Pyramid Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Pyramid Mosque in its hey-days. You cannot see well but there is a vinyl banner handing on the wall above the door. Not readable at all consider this was a Black-and-White film, not digital, and bit grainy makes it hard to read. But the building name itself was on there. Photo Courtesy of Dead-Rinks. Copyrighted Digitally Remastered by Dead-Rinks (Cleaned up, fixed, and marked).
Holland's Skateland --
Holland's Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Rink being reopened. Billboard November 12, 1949. Page 72. It was mentioned that year on November 5 and you can trace back 8 years to 1941 when they first opened. Likely they opened that Fall 1941. They closed for the rink floor refinished and renovated. Rinks back the day renovated more often than it is today. Source: Billboard November 12, 1949. Page 72.
Holland's Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Colorful patch totally redone. Copyrighted Digitally remastered by Dead-Rink site owner,
Holland's Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Articles from Billboard. Left: Mar 9, 1946. Right: July 5, 1952. They had a show in 1946 but few short years later, in 1952, because of unpaid taxes, the IRS seized the business for auction which later were sold to someone else which ended the Holland's Skateland run at the rink. Sources: Both courtesy of Billboard. Left: Mar 9, 1946. Right: July 5, 1952.
Park City Skateland --
Park City Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. This was their decal. Copyrighted Digitally Remastered by Dead-Rinks. You noticed it is all re-graphic art work done by the site owner of Dead-Rink, The purpose is to clean up the look through several media software.
Park City Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. The Grand Opening of Park City Skateland. Wow, admission was 60 Cents! Cheap (for us today but somewhat expensive for them back then!) . Copyrighted Digitally Remastered by Dead-Rinks (Clean up)
Park City Roller Skating Rink (Park City Skateland) 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. This was Park City Skateland (Although it says Park City Roller Skating Rink in the photo caption.) Sorry photo was not clear. It clearly does show, however, the Red-White-Blue banners as it was patriotic. Perhaps was decorated for some event. A lot of windows makes this space very airy and open. Very comfortable (no wonder it ran for a long time with several rinks in this building.) Photo courtesy of Dead-Rinks.
Mosque Rollaway --
Mosque Roll-away 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Item not available anymore and I captured this before too late. Source: Collectors.com.
Mosque Roll-away 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Sources: Both of Bridgeport Post. The one on the left the exact date is unknown but the right side the date is Monday September 26, 1966.
Mosque Roll-away 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Sorry too late, the coupon expired after that date. It is a grand reopening because of new management. And name. Source: The Bridgeport Telegram. Wednesday, November 25, 1967. Copyrighted digitally remastered by Dead-Rinks (cleaned up).
Mosque Roller Rink 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Advertising for bands to play at the rink. BUT no skating! Just dancing. The way they dress looked very much early 1980s. Maybe more like late 1970s. But the name...Mosque Roller Rink. Source: Cornell University Library, Ithaca, NY.
Fairfield County Roller Dome --
Fairfield County Roller Dome 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. This is the final photo before demolishing the former rink. It was already declining such as defacing, declined maintenance and more. But I think the damage on the spire above is due to the storms. Maybe hurricane? Old Historical photos showed that it was demolished before 2004 because that is the next photo before 2004 is 1991 which was still standing. See photos from the US Geographical Society. Left is 1949 photo as right is 1972 (best taken so far for newest) because 1991 is blurred badly. 2004 has empty. So it was torn down after 1991 but before 2004. Source: Fairfield County.
Pyramid Temple Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. A newspaper article stating it was up for sale. Source: The Bridgeport Post Sunday, 25 September 1977, Page 2.
Pyramid Temple Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Back in the heydays, you can notice the building. Also you can see where the rink was by seeing the highest part of the long shaped building. When you walk in, it is on the right side. Source: Both of USGS.
Pyramid Temple Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Present day property. Building was demolished. Fenced in. Source: Google.
Pyramid Temple Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. Present day property. Building was demolished. Fenced in. Source: Google. Copyrighted Digitally Remastered by Dead-Rinks (photoshopping and clean up.)
Pyramid Temple Mosque --
Pyramid Temple Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT. They had a book written and published in 1913. This very book was owned by the president of this group of Shriners presented by (likely Mason 33rd Degree leader) according to the inside first page. Source: the Pyramid Temple Shriners.
Holland's Skateland in Pyramid Temple Mosque 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
Park City Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
Mosque Rollaway 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
Fairfield County Roller Dome 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
Park City Skateland 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
Mosque Rollaway 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
Fairfield County Roller Dome 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, CT
This location at 1035 State Street, Bridgeport, Connecticut was a very much storied and unique rink. It all began as Holland's Skateland in Pyramid Mosque. Next generation was Park City Skateland followed by Mosque Rollaway and then finally, Fairfield County Roller Dome.
I attempted to research more about the Pyramid (Temple) Mosque, not the skating part but about the building. The name sounded like it was a Muslim worship center because they do have another location with same name and it is in Kuwait. Because of that, it may have been at one time and the architectural style is very similar to an actual Muslim worshiping place. But I found out more about that place is more of.. Shriners meet. That would be Freemasons. The book I found is a Freemasonic Shriners book from Ebay.
But when I did research, it may have been just a convention center-like that many venues rented there. There were boxing, leagues or clubs or even Masonic Shriners meet there, You can tell with the building when you see the architectural style on first floor that showed more like a storefront appearance.
With the first rink, it was Ruth E. and her then-husband, William Holland began roller skating business at the Mosque. They began in likely in the Fall of 1941. They perhaps shared the building with other organizations and businesses using the Pyramid Mosque.
Later, Ruth E. and William who was well known automobile racer at the time divorced and Ruth was operating the rink herself. Apparently it was too much to handle because she was unable to pay her taxes she owed to the IRS. She owed more than 6,000 USD and the IRS sold it for about half of the value. Apparently mean she still owed more. Anyway, Connie J. Macklow purchased it and reopened the rink as Park City Skateland.
Then later, with new owner, William Hannigan took over, it became Mosque Rollaway in 1966. But a year later, a couple owned it. They were Robert & Dorothy Sauer. A year of ownership for William Hannigan was short for a reason we do not know.
Then final rink ownership it became Fairfield County Roller Dome. There was no information about it. I researched from the county historical society and there were none so far.
Anyone know about the Fairfield County Roller Dome? That name sounds like the county operated the rink after 1975 when Mosque Rollaway closed.
And when did they close?
UPDATE! --
I received an email from a person who skated there in the 70s and early 80s. This is interesting and here is what he has to say --
First of all, thank you for responding to my story ! Ok, the name of this roller skating rink was called The Pyramid Mosque and later changed to the Fairfield County Roller Rink which was located in bridgeport conn on state street. It was officially closed in 1994 due to unpaid property taxes. I hung out there from 1974 till 1983. In the 1970s, it was awesome to go skating with your friends or family members. But everything changed in the year 1980. And that's when they started to do live rap shows and battle rapping. It was ok at first but then all of a sudden, drug dealers began to sell the drugs in the mens and woman's bathrooms. And it just became a total chaotic uncontrollable place to be. No one was safe in that building. People couldn't skate in peace. If you bumped into someone, you were easily jumped by a gang of youths that had no remorse. It was also dangerous when they closed for the night because as soon as you went [through] the exit, you were either followed to your car or robbed at gunpoint. But i really think they closed down because it became a heaven for drug dealing, violence, and shootouts between local gangs.
Wow, this sound familiar. Another rink I just did a story on faced the same situation-- drugs and because of rap music. It does in my opinion that it is connected. Rap and drugs. Rinks needs to re-think about what music it should be directed to. Maybe stick with clean children, clean country, clean Christian, clean orchestra, and of course, the classic to return-- the organ music.
The Interior.
Likely it had Maple wood but no confirmation yet.
The Exterior.
The building appeared to be very Moor like architecture style. Or could be Islamic appearance. The photos clearly described what the appearance was like on the outside. It has long since demolished due to its beyond state of repairs.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Wood. Floor Layout: Either Log or Fan (according to picture).
Building Size: N/A. Built: 1926? Might have been build before that. Demolished: Between 1994 and 2004..
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel or Wood Truss Cinderblock and Stucco-Walled Mosque - like Building.
Roof: Mosque
Acres: N/A.
Operated: 1941 to N/A.
Holland's Skateland in Pyramid Mosque: 1941 to 1952.
Park City Skateland: Wednesday September 1, 1952 to 1966.
Mosque Rollaway: 1966 to 1977.
Fairfield County Roller Dome: c. 1977 to 1994.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Holland's Skateland in Pyramid Mosque: The IRS seized property for non-payment of income taxes, sold in auction.
Park City Skateland: N/A.
Mosque Rollaway: N/A.
Fairfield County Roller Dome: Unpaid property taxes, seized and sold. That is the official story. It was also because of drug dealing, gang shootings, skaters get robbed or assaulted, etc.
Wanted: Information regarding actual dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos.
Anyone has pictures and/or information please let me know at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Box Rec (Boxing);
Junior League Eastern Fairfield County;
Open Corporate - Mosque Rollaway;
Billboard November 12, 1949 - Holland's Skateland Page 72.
Billboard Mar 9, 1946 - Holland's Skateland Page 73.
Connecticut Government business database - Mosque Rollaway.
Bizapedia - Mosque Rollaway;
CT Registry - Mosque Rollaway;
Formal Opening of the Mosque - Book:
Cornell University Library - Band.
The Bridgeport Post - Sunday, 25 September 1977, Page 2.
Sports Springs - Website showing all rinks in Connecticut. Some are alive/active rinks. Many photos are replaced with dressers! (Must be unloadable). Mosque rink is about 3/4th or 4/5th way down when you roll through photographs.
Date of Issue: 2020 Updated: 23 November 2021.
For Office Only: 20
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.
I attempted to research more about the Pyramid (Temple) Mosque, not the skating part but about the building. The name sounded like it was a Muslim worship center because they do have another location with same name and it is in Kuwait. Because of that, it may have been at one time and the architectural style is very similar to an actual Muslim worshiping place. But I found out more about that place is more of.. Shriners meet. That would be Freemasons. The book I found is a Freemasonic Shriners book from Ebay.
But when I did research, it may have been just a convention center-like that many venues rented there. There were boxing, leagues or clubs or even Masonic Shriners meet there, You can tell with the building when you see the architectural style on first floor that showed more like a storefront appearance.
With the first rink, it was Ruth E. and her then-husband, William Holland began roller skating business at the Mosque. They began in likely in the Fall of 1941. They perhaps shared the building with other organizations and businesses using the Pyramid Mosque.
Later, Ruth E. and William who was well known automobile racer at the time divorced and Ruth was operating the rink herself. Apparently it was too much to handle because she was unable to pay her taxes she owed to the IRS. She owed more than 6,000 USD and the IRS sold it for about half of the value. Apparently mean she still owed more. Anyway, Connie J. Macklow purchased it and reopened the rink as Park City Skateland.
Then later, with new owner, William Hannigan took over, it became Mosque Rollaway in 1966. But a year later, a couple owned it. They were Robert & Dorothy Sauer. A year of ownership for William Hannigan was short for a reason we do not know.
Then final rink ownership it became Fairfield County Roller Dome. There was no information about it. I researched from the county historical society and there were none so far.
Anyone know about the Fairfield County Roller Dome? That name sounds like the county operated the rink after 1975 when Mosque Rollaway closed.
And when did they close?
UPDATE! --
I received an email from a person who skated there in the 70s and early 80s. This is interesting and here is what he has to say --
First of all, thank you for responding to my story ! Ok, the name of this roller skating rink was called The Pyramid Mosque and later changed to the Fairfield County Roller Rink which was located in bridgeport conn on state street. It was officially closed in 1994 due to unpaid property taxes. I hung out there from 1974 till 1983. In the 1970s, it was awesome to go skating with your friends or family members. But everything changed in the year 1980. And that's when they started to do live rap shows and battle rapping. It was ok at first but then all of a sudden, drug dealers began to sell the drugs in the mens and woman's bathrooms. And it just became a total chaotic uncontrollable place to be. No one was safe in that building. People couldn't skate in peace. If you bumped into someone, you were easily jumped by a gang of youths that had no remorse. It was also dangerous when they closed for the night because as soon as you went [through] the exit, you were either followed to your car or robbed at gunpoint. But i really think they closed down because it became a heaven for drug dealing, violence, and shootouts between local gangs.
Wow, this sound familiar. Another rink I just did a story on faced the same situation-- drugs and because of rap music. It does in my opinion that it is connected. Rap and drugs. Rinks needs to re-think about what music it should be directed to. Maybe stick with clean children, clean country, clean Christian, clean orchestra, and of course, the classic to return-- the organ music.
The Interior.
Likely it had Maple wood but no confirmation yet.
The Exterior.
The building appeared to be very Moor like architecture style. Or could be Islamic appearance. The photos clearly described what the appearance was like on the outside. It has long since demolished due to its beyond state of repairs.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Wood. Floor Layout: Either Log or Fan (according to picture).
Building Size: N/A. Built: 1926? Might have been build before that. Demolished: Between 1994 and 2004..
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel or Wood Truss Cinderblock and Stucco-Walled Mosque - like Building.
Roof: Mosque
Acres: N/A.
Operated: 1941 to N/A.
Holland's Skateland in Pyramid Mosque: 1941 to 1952.
Park City Skateland: Wednesday September 1, 1952 to 1966.
Mosque Rollaway: 1966 to 1977.
Fairfield County Roller Dome: c. 1977 to 1994.
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Holland's Skateland in Pyramid Mosque: The IRS seized property for non-payment of income taxes, sold in auction.
Park City Skateland: N/A.
Mosque Rollaway: N/A.
Fairfield County Roller Dome: Unpaid property taxes, seized and sold. That is the official story. It was also because of drug dealing, gang shootings, skaters get robbed or assaulted, etc.
Wanted: Information regarding actual dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos.
Anyone has pictures and/or information please let me know at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Box Rec (Boxing);
Junior League Eastern Fairfield County;
Open Corporate - Mosque Rollaway;
Billboard November 12, 1949 - Holland's Skateland Page 72.
Billboard Mar 9, 1946 - Holland's Skateland Page 73.
Connecticut Government business database - Mosque Rollaway.
Bizapedia - Mosque Rollaway;
CT Registry - Mosque Rollaway;
Formal Opening of the Mosque - Book:
Cornell University Library - Band.
The Bridgeport Post - Sunday, 25 September 1977, Page 2.
Sports Springs - Website showing all rinks in Connecticut. Some are alive/active rinks. Many photos are replaced with dressers! (Must be unloadable). Mosque rink is about 3/4th or 4/5th way down when you roll through photographs.
Date of Issue: 2020 Updated: 23 November 2021.
For Office Only: 20
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.