Ardmore Roller Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Source: Google Image.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. It is partial blocked by that electric tram. The photographer back then should have waited for it to go by then take the picture at right time. Too late. Next door was the Ardmore Drive-In Theater which also have been closed and demolished. This photo was taken in late 1960s. Maybe 1968. Source: F.D. through Facebook.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Very colorful exterior! Feel European look on the outside. Noticed it had marquee below the big sign on the wall. Yes, they even had barn-doors style to open up for air during summer like this one was taken at the time. Said to be around 1968. Source: F.D. through Facebook.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Today, it is an office building. Usually for banks like this one. Two of them were in that building but there are reports saying it is sitting empty. The rink was in the basement part of the building. It appears to be small compared to the building but I think maybe they even had bigger basement than the Masonry and Steel Truss building. Maybe I am wrong. Source: Google.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Today, it is an office building. Usually for banks like this one. Two of them were in that building but there are reports saying it is sitting empty. The rink was in the basement part of the building. It appears to be small compared to the building but I think maybe they even had bigger basement than the Masonry and Steel Truss building. Maybe I am wrong. Or maybe I am right because you can see how the walls are and it may have been part of the construction. Source: Google.
Memory Lanes Roller Rink 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Source: The Pittsburgh Press 12 March 1950.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Source: Billboard 11 August 1951 Page 47, column 1.
Ardmore Gardens 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Source: The Pittsburgh Press 16 September 1952.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Source: The Pittsburgh Press Sunday 24 March 1968.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. The old rink demolished and they built a new 9 story office building with the rink in the basement. Source: The Pittsburgh Press Sunday 11 February 1973.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. This was the original rink before demolished. Source: Facebook.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. This section of article and the next two parts are about Arthur Ulrich who skated for so many years. Source: The Pittsburgh Post Gazette 26 March 1981.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. This section of article part 2 is about Arthur Ulrich who skated for so many years. Source: The Pittsburgh Post Gazette 26 March 1981.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. This section of article is the third part about Arthur Ulrich who skated for so many years. Source: The Pittsburgh Post Gazette 26 March 1981.
Ardmore Roller Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA. Oh wow! A group of roller rink under ABC Rinks management had a sweepstakes! Yes, they sure did! I am sure this was an attempt to boost failing business. Such sweepstakes were popular in early 1980s because they thought it would help businesses. Arctic Cat Snowmobiles for 1981 model year had a sweepstakes too but that did not save the company. They bankrupted in December 1981 and was broken up and sold in August 1982 (Model Year 1983) but original staff and founder bought things and brought back Arctic Cat brand for 1984 model year. Oprah learned that lesson too when she give away automobiles to her audience and that upsets her audience when the IRS came after those who received free cars. Winning those sweepstakes do cost you dear money. K-Cars!? Yuck! Perfect for an 18 years old to drive to college if he can afford 50 percent of income tax on the car. That K-Car Dodge Aries MRSP was 5,990 USD! Fairly cheap somewhat. This equals to 17,306 USD in February 2022. That is cheap! (I believe the Dodge Neon was the replacement for the K-Car as downsizing model and later, that was the PT Cruiser because they had same powertrain and body as the Neon. (Source: New Process Gear/my experience). I did enter a 1977 Arctic Cat Sweepstakes to win a new Cat (Jag) but I did not win. (roll down to about 3/4 of the page). Oh well. I still want that Jag.. er I prefer the 1977 Pentera! (First 4 photos of the magazine.) Haha. Source: The Pittsburgh Press 03 March 1982.
Ardmore Gardens 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA
Memory Lane Roller Rink 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA (Original)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA (Rebuilt)
Memory Lane Roller Rink 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA (Original)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace 2400 Ardmore Blvd., Forest Hills, PA (Rebuilt)
DISCLAIMER:
Note, my competitor is not competing his version of the profile and of course, mistakes are found. I sure do too on some profiles but compare to his to here, you decide. His version for the Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was from 1952 to April 1973. And the new version of Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was in the office building in the basement from January 1975 to 2005. His version said it was closed due to poor management. He must have forgotten the AP article that stated way back to 1938! I trust my version. Again, you decide. And again, I trust my version. You will understand what and why I am talking about that. The commentary is mine following the AP as base or lead source. It is far different than that competitor talked about. So, I am presenting both "the two sides of story" that you will see with the stats. Again, commentary is strictly mine. The competitor has his in italic below the commentary. He did not send me but seen his.
Skating rinks such as Ardmore Gardens, Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace, and Memory Lane Roller Rink were all at 2400 Ardmore Boulevard in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania. First it was Ardmore Gardens which was first rink mentioned in newspaper archives in a 1938 advertisement.
In 1947 a newspaper squib referred to it as “Nu-Ardmore Gardens.” which was a short article of satirical writing. Almost the same as political cartoon but not quite. Satirical. Media tend to mock and say satirical in about anything. it can backfire in anything such as riots, or even right back at the media. You remember everything from MLK and the way Hitler was, and the riots, the Vietnam, and the right back at media such as with President Trump and their influence from the Communists. Even the Roswell UFO Incident which the story changed so big that it began conspiracy theories era ever since on just about everything and anything.
Anyway, the media mocked. Perhaps was this has to do with racism? This AP article pointed out clearly. Maybe it had to do with "unruly teens? No. That problem was part of the Ardmore Roller Skating Palace which was a sequel name to the Ardmore Gardens.
Then came the Memory Lane Roller Skating Rink that was in a former streetcar barn, had a grand opening in 1950. Its closing date is uncertain.
Finally, it was Ardmore Roller Skating Palace. This rink was built on the same plot of land as the Memory Lane rink. The Ardmore closed in 2005 after problems with “unruly” teens.
Memory Lane Roller Skating Rink, a former streetcar barn, had a grand opening in 1950. Its closing date is uncertain. It was torn down to built a better one.
The owner of the streetcar barn was The Pittsburgh Railways but the leasing was signed by Michael Medve, Vincent Survinaki, Paul J. Hudak -- all co-owned and operated the roller rink.
After the rink went out of business, it became Fitness Factory 2 (second franchise of Fitness Factory). I believe they closed years later because the address on their website is a different location.
DISCLAIMER:
Note, my competitor is not competing his version of the profile and of course, mistakes are found. I sure do too on some profiles but compare to his to here, you decide. His version for the Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was from 1952 to April 1973. And the new version of Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was in the office building in the basement from 1974 to 2005. His version said it was closed due to poor management. He must have forgotten the AP article that stated way back to 1938! I trust my version. Again, you decide. I trust my version. Thank you for understanding. See rest of disclaimer on top of the commentary.
My version is based off of AP and other sources. I will display all answers. My version has Red Font. Other versions have purple.
Dead-Rinks version: (AP version)
The Interior.
Ardmore Gardens (of 1930s - 40s): I am sure the interior had the look of a streetcar barn look with many columns/posts in rows that the rink floor had such posts in the way. See Memory Lane for more description. Likely had Maple wood floor.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: I am sure the interior had the look of a streetcar barn look but cut in size of facility and they had many columns/posts in rows that the rink floor had such posts in the way. (I professionally corrected this before seeing the photo in fact because of the streetcar barn had a lot of columns all over the inside of the barn. All in rows enough room to have lanes of streetcars parked inside.)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): It was a rebuilt. The interior -- the floor was non-painted Hardwood Maple lay as Rotunda in Rectangular shape floor. Reports said it was beautiful floor.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): It was a rebuilt. The interior -- the floor was Terrazzo and it was very unpopular among skaters who prefer beautiful Rotunda floor.
The Exterior.
Ardmore Gardens (of 1930s - 40s): It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs. The appearance was that it was a Cross Gabled roof building built with Steel-Trusses with Columns support Cinderblock built.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs. The appearance was that it was a Cross Gabled roof building built with Steel-Trusses with Columns support Cinderblock built.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs. The appearance was that it was a Cross Gabled roof building built with Steel-Trusses with Columns support Cinderblock built.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace: It was rebuilt after they torn down in favor for a complex. It was a 9 story building they built and the rink went into the basement.
Several sources versions:
The Interior.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: I am sure the interior had the look of a streetcar barn look but cut in size of facility and they had many columns/posts in rows that the rink floor had such posts in the way. (I professionally corrected this before seeing the photo in fact because of the streetcar barn had a lot of columns all over the inside of the barn. All in rows enough room to have lanes of streetcars parked inside.)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): It was still an old streetcar barn. Interior was simple in design. Bright walls. Maybe White. It had Hardwood Maple Rotunda.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): It was a rebuilt. The interior was located in the basement of a 9 story office building.
The Exterior.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): It was in a former streetcar barn.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): It was rebuilt after they torn down in favor for a new one, a 9-story office building. They rebuilt in
Dead-Rinks version: (AP version) (all three rinks listed)
The Stats:
Ardmore Gardens: (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Likely Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Did demolish.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Cross Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: N/A.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Likely Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Did demolish.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Cross Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond?
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Likely Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Did demolish.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Crossed Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Terrazzo. Floor Layout: Terrazzo tiles. Likely Rectangular shape rink.
Building Size: 20,000 SF (only basement). Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Still standing, reported building is empty.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses 9-Story Skyscraper although rink in basement.
Roof: Flat
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Several sources versions:
The Stats:
Memory Lane Roller Rink:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda in Rectangular shape.
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: N/A.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Converted Streetcar Barn.
Roof: Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond?
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original):
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Polyurethane coated Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda in Rectangular shape.
Building Size: 20,000 SF (only basement). Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: 1974.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Cinderblocks - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Crossed Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (New version):
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Terrazzo. Floor Layout: Terrazzo tiles. Likely Rectangular shape rink.
Building Size: 20,000 SF (only basement). Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Still standing, reported building is empty.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Skyscraper although rink in basement.
Roof: Flat
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Dead-Rinks version:(AP version)
Operated: (Overall)-- Likely 1938 to 2005.
Ardmore Gardens: Likely 1938 to before 1950.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: 13 March 1950 to 13 March 1952 (Exact 2 years because of leasing)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): September 1952 to 2005.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (New version): January 1985. to 2005.
Several sources versions:
Operated: (Overall)-- 13 March 1950 to 2005.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: 13 March 1950 to 13 March 1952 (Exact 2 years because of leasing)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): September 1952 to 30 April 1973. (closed due to demolish and construction of new tower).
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (New version): January 1985. to 2005.
Dead-Rinks version: (AP version)
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Ardmore Gardens: N/A.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: Lease lapsed.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): The building was torn down to built a 9 story building forcing the rink to close and reopen inside the building.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): Problems with unruly Teens, poor management, and cannot control difficult teens loitering around the property. Police and town officials wanted the rink shut down but made agreement to reduce hours that hurt the rink.
Several sources versions:
Reason for Closure:
Memory Lane Roller Rink: Lease lapsed.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): The building was torn down to built a 9 story building forcing the rink to close and reopen inside the building.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): Problems with unruly Teens, poor management, and cannot control difficult teens loitering around the property. Police and town officials wanted the rink shut down but made agreement to reduce hours that hurt the rink.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos/articles. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you. You can also use this form.
Sources:
YELP - Ardmore Roller Skating Palace reported closed.
AP News - About rinks, history of roller skating in Greater Pittsburgh, and about race.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Gym replaces the rink - 28 July 2005.
Facebook - private group, you could not see it.
Trib Live - About rinks including Ardmore - Thursday, 22 March 2018.
Billboard - 11 August 1051 Page 47, column 1.
Date of issue: 01 and 02 February 2022.
For office use only: 15.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.
Note, my competitor is not competing his version of the profile and of course, mistakes are found. I sure do too on some profiles but compare to his to here, you decide. His version for the Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was from 1952 to April 1973. And the new version of Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was in the office building in the basement from January 1975 to 2005. His version said it was closed due to poor management. He must have forgotten the AP article that stated way back to 1938! I trust my version. Again, you decide. And again, I trust my version. You will understand what and why I am talking about that. The commentary is mine following the AP as base or lead source. It is far different than that competitor talked about. So, I am presenting both "the two sides of story" that you will see with the stats. Again, commentary is strictly mine. The competitor has his in italic below the commentary. He did not send me but seen his.
Skating rinks such as Ardmore Gardens, Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace, and Memory Lane Roller Rink were all at 2400 Ardmore Boulevard in Forest Hills, Pennsylvania. First it was Ardmore Gardens which was first rink mentioned in newspaper archives in a 1938 advertisement.
In 1947 a newspaper squib referred to it as “Nu-Ardmore Gardens.” which was a short article of satirical writing. Almost the same as political cartoon but not quite. Satirical. Media tend to mock and say satirical in about anything. it can backfire in anything such as riots, or even right back at the media. You remember everything from MLK and the way Hitler was, and the riots, the Vietnam, and the right back at media such as with President Trump and their influence from the Communists. Even the Roswell UFO Incident which the story changed so big that it began conspiracy theories era ever since on just about everything and anything.
Anyway, the media mocked. Perhaps was this has to do with racism? This AP article pointed out clearly. Maybe it had to do with "unruly teens? No. That problem was part of the Ardmore Roller Skating Palace which was a sequel name to the Ardmore Gardens.
Then came the Memory Lane Roller Skating Rink that was in a former streetcar barn, had a grand opening in 1950. Its closing date is uncertain.
Finally, it was Ardmore Roller Skating Palace. This rink was built on the same plot of land as the Memory Lane rink. The Ardmore closed in 2005 after problems with “unruly” teens.
Memory Lane Roller Skating Rink, a former streetcar barn, had a grand opening in 1950. Its closing date is uncertain. It was torn down to built a better one.
The owner of the streetcar barn was The Pittsburgh Railways but the leasing was signed by Michael Medve, Vincent Survinaki, Paul J. Hudak -- all co-owned and operated the roller rink.
After the rink went out of business, it became Fitness Factory 2 (second franchise of Fitness Factory). I believe they closed years later because the address on their website is a different location.
DISCLAIMER:
Note, my competitor is not competing his version of the profile and of course, mistakes are found. I sure do too on some profiles but compare to his to here, you decide. His version for the Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was from 1952 to April 1973. And the new version of Ardmore Roller Skating Palace was in the office building in the basement from 1974 to 2005. His version said it was closed due to poor management. He must have forgotten the AP article that stated way back to 1938! I trust my version. Again, you decide. I trust my version. Thank you for understanding. See rest of disclaimer on top of the commentary.
My version is based off of AP and other sources. I will display all answers. My version has Red Font. Other versions have purple.
Dead-Rinks version: (AP version)
The Interior.
Ardmore Gardens (of 1930s - 40s): I am sure the interior had the look of a streetcar barn look with many columns/posts in rows that the rink floor had such posts in the way. See Memory Lane for more description. Likely had Maple wood floor.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: I am sure the interior had the look of a streetcar barn look but cut in size of facility and they had many columns/posts in rows that the rink floor had such posts in the way. (I professionally corrected this before seeing the photo in fact because of the streetcar barn had a lot of columns all over the inside of the barn. All in rows enough room to have lanes of streetcars parked inside.)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): It was a rebuilt. The interior -- the floor was non-painted Hardwood Maple lay as Rotunda in Rectangular shape floor. Reports said it was beautiful floor.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): It was a rebuilt. The interior -- the floor was Terrazzo and it was very unpopular among skaters who prefer beautiful Rotunda floor.
The Exterior.
Ardmore Gardens (of 1930s - 40s): It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs. The appearance was that it was a Cross Gabled roof building built with Steel-Trusses with Columns support Cinderblock built.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs. The appearance was that it was a Cross Gabled roof building built with Steel-Trusses with Columns support Cinderblock built.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs. The appearance was that it was a Cross Gabled roof building built with Steel-Trusses with Columns support Cinderblock built.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace: It was rebuilt after they torn down in favor for a complex. It was a 9 story building they built and the rink went into the basement.
Several sources versions:
The Interior.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: I am sure the interior had the look of a streetcar barn look but cut in size of facility and they had many columns/posts in rows that the rink floor had such posts in the way. (I professionally corrected this before seeing the photo in fact because of the streetcar barn had a lot of columns all over the inside of the barn. All in rows enough room to have lanes of streetcars parked inside.)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): It was still an old streetcar barn. Interior was simple in design. Bright walls. Maybe White. It had Hardwood Maple Rotunda.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): It was a rebuilt. The interior was located in the basement of a 9 story office building.
The Exterior.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: It was in a former streetcar barn. That is, a warehouse-like where they put streetcars/trolleys stored away for the night or winter or for repairs.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): It was in a former streetcar barn.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): It was rebuilt after they torn down in favor for a new one, a 9-story office building. They rebuilt in
Dead-Rinks version: (AP version) (all three rinks listed)
The Stats:
Ardmore Gardens: (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Likely Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Did demolish.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Cross Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: N/A.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Likely Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Did demolish.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Cross Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond?
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Likely Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Did demolish.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Crossed Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): (AP version)
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Terrazzo. Floor Layout: Terrazzo tiles. Likely Rectangular shape rink.
Building Size: 20,000 SF (only basement). Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Still standing, reported building is empty.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses 9-Story Skyscraper although rink in basement.
Roof: Flat
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Several sources versions:
The Stats:
Memory Lane Roller Rink:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda in Rectangular shape.
Building Size: N/A. Built: Way before 1938. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: N/A.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Converted Streetcar Barn.
Roof: Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond?
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original):
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Polyurethane coated Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Rotunda in Rectangular shape.
Building Size: 20,000 SF (only basement). Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: 1974.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Cinderblocks - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Crossed Gabled.
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (New version):
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Terrazzo. Floor Layout: Terrazzo tiles. Likely Rectangular shape rink.
Building Size: 20,000 SF (only basement). Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Still standing, reported building is empty.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Skyscraper although rink in basement.
Roof: Flat
Acres: N/A.
Organ: Hammond.
Dead-Rinks version:(AP version)
Operated: (Overall)-- Likely 1938 to 2005.
Ardmore Gardens: Likely 1938 to before 1950.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: 13 March 1950 to 13 March 1952 (Exact 2 years because of leasing)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): September 1952 to 2005.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (New version): January 1985. to 2005.
Several sources versions:
Operated: (Overall)-- 13 March 1950 to 2005.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: 13 March 1950 to 13 March 1952 (Exact 2 years because of leasing)
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (original): September 1952 to 30 April 1973. (closed due to demolish and construction of new tower).
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (New version): January 1985. to 2005.
Dead-Rinks version: (AP version)
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Ardmore Gardens: N/A.
Memory Lane Roller Rink: Lease lapsed.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): The building was torn down to built a 9 story building forcing the rink to close and reopen inside the building.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): Problems with unruly Teens, poor management, and cannot control difficult teens loitering around the property. Police and town officials wanted the rink shut down but made agreement to reduce hours that hurt the rink.
Several sources versions:
Reason for Closure:
Memory Lane Roller Rink: Lease lapsed.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Original): The building was torn down to built a 9 story building forcing the rink to close and reopen inside the building.
Ardmore Rolling Skating Palace (Rebuilt): Problems with unruly Teens, poor management, and cannot control difficult teens loitering around the property. Police and town officials wanted the rink shut down but made agreement to reduce hours that hurt the rink.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos/articles. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you. You can also use this form.
Sources:
YELP - Ardmore Roller Skating Palace reported closed.
AP News - About rinks, history of roller skating in Greater Pittsburgh, and about race.
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Gym replaces the rink - 28 July 2005.
Facebook - private group, you could not see it.
Trib Live - About rinks including Ardmore - Thursday, 22 March 2018.
Billboard - 11 August 1051 Page 47, column 1.
Date of issue: 01 and 02 February 2022.
For office use only: 15.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.