wabash & we would walk. I remember all three rinks & the bowling alley, etc. I was a jr. usher during the last years. We also went to the gym St. Anselm/s on 61st & Indiana. Yes, a gym floor to skate! Thanks (Buster) Lemuel
Thanks for sharing your memories, Lemuel. Do you have any pictures? Do you have other people who can share their memories of skating at these places?
My mother just told me that is where the soldiers would go during WWII
I just researched White City because I’ve just finished reading my Mothers diary from 1937! She was 15 years old and met her future husband (my Dad) at White City that year! I too would love to see any photos or paraphernalia from White City! (I do have my Mothers original “skate case” and will have to go home and check out the stickers on it!) Best “book” I’ve ever read…..:)
Susan, thanks so much for sharing your information. Do you mind taking a photo of your mother’s skate case and sharing it with me along with a picture of your mom and dad? That would be great. Please let me know.
FAMILY
My mom, Harriet, was in the skating club at the Park city rink on 63rd st in 1950’s.
I was 4years old at the time . I remember meeting Jimmy Davis owner/manager, who later opened The Savoy rink on 61st cottage in the early 60’s ; then reopened the Savoy at 79th Cottage Grove.
Some members of the skating club at Park city were:my mom Harriet , Margaret, Fenny, Tarzan. Only names I remember. I skated there until it closed, then thevSavoy. Those days were the joy of my life.
Oooh, B.J., you have made my day. Do you happen to have any pictures from Park City? Any old paraphernalia? Are any of the members of the club you mentioned available for interviews?
I will try to see if I can locate .
I remember White City. I lived in Altgeld Gardens and we would take “Big Red” which was the red and white South Suburban Bus line, get off at 63rd and South Park (now Martin Luther King Drive)and skate. But we would have to leave before the Midnight Ramble, because the last bus to the Gardens left at 12:00 midnight. There was a stand where we caught the bus that sold hotdogs, and greasy fries and put them in a brown paper bag. So when we got off the bus, we would leave the bus full of grease and that aroma. LOL
Dr. Jan, thanks so much for sharing these memories. You are the first person I’ve spoken to who skated at White City and did not live in the community. This is great!