Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Good old 1960s. This is a good classical photo of what a skating rink looked like in 1950s. Sorry Elvis was not in the building! They had organ music instead. Wow, look at those cars! Woo! I believe that grey on in middle on the side of the road was a Cadillac perhaps 1960-62. I believe that Black with White trim on the right with White top is a Chrysler Imperial. Anyone can identify most cars here? I see a few wagons. They are family cars long before 1985 the year that the Mini-Vans that Chrysler made and before SUVs ever since 1990s. I counted 5 wagons! Source: Broyles Arena Facebook group.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. The grand opening. Sorry the newspaper photo did not come out well as I attempted to adjust it. Close to clear though. It had Bow Arch Truss support. Source: The Berkshire Eagle - Saturday, 19 January 1952. Page 7.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. The grand opening. Sorry the newspaper photo did not come out well as I attempted to adjust it. Close to clear though. It had Bow Arch Truss support. Source: The Berkshire Eagle - Saturday, 19 January 1952. Page 7.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. The interior in the 1970s. Source: Broyles Arena Facebook group.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Noticed the evolution. The interior was exposed ceiling seeing the Bow Arch Trusses. Feel more spacious. The rink size remains the same. But pointing different direction than the bottom two.-- The 1970s and the color photos. The 70s look had entire ceiling covered with panels the ceiling was vaulted. But entirely paneled throughout. The speakers are all along the vaulted horizontally and angled along with the panels. And many speakers you can see. But not so with the new update, whole new ceiling. Very 1990s-2010s ceiling look that had some open exposure ceiling with some White panel squares. Making it more style and this was an attempt at class. Yes, fewer speakers exposed and sit up right that time.
The walls were painted from opening till around late 1970s or 1980s for renovation adding the red carpet wrapround including the rails the same you seen in the middle picture. The middle picture may have been an organ booth in the right corner which was also a DJ booth in later years but the new transformation in color photo, it is gone and new fire exits. Hover, the booth moved to center making an enclave for organ/DJ. This rink interior reminds me of another rink I seen on YouTube that they are from California. And a music video or two. Source: Broyles Arena Facebook group
The walls were painted from opening till around late 1970s or 1980s for renovation adding the red carpet wrapround including the rails the same you seen in the middle picture. The middle picture may have been an organ booth in the right corner which was also a DJ booth in later years but the new transformation in color photo, it is gone and new fire exits. Hover, the booth moved to center making an enclave for organ/DJ. This rink interior reminds me of another rink I seen on YouTube that they are from California. And a music video or two. Source: Broyles Arena Facebook group
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. The sticker and the skate bag. Source: Broyles Arena Facebook group and also Pinterest (sticker only).
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Is this a matchbook cover? I cannot tell it is so what this one? Source: Broyles Arena Facebook group
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Imperial Lanes today but it was sold in December 2020. Will it stay on as bowling or something else or.. the return of the rink? Only God knows. Source: LoopNet.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Opening day 1952 ad. It was advertised for opening on 19 January 1952. Source: The North Adams Transcript - Saturday, 19 January 1952, Page 3, 7th and 8th Column.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. Nice classic advertisements in The Berkshire Eagle. Above was advertised on December 20, 1963 and the one on the right was advertised on February 8, 1952, the same year it was opened. See the differences? Too detailed on the 1952 ad but simplify and correct was shown in the 1963 ad. People have no time for ads and usually ignore ads. Gotta catch them by better simple 5 second ad pitch. Photo above source: Berkshire Eagle.
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA. The 1963 ad did show the words, "plastic" wheels... Polyurethane wheels were the new wave which silenced the loud metal or even wood wheels forever. Photo on right source: Berkshire Eagle. |
Broyles Arena 555 Dalton Avenue, Pittsfield, MA.
Broyles Arena was a skating rink that was opened in 1952 at 555 Dalton Avenue in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. It was much storied rink here with classic 1950s look. Truly unique.
It was opened and operated by William and Doreen Broyles. Again, from 1952. The cost to built was 125,000 USD for the rink itself and the rink can accommodate at 600 Skaters or 1800 dancers.
You see, former Taconic Mill executive, Edgar (Ed) Broyles and his neighbor, Al Bianchi, owner of Pastime Bowling Lanes on Summer Street in 1950 made plans to build a multi-entertainment center, - a bowling alley and skating rink on a remote Dalton Avenue plot. Unfortunately both men passed away before they could initiate their creative plans. But the Broyles' family continued the effort, but focused only on the skating rink.
It was the largest in the Berkshires with a maple floor skating area of 7,480 square feet (135 feet by 55 feet) — enough space to hold 600 skaters or as many as 1,800 dancers.
the Broyles rink became known as the best place for skating in the region. On opening day, 2,000 people came to skate and another 3,000 came to watch.
Bob who was the son of Ed Boyles, and his family were the first to operate the rink. Ed's widow, Josephine, was involved in the operation until she retired in 1968 and son, Bill, and family took it over.
Bill Broyles sold the arena in 1987, and the building was then transformed into a bowling alley. Today the Imperial Bowl promotes itself as "Pittsfield's Premiere Candlepin Bowling" venue. Ironically a bowling palace also was in the original plans of partners Ed and Al. The original maple floor is still under the bowling alley and ready for use if indoor skating ever takes its turn again. We will see!
In the 1960s, because of a Catholic church was growing and had no room for their parishioners to attend masses The Broyles agreed to let the St. Francis parish church to held there to give more room. In an agreement, the parishioners had to set up chairs and when they finish their Mass, they had to quickly remove chairs before noon opening of the rink for skaters to skate on on Sundays.
They had a couple of invitationals at the time in 1969 and 1972. They had organ music.
They had rink floor, office, check room, organ room, soda fountain bar, and skate rental space.
NOTICE! It was up for sale since July 15, 2020 on Loop Net! I believe it was sold since the website said it is no longer advertised. They just closed a deal on December 7, 2020 (this is written on Dec 19, 2020).
UPDATE! -- 25 August 2022.
I received an email from a Jennifer who is related to Edgar Broyles and his widow. The widow was the one started the rink. Here is the email --
Our history was that my dad’s mom built and opened a roller skating rink called Broyles Arena in Pittsfield in 1950. My grandfather died suddenly from a heart attack and she was left with 12 kids, some already grown, and my dad as the youngest was only 5. That rink was passed down to my dad’s older brother who had stayed and worked there to help her. That’s how my dad ended up getting hired as the first manager in Chicopee.
Thank you Jennifer!
The Interior.
They had rink floor, office, check room, organ room, soda fountain bar, and skate rental space.
The rink floor has Maple wood and still hidden under the bowling alley floors. It was 55 feet x 135 feet rink floor which is rather small.
The interior was exposed ceiling seeing the Bow Arch Trusses. Feel more spacious. The rink size remains the same. But pointing different direction than the bottom two.-- The 1970s and the color photos. The 70s look had entire ceiling covered with panels the ceiling was vaulted. But entirely paneled throughout. The speakers are all along the vaulted horizontally and angled along with the panels. And many speakers you can see. But not so with the new update, whole new ceiling. Very 1990s-2010s ceiling look that had some open exposure ceiling with some White panel squares. Making it more style and this was an attempt at class. Yes, fewer speakers exposed and sit up right that time.
The walls were painted from opening till around late 1970s or 1980s for renovation adding the red carpet wrapround including the rails the same you seen in the middle picture. The middle picture may have been an organ booth in the right corner which was also a DJ booth in later years but the new transformation in color photo, it is gone and new fire exits. Hover, the booth moved to center making an enclave for organ/DJ. This rink interior reminds me of another rink I seen on YouTube that they are from California.
The Exterior.
Pre-Fab Steel structure, Free-Span Steel Truss Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building and the roof was Arched-Curved ( Bow Arch).
The front was Red-Brick Bricks while rest of the building in Steel Sheet metal walls.
The location was pretty good with walking distance score of 55 points but some public transportation at 29 points according to Loop Net.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 55' x 135 feet' (7,480 ) Floor: Maple. Floor Layout: LOG.
Building Size: 85' x 160' . 13,920 SF (Loop Net) Built: 1952. Renovations: N/A.
Demolished: Still standing now, as Imperial Bowling.
Type of Building: Pre-Fab Steel structure, Bow Arch Steel Truss Front Bricks and sides Steel Sheets-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: (Bow Arch) (2).
Acres: 2.5000 Acres.
Organ: Brand and model unknown.
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None. (After the rink closed, it became Imperial Lanes a Candlestick Bowling).
Pocket Billiard Tables: 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.
Operated: Saturday, January 19, 1952 to 1987.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
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 Dead-Rinks. Thank you. You can also use this form.
Sources:
The Berkshire Eagle - Roller Rink Story Gain...
The Berkshire Eagle - Roller Fun Lit Up...
Loop Net - property record
Loop Net - July 2020 for sale listing (closed)
The Berkshire Eagle - February 8, 1952, Page 10
The Berkshire Eagle - December 20, 1963 P. 10.
The Berkshire Eagle - May 10, 2017 online.
The North Adams Transcript - Saturday, 19 January 1952, Page 3, 7th and 8th Column.
Obituary - William Broyles.
Date of Issue: 20 December 2020.
Updated: 4 January 2021.
Updated: 25 August 2022.
For office use only: 12.
Worth to visit:
You can since it is Imperial Bowling, a Candlestick Bowling center however, you will only see th exterior looks the same, different name now.
DISCLAIMER:
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.
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.
As for “For Office Only” is for my reasoning and private legal reason for that.
Any music associated with any YouTube or any other videos provided on Dead-Rinks are not the property of Dead-Rinks therefore we do not own the rights to the music.
All photos you submitted or we retrieved become property of Dead-Rinks and are watermarked but they are credited to you (or where the source is from). Thank you for understanding. To understand more about this, please go to this page: Dead-Rinks List.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks, an International Commercial Archeology Preservation© Group. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 to 16. Deut. 32:7.
It was opened and operated by William and Doreen Broyles. Again, from 1952. The cost to built was 125,000 USD for the rink itself and the rink can accommodate at 600 Skaters or 1800 dancers.
You see, former Taconic Mill executive, Edgar (Ed) Broyles and his neighbor, Al Bianchi, owner of Pastime Bowling Lanes on Summer Street in 1950 made plans to build a multi-entertainment center, - a bowling alley and skating rink on a remote Dalton Avenue plot. Unfortunately both men passed away before they could initiate their creative plans. But the Broyles' family continued the effort, but focused only on the skating rink.
It was the largest in the Berkshires with a maple floor skating area of 7,480 square feet (135 feet by 55 feet) — enough space to hold 600 skaters or as many as 1,800 dancers.
the Broyles rink became known as the best place for skating in the region. On opening day, 2,000 people came to skate and another 3,000 came to watch.
Bob who was the son of Ed Boyles, and his family were the first to operate the rink. Ed's widow, Josephine, was involved in the operation until she retired in 1968 and son, Bill, and family took it over.
Bill Broyles sold the arena in 1987, and the building was then transformed into a bowling alley. Today the Imperial Bowl promotes itself as "Pittsfield's Premiere Candlepin Bowling" venue. Ironically a bowling palace also was in the original plans of partners Ed and Al. The original maple floor is still under the bowling alley and ready for use if indoor skating ever takes its turn again. We will see!
In the 1960s, because of a Catholic church was growing and had no room for their parishioners to attend masses The Broyles agreed to let the St. Francis parish church to held there to give more room. In an agreement, the parishioners had to set up chairs and when they finish their Mass, they had to quickly remove chairs before noon opening of the rink for skaters to skate on on Sundays.
They had a couple of invitationals at the time in 1969 and 1972. They had organ music.
They had rink floor, office, check room, organ room, soda fountain bar, and skate rental space.
NOTICE! It was up for sale since July 15, 2020 on Loop Net! I believe it was sold since the website said it is no longer advertised. They just closed a deal on December 7, 2020 (this is written on Dec 19, 2020).
UPDATE! -- 25 August 2022.
I received an email from a Jennifer who is related to Edgar Broyles and his widow. The widow was the one started the rink. Here is the email --
Our history was that my dad’s mom built and opened a roller skating rink called Broyles Arena in Pittsfield in 1950. My grandfather died suddenly from a heart attack and she was left with 12 kids, some already grown, and my dad as the youngest was only 5. That rink was passed down to my dad’s older brother who had stayed and worked there to help her. That’s how my dad ended up getting hired as the first manager in Chicopee.
Thank you Jennifer!
The Interior.
They had rink floor, office, check room, organ room, soda fountain bar, and skate rental space.
The rink floor has Maple wood and still hidden under the bowling alley floors. It was 55 feet x 135 feet rink floor which is rather small.
The interior was exposed ceiling seeing the Bow Arch Trusses. Feel more spacious. The rink size remains the same. But pointing different direction than the bottom two.-- The 1970s and the color photos. The 70s look had entire ceiling covered with panels the ceiling was vaulted. But entirely paneled throughout. The speakers are all along the vaulted horizontally and angled along with the panels. And many speakers you can see. But not so with the new update, whole new ceiling. Very 1990s-2010s ceiling look that had some open exposure ceiling with some White panel squares. Making it more style and this was an attempt at class. Yes, fewer speakers exposed and sit up right that time.
The walls were painted from opening till around late 1970s or 1980s for renovation adding the red carpet wrapround including the rails the same you seen in the middle picture. The middle picture may have been an organ booth in the right corner which was also a DJ booth in later years but the new transformation in color photo, it is gone and new fire exits. Hover, the booth moved to center making an enclave for organ/DJ. This rink interior reminds me of another rink I seen on YouTube that they are from California.
The Exterior.
Pre-Fab Steel structure, Free-Span Steel Truss Steel-Walled Warehouse - like Building and the roof was Arched-Curved ( Bow Arch).
The front was Red-Brick Bricks while rest of the building in Steel Sheet metal walls.
The location was pretty good with walking distance score of 55 points but some public transportation at 29 points according to Loop Net.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 55' x 135 feet' (7,480 ) Floor: Maple. Floor Layout: LOG.
Building Size: 85' x 160' . 13,920 SF (Loop Net) Built: 1952. Renovations: N/A.
Demolished: Still standing now, as Imperial Bowling.
Type of Building: Pre-Fab Steel structure, Bow Arch Steel Truss Front Bricks and sides Steel Sheets-Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: (Bow Arch) (2).
Acres: 2.5000 Acres.
Organ: Brand and model unknown.
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None. (After the rink closed, it became Imperial Lanes a Candlestick Bowling).
Pocket Billiard Tables: 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.
Operated: Saturday, January 19, 1952 to 1987.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
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 Dead-Rinks. Thank you. You can also use this form.
Sources:
The Berkshire Eagle - Roller Rink Story Gain...
The Berkshire Eagle - Roller Fun Lit Up...
Loop Net - property record
Loop Net - July 2020 for sale listing (closed)
The Berkshire Eagle - February 8, 1952, Page 10
The Berkshire Eagle - December 20, 1963 P. 10.
The Berkshire Eagle - May 10, 2017 online.
The North Adams Transcript - Saturday, 19 January 1952, Page 3, 7th and 8th Column.
Obituary - William Broyles.
Date of Issue: 20 December 2020.
Updated: 4 January 2021.
Updated: 25 August 2022.
For office use only: 12.
Worth to visit:
You can since it is Imperial Bowling, a Candlestick Bowling center however, you will only see th exterior looks the same, different name now.
DISCLAIMER:
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.
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.
As for “For Office Only” is for my reasoning and private legal reason for that.
Any music associated with any YouTube or any other videos provided on Dead-Rinks are not the property of Dead-Rinks therefore we do not own the rights to the music.
All photos you submitted or we retrieved become property of Dead-Rinks and are watermarked but they are credited to you (or where the source is from). Thank you for understanding. To understand more about this, please go to this page: Dead-Rinks List.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks, an International Commercial Archeology Preservation© Group. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 to 16. Deut. 32:7.