Fox Pavilion near Fox River, McHenry, IL. Original building before the 1931 fire. This grainy photo was from a newspaper and was zoomed up larger by Just For Fun Rink owners. Source: Just for Fun Rink/ Lisa Ducan and Toby.
Fox Pavilion near Fox River, McHenry, IL. Original building before the 1931 fire. This was a postcard digitally remastered by Dead-Rinks. Source: McHenry Library District.
Fox Pavilion McHenry, IL in its hey days. Scary dogs! They were the newest addition for security at the time because of the kidnapping and the fire so a fence was built and the dogs were added. Yeah, those two dogs had a visitor who was taking this photograph and they didn't look fierce to me. Looked friendly but not when you are on the other side. Source: McHenry Library District.
Fox Pavilion then later, Just for Fun Roller Rink. This was in a series of evolution as you can see what was happening at the Fox Pavilion building where Just for Fun Roller Rink was. The top of three photos above showed security was increased with security dogs. I am sure they did not have such kind of burgerly alarms back then so only sound alarms were dogs, literally. Look carefully and you will see "junk yard" watch dogs. They appeared to be German Shepherds. This was necessary after the watchman/night guard was kidnapped. You also noticed it was built to be fireproof. Cinderblock walls but the supersize windows and the appearance making the place looked more like a lodge at a state park or a federal park near you. Does it? It sure does and with the background making it feels like you are at a park.
The middle photo showed updated look. A little bit of Tudor was added, more windows were added, more window shades were added. But also they extended the building to add more skating floor size. That was the evidence of them expansion in 1947.
The vehicles appeared to be 1950s and I see an early 1960s so that placed the middle photo as early 1960s. But the final photo appeared to be more recent times. Exterior wall painting were completed you can see the wall trims color differences between middle and bottom photos. But I think the bottom were painted entirely. They filled in the windows with what else? Cinderblocks! It is sad because now it was no longer showing like a lodge. It hid itself in those times in past few decades. Awnings were removed.
First one was copper tone film, second was silver tone film, the bottom was Blue Digital tone.
Source: Just for Fun Rink/ Lisa Ducan and Toby.
The middle photo showed updated look. A little bit of Tudor was added, more windows were added, more window shades were added. But also they extended the building to add more skating floor size. That was the evidence of them expansion in 1947.
The vehicles appeared to be 1950s and I see an early 1960s so that placed the middle photo as early 1960s. But the final photo appeared to be more recent times. Exterior wall painting were completed you can see the wall trims color differences between middle and bottom photos. But I think the bottom were painted entirely. They filled in the windows with what else? Cinderblocks! It is sad because now it was no longer showing like a lodge. It hid itself in those times in past few decades. Awnings were removed.
First one was copper tone film, second was silver tone film, the bottom was Blue Digital tone.
Source: Just for Fun Rink/ Lisa Ducan and Toby.
Just For Fun Roller Rink 914 North Front Street (Route 31), McHenry, IL. This is digitally remastered photo by Dead-Rinks. Noticed awesome cars. And the expansion of the rink building if you see on the right side of the photo. It was just side wall opened up and expand the rest. Paint job and awnings were added. Also windows. Source: McHenry Library District.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was taken in 2007. In this era, they had Dark Red with White trims in the Gable area with Gray for the rest. They had bushes at the time. And yes, windows were gone from the ground floor level. I noticed doors were added. Between 1960s photo and this above, they must have added exits because it is required for fire building codes. Source: Google.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was taken in 2009. In this era, they had Light Blue replacing Deep Red and had White trims in the Gable area with Gray for the rest. They had bushes at the time and still there at this time. I noticed door paint were added in matching Light Blue. Source: Google.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was taken in 2012. Whoa! They replaced the blue with RED again! Er, that did not sound right. It was Black replacing the Light Blue and the Gray wall was painted over with Fire Engine Red. The bushes disappeared. Yes, the doors this time painted red. Source: Google.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was taken in 2018. Whew! It was painted once again to cool down that Red I would have to wear shade for. Haha. No, I believe they saw the problem. So, they painted back more normal. Whew. It is the most comfortable of all choices I saw above since the 2007 version. This I love the best. They even had two supersized speed skates seen in the photo. I love those two with two different colors. One with Lime Green and the other in sort of Royal Blue. Yes, both even have the name of the rink on it. Source: Google.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was taken in 2019. They still having the two supersized speed skates seen in the photo. I love those two with two different colors. But sadly, that Lime Green is gone! Boohoo. It painted with matching blue to the other skate and rid of the name. How sad. This is the final appearance décor before they were lost to history in May 28, 2021. Source: Google.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was taken during the final week of skating in September 2020. Oops, I am sure no one notice but I notice! the N is backward. Can you find an error? Source: Just for Fun Roller Rink.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was horrible. Horrible fire totally destroyed the rink. This "firepoof" building burned. This occurred on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Yes, it was suspecious. And they just arrested two teenagers for the arson which is very serious charges because it can even be murder if found a body but I doubt there was one. It is really sad. I cried for this one, Lisa! Sorry to hear about your loss of your business. Source: Lisa Duncan. Courtesy: Shaw Media.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was horrible. Horrible fire totally destroyed the rink. This "firepoof" building burned. This occurred on Thursday, May 27, 2021. Yes, it was suspecious. And they just arrested two teenagers for the arson which is very serious charges because it can even be murder if found a body but I doubt there was one. It is really sad. I cried for this one, Lisa! Sorry to hear about your loss of your business. Source: Lisa Duncan.
Fox Pavilion McHenry, IL. Original fire and the kidnapping. Clearly they did not want anyone killed so they kidnap the guard and drop him off at a park so they could burn the building. That was May 26, 1931. 90 years and a day later, the May 27, 2021 fire were destroyed. And again, no one was there. Whew. Source: Kidnap Watchman; Burn Fox Pavilion.” McHenry Plaindealer [McHenry, IL] 28 May 1931: Pg. 1.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. This was a private Facebook member who post this I thought I include here by erasing her name for protection of ID. Source: Private FB member.
Fox Pavilion McHenry, IL. Advertisement. Source: McHenry Plaindealer in June 1922. Courtesy: McHenry Library District.
Fox Pavilion McHenry, IL. The public invitation to grand reopening at the new facility. The grand reopening was on Saturday night, August 22, 1931. Courtesy of McHenry Library District.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. Grand opening ad. Source: The Woodstock Daily Sentinel July 19, 1945 Courtesy of McHenry Library District. Digitally remastered by Dead-Rinks.
Just for Fun Roller Rink McHenry, IL. Advertisement from The Daily Sentinel, Dec 20, 1946. Source: McHenry Library District. Will remaster this ad.
Just for Fun Roller Rink 914 North Front Street, McHenry, IL. Beautiful interior at the time. Source: Just for Fun Roller Rink.
Just for Fun Roller Rink 914 North Front Street, McHenry, IL. More recent days of the rink. Noticed ceiling differences? I do not know which one they added the panels on the ceiling. Source: Just for Fun Roller Rink.
Just For Fun Roller Rink 914 North Front Street (Route 31), McHenry, IL. Lisa and Toby, the operators of this rink made a serious press release statement to clarify that the building was not theirs, just leasing the building from the building owners. Source: Just for Fun Roller Rink Facebook.
Fox Pavilion McHenry, IL
Just For Fun Roller Rink 914 North Front Street (Route 31), McHenry, IL
Just For Fun Roller Rink 914 North Front Street (Route 31), McHenry, IL
Just For Fun Roller Rink Was on 914 North Front Street (Route 31), McHenry, Illinois. It had a very rich history And twice a sad story.
It all began in May 1922 with Fox Pavilion that Clarence Niesen built. The Fox Pavilion was quite a popular spot in town. during this period of 1920s and 1930s. Unfortunately as it burned to the ground in May 1931, the name of the location was literally made sense of what was happening. More history on Fox Pavilion.
It was located roughly 1/2 mile northeast of where the 120 bridge meets the Fox River. This is where the name came from.
The first fate of what was happening to the Fox Pavilion was on the night of May 26, 1931, the Fox’s watchman/security guard, Thomas Alyward, was spooked by four kidnappers. Those four men drove Thomas out to Schiller Park to drop him off. As they abruptly dropped him off, Thomas immediately notified Schiller Park’s sheriff, who contacted Woodstock’s sheriff, who then notified Clarence Neisen, the owner and operator of the Fox Pavilion. Clarence Neisen, Sheriff Jack Walsh and some other prominent McHenry citizens went to meet Thomas Alyward at the park to learn what had exactly happened. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn’t able to describe his abductors. When Clarence and his group of concerned people left the Fox Pavilion to meet up with Thomas, the Fox Pavilion had been burned to the ground.
When the fire department arrived to fight the blaze, they could smell gasoline. Quickly, they found 5 large gas cans and 4 smaller gas cans near the fire. As it was a mystery, the leading theory at the time was that they were local business competitors. Sadly almost everything was lost at the Fox, including the orchestra’s instruments. One piece alone was valued at $350. The total loss of the Fox was estimated around $20,000 includes instruments, structure, equipment, etc. It was build with wood.
It was a dance and musical hall.
Without giving up and without hesitation, Clarence Niesen rebuilt this time with cinderblocks for the rebooted Fox Pavilion on Front Street., and had a grand opening in August 1931. It was a quick rebuilt in ONE short month. Must be a large group of construction workers or he hired more than one contractors. He hired the best contractors and with fire insurance worth 15,000 USD at the time. That would be 263,540 USD in 2021 with American Dollar adjusted for inflation.
That is considered pretty good insurance in today's money if small business.
The Fox reopened on August 22, almost to the day exactly two months. I am sure Clarence hired an architect to design quickly and submitted to contractors what he wanted built.
Unfortunately with how grand the new Fox Pavilion with cinderblocks which they made it more fireproof, but also they had light dimmer for the lights, a 1000 yard of Turquoise satin. The decor and larger dance floor, you name it. It was all wonderful but it did not last for this reboot. It was likely the Great Depression because it was already 1931 when they opened. Having a good time was not wanted at any cost for customers. They prefer the money toward their home, food, automobile, etc.
Also the depressing news globally with the Nazi and the Communists and the Fascists taking over. People were staying home. Because of the War overseas during 1939 (without the US) and on (with the US Involved), the Americans were overseas fighting the War. Not many at home front that also nailed and by end of the war in 1945, the Fox Pavilion closed for good.
Now roller skating was a concept for the Fox Pavilion and was used. So, Saturday July 28, 1945, the Hirschmugls Family, Robert, Mary, and son Robert Jr., opened up and operated the Just For Fun Roller Rink.
The Hirschmugls Family already an expert in roller skating before they opened up the Just For Fun Roller Rink in McHenry. They had a rink in Chicago as well. In fact, Robert Hirschmugi ran a similar business in Chicago and saw the opportunity in McHenry. The roller rink would also served as a roller wheels factory, making wheels for roller skates. Robert Hirshmugl had developed a wooden wheel that he had patented and sold to roughly 5000 roller rinks throughout the country at the time.
E-Z Roll Wheel Company (defunct) that made roller wheels in Chicago since 1940 and planned to carry on the business in the eastern part of Just For Fun Rink, employing about seven people. When the roller rink opened, some of the entertainment was to be provided by a Hammond electric organ six nights a week. A refreshment bar was also set up. For inexperienced skaters, they could come in early before official skating times and receive free lessons. Normal hours initially ran from 8pm until 11 pm, six nights a week. This was the norm in the 1940s for that family to operate the rink.
Then in 1947, they decided to cease making wheels at the rink and converted in a week to a larger rink with the same wood from walls in the factory onto the rink floor and they had grand reopening with the same name on Friday, June 27, 1947. The construction led to over 10,000 square feet of skating surface. Also added was a new lighting system, which allowed for multiple colors which provided a variety of hues. Finally, the Hirshmugls put in a new, more efficient heating system, which would allow for the heat to be controlled.
The rink was reported to be very popular under Hirshmugls ownership. People from other areas would come to McHenry to skate even if their hometown had a roller rink. Several different skating organizations held events at the rink including the then fledging Roller Skating Rink Operators Association. Also, many local organizations held events and trade shows at the rink including the McHenry Chamber of Commerce.
The Hirshmugls sold Just For Fun in October of 1949 to Ed Cepulis and John Stanaitis. But later, it was sold to Lisa Ducan and Toby.
Final rink owners were Lisa Ducan and Toby.
The COVID global lockdown forced Lisa and Toby to close the rink in September 2020. They were planning on coming back after COVID lockdown ended but on Thursday night of 27 of May 2021, as the news reported that two teenagers set the historic building on fire.
The May 2021 fire was started by one of the two 14 years old boys who started the fire and was spread so quickly. Witnesses seen those two in the area when the fire occurred and the policed connected to the two boys. Both were arrested, released to their parents awaiting for their trials. One actually charged with arson but both with other serious charges. Because of age and how legal system is, they are going to serve till age 21 thanks a lot to the SCOTUS which I believe should have not have reversed the decision. It used to be teens and children are charged just as juvenile then states changed into having children and teen being charged and tried as adults so they can serve life sentences but the SCOTUS. Three major cases made those decision. See this site, POV.
One thing I want all of you to know that the building was not owned by the rink owner. Two entirely different entities. The owners of the rink, Lisa and Toby did NOT own the rink. She made that statement (See above)
Original Fox Pavilion by the Fox River--
The Interior.
The original building only had 84 feet x 108 feet which is almost a square floor in their floor plan.
The Exterior.
It was about 100 by 120 feet in size for room to walk around and the porch facing the Fox River. That porch had wall to wall casing windows. Very common with homes built in late 1850s to 1930s. Since it was built in 1922, it made logical sense with this design. It was all wood built. Stick built building with Gable roof with a Bonnet style for the porch. There were a few trees shading the place for coolness. It was near some resorts I believe.
It was American Style.
It was burned down in 1931 which ended this location and property. The owner decided to relocate to a new spot.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 84' x 108'. Floor: Likely Mable. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: Arson, Thursday May 28, 1931.
Type of Building: Wood Trusses Stick Built Wood-Walled Lodge - like Building.
Roof: Gable with Bonnet.
Acres: N/A.
Rebuilt Fox Pavilion/Just For Fun Rink location--
The Interior.
Clarence rebuilt the Fox Pavilion a slight larger than the original as you can see the size from the original location at 84' x 108' to 110' x 128' But after Clarence sold it, the next owners reduced to 60' x 102 which was smaller, even smaller than the original site because they were using part of the building for the factory making wheels (not too many machinery to do that. Wood wheels. You have the spinner, driller, and sander. That is all. Anyway, after they ceased the factory, they increased the size to 60' x 165' which means same width but longer. 63 feet longer. This is why you see in photo the expansion length wise. If you look at front, that's width but you get the idea. That is roughly 65 feet more.
The Exterior.
The new spot replacing the burned down Fox Pavilion truly relocated not far from Fox River and the 120 as well according to the map. This time Clarence Niesen rebuilt stronger. Just like the Three Little Pigs, he built this one the next one up, with Cinderblocks, that would be the third pig's home if you want to compare. The first one was the second pig's.
The style Clarence went from American Classic style that was burned down to Old English Style with the new one. That remained true to 2021.
The expansion was an attempt to duplicate that section and added second story windows. It was not that glamourous with the duplicating the extension. I understand the new owner wanted to do this in honor of Clarence's wishes to keep in this style.
It reminded true till the final building owners.
The Stats:
(Fox Pavilion)
Rink Size: 110' by 128' Floor: Maple. Floor Layout: Log Cabin.
(Just For Fun Roller Rink)
Rink Size: 60' x 102′ to 60' x 165’ Floor: Maple. Floor Layout: Log Cabin.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: Thursday, May 28, 2021, 10:30 pm by fire.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Cinderblock-Walled Lodge - like Building.
Roof: Gable with several Valler Gables..
Acres: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- (May 1922) Saturday July 28, 1945 to May 28, 2021.
Fox Pavilion: May 1922 to May 28, 1931 (fire), reopened August 22, 1931 to 1945.
Just For Fun Roller Rink: Saturday July 28, 1945 to September 19, 2020, Fire destroyed May 28, 2021 so officially closed forever I declare is May 28, 2021.
Reason for Closure:
Fox Pavilion: Business reboot failed after rebuilt.
Just For Fun Roller Rink: COVID Lock down (September 2020), Fire (completely destroyed chance to reopen).
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources:
WGN 9 - Fire at rink
McHenry Public Library District - History on Rink (PDF Version);
Chicago CBS Local - Fire at rink (PDF)
Just for Fun Rink - Website (Mundelein, IL)
Newsbreak - Fire at Rink
ABC 7 Chicago - Fire at the rink (PDF)
Facebook - Just for Fun Rink McHenry;
McHenry Public Library District - Fox Pavilion history.
Patch - two teen boys arrested for arson;
Billboard - 14 September 1946, page 84., 3rd column.
Additional sources listed in McHenry Public Library District.
Addendium: #jffmchenryrip
Date of issue: 29 May 2021. Update and compete profile: 2 June 2021.
For office use only: 27.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.
It all began in May 1922 with Fox Pavilion that Clarence Niesen built. The Fox Pavilion was quite a popular spot in town. during this period of 1920s and 1930s. Unfortunately as it burned to the ground in May 1931, the name of the location was literally made sense of what was happening. More history on Fox Pavilion.
It was located roughly 1/2 mile northeast of where the 120 bridge meets the Fox River. This is where the name came from.
The first fate of what was happening to the Fox Pavilion was on the night of May 26, 1931, the Fox’s watchman/security guard, Thomas Alyward, was spooked by four kidnappers. Those four men drove Thomas out to Schiller Park to drop him off. As they abruptly dropped him off, Thomas immediately notified Schiller Park’s sheriff, who contacted Woodstock’s sheriff, who then notified Clarence Neisen, the owner and operator of the Fox Pavilion. Clarence Neisen, Sheriff Jack Walsh and some other prominent McHenry citizens went to meet Thomas Alyward at the park to learn what had exactly happened. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn’t able to describe his abductors. When Clarence and his group of concerned people left the Fox Pavilion to meet up with Thomas, the Fox Pavilion had been burned to the ground.
When the fire department arrived to fight the blaze, they could smell gasoline. Quickly, they found 5 large gas cans and 4 smaller gas cans near the fire. As it was a mystery, the leading theory at the time was that they were local business competitors. Sadly almost everything was lost at the Fox, including the orchestra’s instruments. One piece alone was valued at $350. The total loss of the Fox was estimated around $20,000 includes instruments, structure, equipment, etc. It was build with wood.
It was a dance and musical hall.
Without giving up and without hesitation, Clarence Niesen rebuilt this time with cinderblocks for the rebooted Fox Pavilion on Front Street., and had a grand opening in August 1931. It was a quick rebuilt in ONE short month. Must be a large group of construction workers or he hired more than one contractors. He hired the best contractors and with fire insurance worth 15,000 USD at the time. That would be 263,540 USD in 2021 with American Dollar adjusted for inflation.
That is considered pretty good insurance in today's money if small business.
The Fox reopened on August 22, almost to the day exactly two months. I am sure Clarence hired an architect to design quickly and submitted to contractors what he wanted built.
Unfortunately with how grand the new Fox Pavilion with cinderblocks which they made it more fireproof, but also they had light dimmer for the lights, a 1000 yard of Turquoise satin. The decor and larger dance floor, you name it. It was all wonderful but it did not last for this reboot. It was likely the Great Depression because it was already 1931 when they opened. Having a good time was not wanted at any cost for customers. They prefer the money toward their home, food, automobile, etc.
Also the depressing news globally with the Nazi and the Communists and the Fascists taking over. People were staying home. Because of the War overseas during 1939 (without the US) and on (with the US Involved), the Americans were overseas fighting the War. Not many at home front that also nailed and by end of the war in 1945, the Fox Pavilion closed for good.
Now roller skating was a concept for the Fox Pavilion and was used. So, Saturday July 28, 1945, the Hirschmugls Family, Robert, Mary, and son Robert Jr., opened up and operated the Just For Fun Roller Rink.
The Hirschmugls Family already an expert in roller skating before they opened up the Just For Fun Roller Rink in McHenry. They had a rink in Chicago as well. In fact, Robert Hirschmugi ran a similar business in Chicago and saw the opportunity in McHenry. The roller rink would also served as a roller wheels factory, making wheels for roller skates. Robert Hirshmugl had developed a wooden wheel that he had patented and sold to roughly 5000 roller rinks throughout the country at the time.
E-Z Roll Wheel Company (defunct) that made roller wheels in Chicago since 1940 and planned to carry on the business in the eastern part of Just For Fun Rink, employing about seven people. When the roller rink opened, some of the entertainment was to be provided by a Hammond electric organ six nights a week. A refreshment bar was also set up. For inexperienced skaters, they could come in early before official skating times and receive free lessons. Normal hours initially ran from 8pm until 11 pm, six nights a week. This was the norm in the 1940s for that family to operate the rink.
Then in 1947, they decided to cease making wheels at the rink and converted in a week to a larger rink with the same wood from walls in the factory onto the rink floor and they had grand reopening with the same name on Friday, June 27, 1947. The construction led to over 10,000 square feet of skating surface. Also added was a new lighting system, which allowed for multiple colors which provided a variety of hues. Finally, the Hirshmugls put in a new, more efficient heating system, which would allow for the heat to be controlled.
The rink was reported to be very popular under Hirshmugls ownership. People from other areas would come to McHenry to skate even if their hometown had a roller rink. Several different skating organizations held events at the rink including the then fledging Roller Skating Rink Operators Association. Also, many local organizations held events and trade shows at the rink including the McHenry Chamber of Commerce.
The Hirshmugls sold Just For Fun in October of 1949 to Ed Cepulis and John Stanaitis. But later, it was sold to Lisa Ducan and Toby.
Final rink owners were Lisa Ducan and Toby.
The COVID global lockdown forced Lisa and Toby to close the rink in September 2020. They were planning on coming back after COVID lockdown ended but on Thursday night of 27 of May 2021, as the news reported that two teenagers set the historic building on fire.
The May 2021 fire was started by one of the two 14 years old boys who started the fire and was spread so quickly. Witnesses seen those two in the area when the fire occurred and the policed connected to the two boys. Both were arrested, released to their parents awaiting for their trials. One actually charged with arson but both with other serious charges. Because of age and how legal system is, they are going to serve till age 21 thanks a lot to the SCOTUS which I believe should have not have reversed the decision. It used to be teens and children are charged just as juvenile then states changed into having children and teen being charged and tried as adults so they can serve life sentences but the SCOTUS. Three major cases made those decision. See this site, POV.
One thing I want all of you to know that the building was not owned by the rink owner. Two entirely different entities. The owners of the rink, Lisa and Toby did NOT own the rink. She made that statement (See above)
Original Fox Pavilion by the Fox River--
The Interior.
The original building only had 84 feet x 108 feet which is almost a square floor in their floor plan.
The Exterior.
It was about 100 by 120 feet in size for room to walk around and the porch facing the Fox River. That porch had wall to wall casing windows. Very common with homes built in late 1850s to 1930s. Since it was built in 1922, it made logical sense with this design. It was all wood built. Stick built building with Gable roof with a Bonnet style for the porch. There were a few trees shading the place for coolness. It was near some resorts I believe.
It was American Style.
It was burned down in 1931 which ended this location and property. The owner decided to relocate to a new spot.
The Stats:
Rink Size: 84' x 108'. Floor: Likely Mable. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: Arson, Thursday May 28, 1931.
Type of Building: Wood Trusses Stick Built Wood-Walled Lodge - like Building.
Roof: Gable with Bonnet.
Acres: N/A.
Rebuilt Fox Pavilion/Just For Fun Rink location--
The Interior.
Clarence rebuilt the Fox Pavilion a slight larger than the original as you can see the size from the original location at 84' x 108' to 110' x 128' But after Clarence sold it, the next owners reduced to 60' x 102 which was smaller, even smaller than the original site because they were using part of the building for the factory making wheels (not too many machinery to do that. Wood wheels. You have the spinner, driller, and sander. That is all. Anyway, after they ceased the factory, they increased the size to 60' x 165' which means same width but longer. 63 feet longer. This is why you see in photo the expansion length wise. If you look at front, that's width but you get the idea. That is roughly 65 feet more.
The Exterior.
The new spot replacing the burned down Fox Pavilion truly relocated not far from Fox River and the 120 as well according to the map. This time Clarence Niesen rebuilt stronger. Just like the Three Little Pigs, he built this one the next one up, with Cinderblocks, that would be the third pig's home if you want to compare. The first one was the second pig's.
The style Clarence went from American Classic style that was burned down to Old English Style with the new one. That remained true to 2021.
The expansion was an attempt to duplicate that section and added second story windows. It was not that glamourous with the duplicating the extension. I understand the new owner wanted to do this in honor of Clarence's wishes to keep in this style.
It reminded true till the final building owners.
The Stats:
(Fox Pavilion)
Rink Size: 110' by 128' Floor: Maple. Floor Layout: Log Cabin.
(Just For Fun Roller Rink)
Rink Size: 60' x 102′ to 60' x 165’ Floor: Maple. Floor Layout: Log Cabin.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Demolished: Thursday, May 28, 2021, 10:30 pm by fire.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Cinderblock-Walled Lodge - like Building.
Roof: Gable with several Valler Gables..
Acres: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- (May 1922) Saturday July 28, 1945 to May 28, 2021.
Fox Pavilion: May 1922 to May 28, 1931 (fire), reopened August 22, 1931 to 1945.
Just For Fun Roller Rink: Saturday July 28, 1945 to September 19, 2020, Fire destroyed May 28, 2021 so officially closed forever I declare is May 28, 2021.
Reason for Closure:
Fox Pavilion: Business reboot failed after rebuilt.
Just For Fun Roller Rink: COVID Lock down (September 2020), Fire (completely destroyed chance to reopen).
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources:
WGN 9 - Fire at rink
McHenry Public Library District - History on Rink (PDF Version);
Chicago CBS Local - Fire at rink (PDF)
Just for Fun Rink - Website (Mundelein, IL)
Newsbreak - Fire at Rink
ABC 7 Chicago - Fire at the rink (PDF)
Facebook - Just for Fun Rink McHenry;
McHenry Public Library District - Fox Pavilion history.
Patch - two teen boys arrested for arson;
Billboard - 14 September 1946, page 84., 3rd column.
Additional sources listed in McHenry Public Library District.
Addendium: #jffmchenryrip
Date of issue: 29 May 2021. Update and compete profile: 2 June 2021.
For office use only: 27.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.