Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. The skating rink in question is toward the right where you can see the big rounded thingy high up. That was where it was. Taken in 1910s. Raw picture. Courtesy of Plainfield Public Library.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Again, see the round thing? It was back there behind that small house on the corner and the garage behind that house. Again, 1910s. Yes, there were red paint on the side of the road with painted sign saying, "NO PARKING" but that car parked there anyway! Hope he got away without a ticket. Courtesy of Plainfield Public Library.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. This is the blueprint provided to show what they were designing a new roller rink in 1944 after the fire and the hurricane. Courtesy of Plainfield Public Library. Photoshopped by Rink History to clarify the blueprints.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. This is the rebuilt roller rink. This is only the front part of a very long building. Photo taken in 1950s. Courtesy of Plainfield Public Library.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. You can see the rink at its heydays because of the crowded parking lot and streets for skating or some kind of event occurred. It is now police headquarters with the front facing same location as the rink was. Courtesy and photoshopped of Rink-History
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - 15 September 1926.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - Wednesday, 10 November 1926
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Reopened again as a restart. Courtesy of The New York - Saturday, February 1927.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Central New Jersey Home News - Monday, 24 January 1944
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. This is one of the four articles from the same newspapers related to the fire. It was a landmark and popular attraction. It would made sense to do so. Courtesy of The Courier News - Monday 24 January 1944.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. The articles were very detailed about this fire and everything. It was only course of live other than the radio. I am not sure if the radio station send someone to the site like they did with the Hindenburg crash. But the newspapers had an advantage: print. They still can today but the new media called internet can be permanent in a way. Newspapers will always win. Courtesy of The Courier News - Monday 24 January 1944.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - Monday, 24 January 1944.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - Monday, 24 January 1944.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. The new rink reopened on Monday, 19 March 1945. Courtesy of The Courier News - 14 March 1945.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - Saturday, March 17 1945.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. A look back at the rink. Showed it was opened in November 1885. Courtesy of The Courier News - Saturday, March 17 1945.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - Monday, 21 June 1948.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. an advertisement for 1953 USARSA Nationals. Courtesy of USARSA. Photoshopped copyrighted by Rink-History: cleaned up.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Oh no, not another fire! Similar occurrence to the 1944 fire that it has to do with the boiler room. This was in the boiler room or utility room. I did not see anything in between this fire in December 1960 and the February 1964 demolish of the old rink. Did the fire forced the owners of the rink closed and abandoned which lasted 3 years? Will need verification! Courtesy of The Courier News - Friday, 02 December 1960.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of The Courier News - Friday, 06 March 1964.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of Rink-History. Photoshopped Copyrighted by Rink-History for clean up.
Academy Roller Rink / New Academy Roller Rink 337 Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ. Courtesy of Rink-History. Photoshopped Copyrighted by Rink-History for clean up.
Academy Roller Rink
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
Plainfield Casino
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (original name, before skating)
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
Evans' Folly
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
New Academy Roller Rink
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield Amusement Academy
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
Plainfield Casino
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (original name, before skating)
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
Evans' Folly
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
New Academy Roller Rink
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield Amusement Academy
Watchung Ave. and East 4th Street, Plainfield, NJ (aka)
Academy Roller Rink and New Academy Roller Rink were at Watchung Avenue and East 4th Street, in Plainfield, New Jersey. They may had many names but mainly two generations of rinks. It was just "As known as" with other names. Just those two-- the Academy Roller Rink and the New Academy Roller Rink. Period.
It all started as Academy Roller Rink with Clark W. Evans in 1885 with roller rink and several activities including indoor miniature Golf course, exhibit shows, games, Roller Hockey, and more.
Later, it was Harry E. Brownston from 1924 to 1964 which was 40 years of ownership.
However, Owners listed here did not operate the rink. It was a different role. Cliff Howard and Billie Wolf co-operated together in 1926 followed by Moe Chandler and C. Quarterman together for a year in 1927 and perhaps until 1933 when Edward A. Tierce took over. Edward A. Tierce also managed the rink.
Clark Evans began the facility as a multi-function hall from 1885 to 1926 including roller skating. But ceased as a rink sometimes between those two dates however, in 1926, it was opened again as a Roller Rink called New Academy Roller Rink from 1926 to 1944. They were also called Plainfield Amusement Academy. The owner was Harry E. Brownston from 1924 to 1964 with Edward A. Tierce as operator and manager 1945 to likely 1964 with Harry M. Wallman on the keyboards as an Organist.
But they had a major fire on Monday, 24 January 1944 destroyed the rink completely AND later that year, a hurricane damaged the rink as it was underway of reconstruction and had delays of completion due to shortage of materials due to the War Effort of Second World War. But they came back and had reopening in 1945. Missing a year due to construction delays, materials, and hurricane. And yes, they rebuilt it with Maple Hardwood floors to skate on.
The fire was estimated to be worth 85,000 USD in total damages including 75,000 for the building and 10,000 for the equipment, rented skates, and skaters' owned skates in skate cases that were left there (many skaters did leave their skates there because often they skated daily! They would rent a booth to put their skates in behind the Skate Counter or in Coat Room.
The rebuilt was actually was just the rear half because of the blueprints said, "Existing" on the drawing.
But they sold the building to the city for the new Plainfield Police Headquarters and Municipal Courthouse in 1964.
A quick review timeline:
November 1885 - Clark Evans first opened a new rink first called, Clark's Grand Enterprise.
1926 - Reopened as a Roller Rink after over 25 yrs. (2nd generation)
Monday, 24 January 1944 - Major fire.
1944 - Hurricane damaged the rink.
Monday, 19 March 1945 - Third generation rink opens.
Thursday 06 March 1964 - Demolished to make way for the Plainfield Police Headquarters and Municipal Court.
1965 - The Police headquarters opened and is still occupied by the police department.
The Interior.
Academy Roller Rink: They had straight Maple wood floor for skating and other activities. High ceiling for some indoors sports activities. However, this version was smaller than the rebuilt.
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: They had straight Maple wood floor for skating and other activities. High ceiling for some indoors sports activities. However, this version was smaller than the rebuilt.
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: Ibidem
Evans' Folly: Ibidem
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: Ibidem
New Academy Roller Rink: After the fire destroyed mostly the rink area, they rebuilt with narrow Maple. Perhaps sideways of the 2x4 studs? Not sure. That would be 2 inch topside rather than the standard 4 inch topside. Architectural drafting showed they had double wood on top of the floatation studs for support. Concrete below that but it is 18 inches above ground. (See blueprint above). It also had Iron pipe rail around the rink. It had high ceiling for other than skating activities including indoor sports and trade shows.
Plainfield Amusement Academy: Ibidem
The Exterior.
Academy Roller Rink: The original according to two photos I found that has various of designs including a big round thingy on top. It appeared not that high compared to the 1945 rebuilt. There are no close ups so it makes it harder to spot. It appeared to have two stories because of reading stories about the fire (many articles) and the owner had to run up to the office. Could mean office is on second story. The Operator/Manager lived in an apartment cross the street.
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: Ibidem
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: Ibidem
Evans' Folly: Ibidem
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: Ibidem
New Academy Roller Rink: After the fire, it was completely rebuilt with Brick-Walled Arena-like building that had 4 stories in front half and rear half just 2 story with third story as dead-space (see Architectural drafting blueprints above). This place was quite massive in size compared to the original. The front also had small window store-front stores. A small city factory upstairs, and offices for the rink. The front looks Americanized Swiss Chalet style with Gabled Roof.
Plainfield Amusement Academy:
The Stats:
Evans' Grand Enterprise: (First generation)
Rink Size: 80' x 200' Floor: Hardwood Maple Floor Layout: Maybe Straight?
Building Size: ~25,000 SF. Built: 1885 Renovations: N/A. Demolished: 24 January 1944 by Fire and later Hurricane.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Several kinds
Acres: N/A.
Architect: N/A.
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: Hammond Organ (worth 1,500 USD at time of fire)
Organist: Harry M. Wallman
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: N/A.
Air Hockey Tables: N/A.
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: 18 holes, indoors. Yes, they had indoors Mini Golf Course "Put Put" (close to saying the official name Putt Putt ®
Arcade: N/A.
Skee-Ball: N/A.
Fascination: None.
Restaurant: None.
Cocktail lounge: None.
Laser Tag: None.
Bounce Houses: None.
Bumper Cars: None.
Go-Kart: None.
Motel: None.
Swimming Pool: None.
Jungle Gym Playground: None.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Dance Center: Shared with the rink floor for some sessions.
Picnic Grove: None.
Academy Roller Rink:
Rink Size: 80' x 200' Floor: Narrow Hardwood Maple (studs) Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A.. Built: 1944-45 Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Thursday, 05 March 1964.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel or Wood Trusses several materials Bricks - Walled Arena - like Building.
Roof: Several roof styles.
Acres: N/A.
Architects: George H. Levy, R.A. and Abe J. Jacoberstein, R.A.
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: Brand unknown
Organist: Harry M. Wallman
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: N/A.
Air Hockey Tables: N/A.
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: None.
Arcade: (Number unknown)
Skee-Ball: N/A.
Fascination: None.
Restaurant: None.
Cocktail lounge: None.
Laser Tag: None.
Bounce Houses: None.
Bumper Cars: None.
Go-Kart: None.
Motel: None.
Swimming Pool: None.
Jungle Gym Playground: None.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Dance Center: None.
Picnic Grove: None.
New Academy Roller Rink:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-Painted Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: Monday, 19 March 1945. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Demolished 1964 to make way for a new police department and courthouse.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Bricks - Walled Arena - like Building.
Roof: Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Architect: George H. Levy, R.A. & Abe J. Jacoberstein, R,A, of Levy and Jacoberstein Architects
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: Brand unknown
Organist: Harry M. Wallman
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: N/A.
Air Hockey Tables: N/A.
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: None.
Arcade: N/A.
Skee-Ball: N/A.
Fascination: None.
Restaurant: None.
Cocktail lounge: None.
Laser Tag: None.
Bounce Houses: None.
Bumper Cars: None.
Go-Kart: None.
Motel: None.
Swimming Pool: None.
Jungle Gym Playground: None.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Dance Center: Shared on roller rink.
Picnic Grove: None.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1885 to February 1944 and Monday, 19 March 1945 to February 1964
Academy Roller Rink: 1885 to February 1944
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: 1885 to February 1944
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: 1885 to February 1944
Evans' Folly: 1885 to February 1944
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: 1885 to February 1944
New Academy Roller Rink: Monday, 19 March 1945 to February 1964
Plainfield Amusement Academy: Monday, 19 March 1945 to February 1964
Reason for Closure:
Academy Roller Rink: Fire, total destruction.
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: Fire, total destruction.
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: Fire, total destruction.
Evans' Folly: Fire, total destruction.
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: Fire, total destruction.
New Academy Roller Rink: Sold to become a new police headquarters.
Plainfield Amusement Academy: Sold to become a new police headquarters.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also, photos/articles. Also send me any updates such as reopening, sold, name changes, or whatsoever occurred with this rink or any rinks. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at Rink-History©. Before you email, please state this rink name AND THE CITY AND STATE (or COUNTRY) so I can know where or what rink you are talking about. Thank you. We welcome both active and defunct rinks.
Sources:
Sources for articles are shown in gallery.
Google Maps.
Date of issue: 29 July 2023.
Updated: 30 July 2023.
For office use only: 22,
Worth to visit:
None. it was all demolished to make way for the police department headquarters. You can drive or walk by. Nothing to see now.
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It all started as Academy Roller Rink with Clark W. Evans in 1885 with roller rink and several activities including indoor miniature Golf course, exhibit shows, games, Roller Hockey, and more.
Later, it was Harry E. Brownston from 1924 to 1964 which was 40 years of ownership.
However, Owners listed here did not operate the rink. It was a different role. Cliff Howard and Billie Wolf co-operated together in 1926 followed by Moe Chandler and C. Quarterman together for a year in 1927 and perhaps until 1933 when Edward A. Tierce took over. Edward A. Tierce also managed the rink.
Clark Evans began the facility as a multi-function hall from 1885 to 1926 including roller skating. But ceased as a rink sometimes between those two dates however, in 1926, it was opened again as a Roller Rink called New Academy Roller Rink from 1926 to 1944. They were also called Plainfield Amusement Academy. The owner was Harry E. Brownston from 1924 to 1964 with Edward A. Tierce as operator and manager 1945 to likely 1964 with Harry M. Wallman on the keyboards as an Organist.
But they had a major fire on Monday, 24 January 1944 destroyed the rink completely AND later that year, a hurricane damaged the rink as it was underway of reconstruction and had delays of completion due to shortage of materials due to the War Effort of Second World War. But they came back and had reopening in 1945. Missing a year due to construction delays, materials, and hurricane. And yes, they rebuilt it with Maple Hardwood floors to skate on.
The fire was estimated to be worth 85,000 USD in total damages including 75,000 for the building and 10,000 for the equipment, rented skates, and skaters' owned skates in skate cases that were left there (many skaters did leave their skates there because often they skated daily! They would rent a booth to put their skates in behind the Skate Counter or in Coat Room.
The rebuilt was actually was just the rear half because of the blueprints said, "Existing" on the drawing.
But they sold the building to the city for the new Plainfield Police Headquarters and Municipal Courthouse in 1964.
A quick review timeline:
November 1885 - Clark Evans first opened a new rink first called, Clark's Grand Enterprise.
1926 - Reopened as a Roller Rink after over 25 yrs. (2nd generation)
Monday, 24 January 1944 - Major fire.
1944 - Hurricane damaged the rink.
Monday, 19 March 1945 - Third generation rink opens.
Thursday 06 March 1964 - Demolished to make way for the Plainfield Police Headquarters and Municipal Court.
1965 - The Police headquarters opened and is still occupied by the police department.
The Interior.
Academy Roller Rink: They had straight Maple wood floor for skating and other activities. High ceiling for some indoors sports activities. However, this version was smaller than the rebuilt.
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: They had straight Maple wood floor for skating and other activities. High ceiling for some indoors sports activities. However, this version was smaller than the rebuilt.
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: Ibidem
Evans' Folly: Ibidem
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: Ibidem
New Academy Roller Rink: After the fire destroyed mostly the rink area, they rebuilt with narrow Maple. Perhaps sideways of the 2x4 studs? Not sure. That would be 2 inch topside rather than the standard 4 inch topside. Architectural drafting showed they had double wood on top of the floatation studs for support. Concrete below that but it is 18 inches above ground. (See blueprint above). It also had Iron pipe rail around the rink. It had high ceiling for other than skating activities including indoor sports and trade shows.
Plainfield Amusement Academy: Ibidem
The Exterior.
Academy Roller Rink: The original according to two photos I found that has various of designs including a big round thingy on top. It appeared not that high compared to the 1945 rebuilt. There are no close ups so it makes it harder to spot. It appeared to have two stories because of reading stories about the fire (many articles) and the owner had to run up to the office. Could mean office is on second story. The Operator/Manager lived in an apartment cross the street.
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: Ibidem
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: Ibidem
Evans' Folly: Ibidem
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: Ibidem
New Academy Roller Rink: After the fire, it was completely rebuilt with Brick-Walled Arena-like building that had 4 stories in front half and rear half just 2 story with third story as dead-space (see Architectural drafting blueprints above). This place was quite massive in size compared to the original. The front also had small window store-front stores. A small city factory upstairs, and offices for the rink. The front looks Americanized Swiss Chalet style with Gabled Roof.
Plainfield Amusement Academy:
The Stats:
Evans' Grand Enterprise: (First generation)
Rink Size: 80' x 200' Floor: Hardwood Maple Floor Layout: Maybe Straight?
Building Size: ~25,000 SF. Built: 1885 Renovations: N/A. Demolished: 24 January 1944 by Fire and later Hurricane.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Several kinds
Acres: N/A.
Architect: N/A.
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: Hammond Organ (worth 1,500 USD at time of fire)
Organist: Harry M. Wallman
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: N/A.
Air Hockey Tables: N/A.
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: 18 holes, indoors. Yes, they had indoors Mini Golf Course "Put Put" (close to saying the official name Putt Putt ®
Arcade: N/A.
Skee-Ball: N/A.
Fascination: None.
Restaurant: None.
Cocktail lounge: None.
Laser Tag: None.
Bounce Houses: None.
Bumper Cars: None.
Go-Kart: None.
Motel: None.
Swimming Pool: None.
Jungle Gym Playground: None.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Dance Center: Shared with the rink floor for some sessions.
Picnic Grove: None.
Academy Roller Rink:
Rink Size: 80' x 200' Floor: Narrow Hardwood Maple (studs) Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A.. Built: 1944-45 Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Thursday, 05 March 1964.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel or Wood Trusses several materials Bricks - Walled Arena - like Building.
Roof: Several roof styles.
Acres: N/A.
Architects: George H. Levy, R.A. and Abe J. Jacoberstein, R.A.
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: Brand unknown
Organist: Harry M. Wallman
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: N/A.
Air Hockey Tables: N/A.
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: None.
Arcade: (Number unknown)
Skee-Ball: N/A.
Fascination: None.
Restaurant: None.
Cocktail lounge: None.
Laser Tag: None.
Bounce Houses: None.
Bumper Cars: None.
Go-Kart: None.
Motel: None.
Swimming Pool: None.
Jungle Gym Playground: None.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Dance Center: None.
Picnic Grove: None.
New Academy Roller Rink:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-Painted Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: Monday, 19 March 1945. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Demolished 1964 to make way for a new police department and courthouse.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Bricks - Walled Arena - like Building.
Roof: Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Architect: George H. Levy, R.A. & Abe J. Jacoberstein, R,A, of Levy and Jacoberstein Architects
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: Brand unknown
Organist: Harry M. Wallman
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: N/A.
Air Hockey Tables: N/A.
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: None.
Arcade: N/A.
Skee-Ball: N/A.
Fascination: None.
Restaurant: None.
Cocktail lounge: None.
Laser Tag: None.
Bounce Houses: None.
Bumper Cars: None.
Go-Kart: None.
Motel: None.
Swimming Pool: None.
Jungle Gym Playground: None.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Dance Center: Shared on roller rink.
Picnic Grove: None.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1885 to February 1944 and Monday, 19 March 1945 to February 1964
Academy Roller Rink: 1885 to February 1944
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: 1885 to February 1944
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: 1885 to February 1944
Evans' Folly: 1885 to February 1944
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: 1885 to February 1944
New Academy Roller Rink: Monday, 19 March 1945 to February 1964
Plainfield Amusement Academy: Monday, 19 March 1945 to February 1964
Reason for Closure:
Academy Roller Rink: Fire, total destruction.
Clark Evans' Grand Enterprise: Fire, total destruction.
Plainfield's Pleasure Palace: Fire, total destruction.
Evans' Folly: Fire, total destruction.
The Madison Square Garden of Plainfield: Fire, total destruction.
New Academy Roller Rink: Sold to become a new police headquarters.
Plainfield Amusement Academy: Sold to become a new police headquarters.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also, photos/articles. Also send me any updates such as reopening, sold, name changes, or whatsoever occurred with this rink or any rinks. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at Rink-History©. Before you email, please state this rink name AND THE CITY AND STATE (or COUNTRY) so I can know where or what rink you are talking about. Thank you. We welcome both active and defunct rinks.
Sources:
Sources for articles are shown in gallery.
Google Maps.
Date of issue: 29 July 2023.
Updated: 30 July 2023.
For office use only: 22,
Worth to visit:
None. it was all demolished to make way for the police department headquarters. You can drive or walk by. Nothing to see now.
DISCLAIMER:
International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© (formerly known as Dead-Rinks) and Mark Falso are not responsible for your physical and legal injuries you may have caused. We do not endorse such illegal activities including breaking and entry of former rinks, malls, abandoned buildings, etc. Please always obey laws and regulations and property owner's signs. Some states allow purple paint on fence which means they even have guns on their property and have rights to shoot you. Please DO NOT attempt to enter property without permission!
For abandoned rinks, after you receive permission, do WEAR safety OSHA equipment including a safety glasses, pair of safety gloves, an orange vest or a jacket, and a construction helmet.
Thank you for understanding.
Dead Rinks is now International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© because many former names have become new names at the same rinks that are still active and due to much confusion, We have decided that International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© fits better for all rinks including defunct, closed, inactive, rebooted, and rinks that are still active today. For short on this site, it is International Roller Skating Rinks History© Bear with us as we change the entire site page by page each day. Thank you for understanding.
Second of all: The contents including words and photos above on this page and/or on any pages are purely educational entertainment purposes only. I provide what information from other websites, skaters, and operators and it may end up with different results between two (or more) sources. It is not our responsible for errors we caused. All sources are shown on each page. All opinions and statements of mine are also stated and are for purely educational entertainment only.
Rinks that are closed are considered dead. Rinks that are/were sold and with new management names new name(s), the former are considered dead. Previous operating rink that closed but came back years later, are considered dead because the reopening is considered rebooted, nothing to do with the former. Since we are rebooted to allow alive rinks, active rinks, we welcome those active rinks as well. It will be described.
As for “For Office Only” is for my reasoning and private legal reason for that.
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