Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. Later, Romar Skating Rink was located 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, Ohio. This unique rink was operated from 1954 to 2014, a good 60 years. Source: Romar Skating Rink.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. This was one of the final view of the rink. Source: Google.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. An adult skater purchased her ticket for admission to skate one winter in 1950s. The ticket attendant has to be Mrs. Brigs. Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Germantown Roller Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. The interior of Germantown Roller Rink. The appearance and photo looked to be late 1950s. Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. The interior of Romar Roller Rink. The appearance and photo looked so 1990s. The colors were 1990s look. Was it? Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. Google took this after it was demolished in 2021. Source: Google.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. A set of coupons! Remember coupons!? Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. A typical advertisement that was in the newspaper at the time. No publication nor date were available. Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. The newspaper article from The Press. Date is unknown. Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH. It was a good bye. Source: Romar Skating Rink Facebook.
Germantown Roller Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH
Romar Skating Rink 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, OH
Germantown Roller Rink and later, Romar Skating Rink was located 330 Kelly Street, Germantown, Ohio. This unique rink was operated from 1954 to 2014, a good 60 years.
Charles and Cleo Briggs first owned and operated this rink for a good number SHORT years according to a poster on a forum, Dayton History Books website. More information, please read the UPDATE! dated on 12 July 2022. (Note- the Italic are what I copied and paste from media, and emails, therefore not my errors, please read disclaimer below, thank you).
Somehow later, it became Romar Skating Rink. Thomas L. Sowders, Jr. owned Romar rink for a time as well.
According to Loop Net, it was first listed on November 10, 2016 but was updated (sold) June 14, 2021.
The reason for the sale was that Thomas Sowders said it was getting too much work on the roof and needs much repairs to the rink facility that he closed it and wanted people to focus on his other rink in Trenton. This is where the other rink is or was. The post failed to mention the name of that new rink.
I found the address to that rink it was now a closed rink also! Perhaps Thomas, the operator of Romar wanted to retire or sell and perhaps he knew he was passing. I do not know. Anyway, other rink Thomas Sowden Jr. owned was Skatetown USA-Trenton which later became Roller Rink Trenton and the old rink that was closed there, the Skateway.
So many people who posted on Facebook that wanted to try to save Romar Skating Rink but they did not realize what was the real reason here. Please read this post the management wrote in responding to David, a patron of the rink in Facebook-- (copied and pasted word for word why the rink could not be repaired).
According to Loop Net, it was first listed on November 10, 2016 but was updated (sold) June 14, 2021.
Romar Skating Rink --
David, your concern is greatly appreciated. As far as the repairs go, when the rink was built in '54, the roof support trusses were made of wood like most buildings back in those days. Since then, the building code has been updated and requires a roof that size to be supported by steel. When gathering quotes for such repair, (or reinstallation rather), the cost of this alone was substantial. Then, when investigating further, it was calculated that the original brick & mortar walls would need to be replaced to support the new steel roof (because of the added weight in material). Then, when evaluating the wall rebuild, it was then obvious that all new plumbing, electrical, and insulation would be required in order to be properly functional. At that point, the only remaining item that would be original would be the floor it's self. (Which is very important and recognized for being original).
The issue, is the amount of money required being greater than a reasonable repair or rebuild cost. As far as maintenance goes, the initial damage was spur of the moment, and wasn't an issue that had been long put-off (as some rumors had suggested). The rink was fully functional one day, and a truss had exposed a weak point the next. That original issue was repaired, and then another truss exposed yet another weak point 2 weeks later upon further investigation of the overall structural integrity. This then became a deeper issue, and classified the roof as un-repairable in terms of leaving the truss material wood. As you can probably imagine, saving the rink was the initial plan, but as estimates, quotes, and overall practicality was taken into consideration, it was decided that in order to keep the rink operating, it was going to be a much more in-depth process.
We all were upset of the situation as we found out what was happening. And of course, we were nothing less than sorry for having to close our always open doors to the Germantown and surrounding community. But please understand that all possibilities of getting back up and running were explored within Romar's management.
Again David, we wish there was something that could be done, but we try our best and hope everyone who visited can smile and remember having a good time at Romar.
What people did not understand this is a building code that was passed after that that required steel trusses. It was wood at the time. And this roof was Segmental Arch. That is usually more expensive than the standard Gable or Flat roof.
To my estimate the cost would have run to replace entire roof with steel and new roof materials plus a covering to cover beautiful maple floor from exposure from outside elements and falling debris. The thing they said about plumbing and wiring. Those are expensive with professionals to do replacements. That is about 300 USD per hour. That would be about 40 hours of work per person per project (one for plumbing, the other electricity). Maybe a remodel.. new carpet, new paints, etc. The steel trusses has to lay on steel trusses posts to the ground and depends on that instead of bricks. Please look up many rinks here on Dead Rinks that have exposed trusses outside of the cinderblocks walls. Check this one example near this rink-- The Bus Stop roller rink. Please look at the architecture of this Cinderblocks walled but the support is on steel trusses posts seen in the photo!
I would guess the cost would be expensive. Since I understood architecture, am a Googie Fan, a CAD Designer, Industrial Designer, and Automotive Designer, I do understand estimates and this would cost if it was today in 2021, likely around 1.5 Million US Dollars (USD). Just to replace the roof, and reinforcement around this unique rink.
Unfortunately they could not do anything and someone else bought it out and demolished the rink building. It is all cleared away thanks to the top view of Google Map. It is gone. Memories live on strongly on their Facebook page. Really impress with them. So much love for the rink and their efforts to save it. Reminds me of that lady who loves the Clock Tower in Town Square where that mad scientist had to use it to get lighting to help that boy get back to 1985 from 1955. She shouted to that very same boy and his girlfriend, "Save the Clock Tower! Save the Clock Tower!" That was the strong feelings there with the patrons of this beloved rink. Very popular rink I can see that. Tom tried to save it by having one at Trenton but many skaters did not want to go far and start a new there. So, that did not work out and that one had a reboot and failed too. Now there are people attending rolling for God-- a Christian church.
UPDATE! -- 12 July 2022.
Received an email regarding this rink. Thank you for adding information!
The rink was built by Charles & Cleo Briggs, and they did run the rink for a short time, maybe a year, then it was managed by Ross & Marie (I’m sorry, I don’t know their last name)… hence the name “Romar” which was the name used thereafter.
In 1962, organist C. Dean Phillips was hired in. He and his wife, Nancy managed and bought the business from the Briggs’ in 1969, and some years later purchased the building for full ownership. The Phillips’ successfully managed and owned the rink for 40+ years, and Romar was one of the very last rinks to feature live organ music (along with the modern recorded music of the day).
Mr. Tom Sowars did purchase the business from the Phillips’. The real reason for the closure was his inability to keep up with the day to day/year to year regular maintenance … which the Briggs’ and Phillips’ did without fail.
Romar was one of the most successful roller skating rinks in the area for several decades due to the fact that it was exceptionally clean, well maintained (until the last 5 years), and managed well. People would come from as far away as Hamilton, OH and Columbus, OH on a regular basis to skate to the organ music of Mr. Phillips.
Like many skating rinks, Romar enjoyed its heyday in the 1950s and during the disco era of the late 70s and early 80s, but it always had good business around those times. (That is very true about the Golden era and the Disco era).
It was hard maple that was sanded every 5 years, nothing more.
The original exterior color was painted gray, and the interior color was gray and pale pink.
The drop ceiling was added soon after the rink originally opened, and the new “disco” lighting and sound system were installed in 1977.
The Interior.
The interior had beautiful light Maple floor with no paints. I do not know what it was like in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s but the 1990s photo seen on Facebook showed those popular Pale Pink and Gray paint color. It is hard to see in those films back then. Those colors were very popular in 1990s. It did look and feel like it was 1990s. Even the lights itself were all globe pendants truly giving it classic look. Beautiful rink really. Sad they were all gone and demolished. (Corrected).
They had exposed ceiling before the remodel to cover the wood trusses. It was Wood Trusses they had all that time.
UPDATED:
The interior color was Gray and Pale Pink.
The drop ceiling was added soon after the rink originally opened, and the new “disco” lighting and sound system were installed in 1977.
The Exterior.
The exterior was cool 1950s architecture but it does look older than 1954 because of the style of the building. They had faux front and rear with "steps" wall design to hide the Segmental Arch as seen on Google but the old photos in Black and White are in fact Gable. That is interesting. But the exterior shows it was Segmental Arch.
UPDATED:
The original exterior color was painted gray. Apparently they painted different colors through the years.. The final you saw was Faded Red like you seen in the photo above.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: 14,976 SF. Built: 1954. Demolished: After June 2021.
Type of Building: Free-Span Wood Trusses Brick and mortar-Walled Venue - like Building.
Roof: Segmental Arch.
Acres: 1.5600 AC.
Organ: Brand unknown.
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
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.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1954 to 2010s?
Germantown Roller Rink: 1954 to likely 1969
Romar Roller Rink: 1969 to June 27, 2014, Sold by June 11, 2021.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Germantown Roller Rink: Sold.
Romar Roller Rink: The real reason for the closure was his inability to keep up with the day to day/year to year regular maintenance
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:
Yelp. (Reported closed)
Thomas L. Sowders, Jr. - Obitauary.
Find G Local - Romar Skating Rink.
Facebook - Romar Skating Rink.
Google Map - Demolished after June 2021 seen on 3D view and top view.
Dayton History Books website.
Email - Stacey (12 July 2022).
Date of issue: 11 July 2021.
Updated: 12 July 2022.
For office use only: 10 ps (Updated on 12 July 2022).
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.
Worth to visit:
None. Demolished.
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.
All photos you submitted or we retrieved becomes 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.
Charles and Cleo Briggs first owned and operated this rink for a good number SHORT years according to a poster on a forum, Dayton History Books website. More information, please read the UPDATE! dated on 12 July 2022. (Note- the Italic are what I copied and paste from media, and emails, therefore not my errors, please read disclaimer below, thank you).
Somehow later, it became Romar Skating Rink. Thomas L. Sowders, Jr. owned Romar rink for a time as well.
According to Loop Net, it was first listed on November 10, 2016 but was updated (sold) June 14, 2021.
The reason for the sale was that Thomas Sowders said it was getting too much work on the roof and needs much repairs to the rink facility that he closed it and wanted people to focus on his other rink in Trenton. This is where the other rink is or was. The post failed to mention the name of that new rink.
I found the address to that rink it was now a closed rink also! Perhaps Thomas, the operator of Romar wanted to retire or sell and perhaps he knew he was passing. I do not know. Anyway, other rink Thomas Sowden Jr. owned was Skatetown USA-Trenton which later became Roller Rink Trenton and the old rink that was closed there, the Skateway.
So many people who posted on Facebook that wanted to try to save Romar Skating Rink but they did not realize what was the real reason here. Please read this post the management wrote in responding to David, a patron of the rink in Facebook-- (copied and pasted word for word why the rink could not be repaired).
According to Loop Net, it was first listed on November 10, 2016 but was updated (sold) June 14, 2021.
Romar Skating Rink --
David, your concern is greatly appreciated. As far as the repairs go, when the rink was built in '54, the roof support trusses were made of wood like most buildings back in those days. Since then, the building code has been updated and requires a roof that size to be supported by steel. When gathering quotes for such repair, (or reinstallation rather), the cost of this alone was substantial. Then, when investigating further, it was calculated that the original brick & mortar walls would need to be replaced to support the new steel roof (because of the added weight in material). Then, when evaluating the wall rebuild, it was then obvious that all new plumbing, electrical, and insulation would be required in order to be properly functional. At that point, the only remaining item that would be original would be the floor it's self. (Which is very important and recognized for being original).
The issue, is the amount of money required being greater than a reasonable repair or rebuild cost. As far as maintenance goes, the initial damage was spur of the moment, and wasn't an issue that had been long put-off (as some rumors had suggested). The rink was fully functional one day, and a truss had exposed a weak point the next. That original issue was repaired, and then another truss exposed yet another weak point 2 weeks later upon further investigation of the overall structural integrity. This then became a deeper issue, and classified the roof as un-repairable in terms of leaving the truss material wood. As you can probably imagine, saving the rink was the initial plan, but as estimates, quotes, and overall practicality was taken into consideration, it was decided that in order to keep the rink operating, it was going to be a much more in-depth process.
We all were upset of the situation as we found out what was happening. And of course, we were nothing less than sorry for having to close our always open doors to the Germantown and surrounding community. But please understand that all possibilities of getting back up and running were explored within Romar's management.
Again David, we wish there was something that could be done, but we try our best and hope everyone who visited can smile and remember having a good time at Romar.
What people did not understand this is a building code that was passed after that that required steel trusses. It was wood at the time. And this roof was Segmental Arch. That is usually more expensive than the standard Gable or Flat roof.
To my estimate the cost would have run to replace entire roof with steel and new roof materials plus a covering to cover beautiful maple floor from exposure from outside elements and falling debris. The thing they said about plumbing and wiring. Those are expensive with professionals to do replacements. That is about 300 USD per hour. That would be about 40 hours of work per person per project (one for plumbing, the other electricity). Maybe a remodel.. new carpet, new paints, etc. The steel trusses has to lay on steel trusses posts to the ground and depends on that instead of bricks. Please look up many rinks here on Dead Rinks that have exposed trusses outside of the cinderblocks walls. Check this one example near this rink-- The Bus Stop roller rink. Please look at the architecture of this Cinderblocks walled but the support is on steel trusses posts seen in the photo!
I would guess the cost would be expensive. Since I understood architecture, am a Googie Fan, a CAD Designer, Industrial Designer, and Automotive Designer, I do understand estimates and this would cost if it was today in 2021, likely around 1.5 Million US Dollars (USD). Just to replace the roof, and reinforcement around this unique rink.
Unfortunately they could not do anything and someone else bought it out and demolished the rink building. It is all cleared away thanks to the top view of Google Map. It is gone. Memories live on strongly on their Facebook page. Really impress with them. So much love for the rink and their efforts to save it. Reminds me of that lady who loves the Clock Tower in Town Square where that mad scientist had to use it to get lighting to help that boy get back to 1985 from 1955. She shouted to that very same boy and his girlfriend, "Save the Clock Tower! Save the Clock Tower!" That was the strong feelings there with the patrons of this beloved rink. Very popular rink I can see that. Tom tried to save it by having one at Trenton but many skaters did not want to go far and start a new there. So, that did not work out and that one had a reboot and failed too. Now there are people attending rolling for God-- a Christian church.
UPDATE! -- 12 July 2022.
Received an email regarding this rink. Thank you for adding information!
The rink was built by Charles & Cleo Briggs, and they did run the rink for a short time, maybe a year, then it was managed by Ross & Marie (I’m sorry, I don’t know their last name)… hence the name “Romar” which was the name used thereafter.
In 1962, organist C. Dean Phillips was hired in. He and his wife, Nancy managed and bought the business from the Briggs’ in 1969, and some years later purchased the building for full ownership. The Phillips’ successfully managed and owned the rink for 40+ years, and Romar was one of the very last rinks to feature live organ music (along with the modern recorded music of the day).
Mr. Tom Sowars did purchase the business from the Phillips’. The real reason for the closure was his inability to keep up with the day to day/year to year regular maintenance … which the Briggs’ and Phillips’ did without fail.
Romar was one of the most successful roller skating rinks in the area for several decades due to the fact that it was exceptionally clean, well maintained (until the last 5 years), and managed well. People would come from as far away as Hamilton, OH and Columbus, OH on a regular basis to skate to the organ music of Mr. Phillips.
Like many skating rinks, Romar enjoyed its heyday in the 1950s and during the disco era of the late 70s and early 80s, but it always had good business around those times. (That is very true about the Golden era and the Disco era).
It was hard maple that was sanded every 5 years, nothing more.
The original exterior color was painted gray, and the interior color was gray and pale pink.
The drop ceiling was added soon after the rink originally opened, and the new “disco” lighting and sound system were installed in 1977.
The Interior.
The interior had beautiful light Maple floor with no paints. I do not know what it was like in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, and 80s but the 1990s photo seen on Facebook showed those popular Pale Pink and Gray paint color. It is hard to see in those films back then. Those colors were very popular in 1990s. It did look and feel like it was 1990s. Even the lights itself were all globe pendants truly giving it classic look. Beautiful rink really. Sad they were all gone and demolished. (Corrected).
They had exposed ceiling before the remodel to cover the wood trusses. It was Wood Trusses they had all that time.
UPDATED:
The interior color was Gray and Pale Pink.
The drop ceiling was added soon after the rink originally opened, and the new “disco” lighting and sound system were installed in 1977.
The Exterior.
The exterior was cool 1950s architecture but it does look older than 1954 because of the style of the building. They had faux front and rear with "steps" wall design to hide the Segmental Arch as seen on Google but the old photos in Black and White are in fact Gable. That is interesting. But the exterior shows it was Segmental Arch.
UPDATED:
The original exterior color was painted gray. Apparently they painted different colors through the years.. The final you saw was Faded Red like you seen in the photo above.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Non-painted, Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: 14,976 SF. Built: 1954. Demolished: After June 2021.
Type of Building: Free-Span Wood Trusses Brick and mortar-Walled Venue - like Building.
Roof: Segmental Arch.
Acres: 1.5600 AC.
Organ: Brand unknown.
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
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.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1954 to 2010s?
Germantown Roller Rink: 1954 to likely 1969
Romar Roller Rink: 1969 to June 27, 2014, Sold by June 11, 2021.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Germantown Roller Rink: Sold.
Romar Roller Rink: The real reason for the closure was his inability to keep up with the day to day/year to year regular maintenance
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:
Yelp. (Reported closed)
Thomas L. Sowders, Jr. - Obitauary.
Find G Local - Romar Skating Rink.
Facebook - Romar Skating Rink.
Google Map - Demolished after June 2021 seen on 3D view and top view.
Dayton History Books website.
Email - Stacey (12 July 2022).
Date of issue: 11 July 2021.
Updated: 12 July 2022.
For office use only: 10 ps (Updated on 12 July 2022).
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.
Worth to visit:
None. Demolished.
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.
All photos you submitted or we retrieved becomes 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.