Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Logo. However, the website you see is still operational and they have remaining two rinks left. Please check them out at katesonline.com and I strongly encourage you to skate at their rinks because it is only two left after they had 9 rinks at one time. Courtesy of Kate's Skating Rinks
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Nice classy sign on the ground. Beautiful stone work wall with the sign. Not many places have such signs like that any more. Just boring square signs like they had at that same location too. Both kinds of signs. The stone work matched to the exterior walls at the rink as you can see in the photo above. Courtesy of Google Maps.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. As you can see the stone wall. This was common popular architectural design of its time. Considering this rink first opened in 1961, this made sense to have this style. And they did not extend to the very end on the left though since it is expensive to have such stone wall veneer. Also in this picture you can see the rink building was on higher elevation than the parking lot than the Google Maps showed with the sign. Courtesy of Google Images.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Beautiful evening, often skaters arrive in the evening to see the sunset and go in and skate. Courtesy of Google Images.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Beautiful Modernism interior look. Yes, four Billiard Tables. This was taken during their 50th Anniversary because of the signs on the wall saying 50th Anniversary on the left. I see many crane machines as well. At least there were six crane machines. Quite a bit along with the pool tables. Most rinks usually have at least 2 at the most. Sports-O-Rama in Mattydale had 3. Courtesy of Kate's Skating Rinks.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Pro-Shop. Quite a packed in a tight spot I will have to say. Needs to spread more I think. However, revenue per square footage is important so that tight is good in modern times. The more items, the better you are able to sell. Thanks a lot to Amazon ruining stores. Thanks Jeff Bezo for ruining mom's and pop's stores. But you will never eradicate roller Rinks, Jeff. Haha. Peace! Courtesy of Kate's Roller Rinks.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Concession Stand. Oh darn, I am in a mood for a pizza and you did not have any? Oh well, can you make some for me, please? I am sure many of you said that at any rinks! I did. At rinks and at Buttons Arcade. Courtesy of Kate's Skating Rinks.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. This is the birthday area and eating area. This photo is altered to remove an offensive word to me so it was removed. So, I replaced it with colorful dots and a balloon above the heart. You could not see the picnic tables beyond that wall. Courtesy of a private citizen.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Now you can see the picnic tables where there were birthday parties held at. All color coded to tell parents and children which table they attend. Courtesy of Kate's Skating Rinks.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Courtesy of
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Courtesy of
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Their own mascot girl skating next to the name KATES on the wall. Reminded me of.. another skate girl named Rink Ratz girl. Courtesy of Yelp.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Was this the same Kate's Skating Rink in Lowell at the time before renovations? Open ceiling, all Gray carpet, Jungle Gym playground.. Or was this at the wrong location. I am aware that there were three Kate's at the same time of operating and sometimes people want to post did not pay attention to WHICH Kate's on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and any other social advising websites on the wrong location. Courtesy of Yelp.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Was this the same Kate's Skating Rink in Lowell at the time before renovations? Open ceiling, but same carpet however, different paint on the wall by this party area. Or was this at the wrong location. I am aware that there were three Kate's at the same time of operating and sometimes people want to post did not pay attention to WHICH Kate's on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and any other social advising websites on the wrong location. Courtesy of Yelp.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Was this the same Kate's Skating Rink in Lowell at the time before renovations or after because of no anniversary sign on there? Open ceiling, but had Black Light carpet, Jungle Gym playground.. Or was this at the wrong location. I am aware that there were three Kate's at the same time of operating and sometimes people want to post did not pay attention to WHICH Kate's on Yelp, Trip Advisor, and any other social advising websites and post it on the wrong location. Courtesy of Yelp.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 E Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. Something you can buy and hey, make yourself some nice Root Beer Float! Perfect glass for that. Oh, now I am going to publish this and make myself one! Haha. Or for your collection of rink souvenirs. Courtesy of Kate's Skating Rinks.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, North Carolina. Last call to skate. Courtesy of Queen City News.
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, North Carolina
Kate's Skating Rink 4114 East Franklin Boulevard, Gastonia, North Carolina was a long time rink that first opened in 1961 until its closure for good in 2023. Technically it is in Lowell, North Carolina. Not to be confused to the other Gastonia Kate's that is still operational.
It all began with John and Kate Grice were in the youth ministry in their church back in the 1960’s and while taking a stroll around Rankin Lake one day, Kate turned to John and said, “These children need a place where they can get together, be supervised and have fun.” John then replied, “You know, a skating rink is what we need.” Thus starting a great tradition in Gastonia, NC, known as Kate’s Skating Rinks.
“No one will skate at John’s Skating Rink, but they will skate at Kate’s!” John Grice said in an interview with the local NBC news one day when asked how they came up with the name.
First opened in Lowell, North Carolina, back on Thursday, 5 January 1961, Kate’s Skating Rinks. They eventually grew to nine locations.
Kate’s founder John Grice passed away Tuesday, 12 July 2011, at the age of 87. His lovely wife, Kate, passed on Tuesday, 24 February 2022, at the age of 95. (Quotes from Kate's Online website).
Currently Kate's owner is Billy Thompson and his wife are operating the remaining two operational rinks.
The reason for the closure is that he has three rinks and reduce to two rinks due to operational costs. The other rinks are according to the website, they have two locations-- 1151 Skating Rink Drive, Gastonia NC 28054 (Call them for schedule times and mentioned Rink-History 704-864-7007) and the Indian Trail location at 14500 E. Independence Blvd Indian Trail NC 28079. (Call them for schedule times and mentioned Rink-History 704-821-7465). If you are Deaf, use the relay or VP services.
This rink began all rinks. Original rink closed for good. They went on to expand their rink business empire to 9 rinks. Slowly one by one closed. Then they closed the original then there is two.
The floor is clear coated Polyurethane Hardwood Maple with Log Cabin Layout.
I love their logo. It was used for decades and that font is popular again. You noticed with Burger King and Arby's advertisements lately. It is some kind of Flair style.
The Thompsons closed the rink on Sunday, 5 March 2023.
The Interior.
The roller rink floor was Hardwood Maple with clear Polyurethane coat. It was a Straight Log Cabin layout. They also have festive ribbons style Black Light carpet throughout the floor. They originally had different floor back in 1961 though. And remodeled throughout the years as you can see more updated photos showed it was remodeled. At least they did in 1970s and 1990s. Maybe early 2020s. I will find out or any of you know, please let me know what it was back then and any photos because they operated this rink for more than 60 years.
The Exterior.
The exterior showed their common architecture design that it has Emerald or Forest Green Sheet Metal siding with Mortared Stone Wall style. Almost Freestanding. This was a common architecture style in the 1950s and 1960s and this rink was among many facilities around the country with this beautiful architecture with natural, yes, real natural stone veneer wall. It was the style. It appeared to be toward Natural Stone Yellow color. Matching to the green canopy and upper walls. And no, far from John Deere colors. Ha.
It had a Gabled roof but not much degrees difference and the exterior photos showed it looks flat. Trick of the trade in commercial architecture.
The rest of the walls are Cinderblocks painted in White. Just the accent wall by the front door and Canopy.
They had beautiful stone wall for a sign. Normally you would find that in luxurious developments or any commercial campuses.
But also they had a regular sign that does not need to be there because of beautiful stone wall. I love that stone wall.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Clear Polyurethane Coated Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Straight Log Cabin.
Building Size: N/A. Built: 1960. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Still standing.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Forest Green Steel and Stone - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Flatted.
Acres: N/A.
Architect: N/A.
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: N/A.
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: 4
Air Hockey Tables: 1
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: None.
Arcade: 23.
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: Questionable.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Operated: (Overall)-- Thursday 5 January 1961 to Sunday 5 March 2023.
Reason for Closure: To reduce operations costs of running three rinks into two.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also, photos/articles. Also send me any updates such as reopening, sold, name changes, or whatsoever occurred with this rink or any rinks. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at Rink-History©. Before you email, please state this rink name AND THE CITY AND STATE (or COUNTRY) so I can know where or what rink you are talking about. Thank you. We welcome both active and defunct rinks.
Sources:
Queen City News - Announcing closure of the rink that weekend.
Facebook - Kate's Lowell (Dead page)
Kate's Online - Kate's Rinks website.
Gaston Alive - Too late!
Yelp - Lowell location, I hope! (Because they had 3 rinks, and some pictures and information can be mixed up with the other locations!
Four Square - Some photos are same in Yelp and few in Google Images.
Date of issue: 09 June 2023.
For office use only:
16/1.
Worth to visit:
None. Closed HOWEVER, the Thompsons have their other rinks still operational. Please check their website for details. It is... Kate's Skating Rinks.
DISCLAIMER:
International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© (formerly known as 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.
Dead Rinks is now International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© because many former names have become new names at the same rinks that are still active and due to much confusion, We have decided that International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© fits better for all rinks including defunct, closed, inactive, rebooted, and rinks that are still active today. For short on this site, it is International Roller Skating Rinks History© Bear with us as we change the entire site page by page each day. 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. Since we are rebooted to allow alive rinks, active rinks, we welcome those active rinks as well. It will be described.
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 International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© are not the property of International Commercial Archeology Preservation© Group and/or International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© therefore we do not own the rights to the music.
All photos you submitted or we retrieved become property of International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© 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: Disclaimer.
© Copyrighted by International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation©, an International Commercial Archeology Preservation© Group. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 to 17. Deut. 32:7.
Queen City News - Announcing closure of the rink that weekend.
It all began with John and Kate Grice were in the youth ministry in their church back in the 1960’s and while taking a stroll around Rankin Lake one day, Kate turned to John and said, “These children need a place where they can get together, be supervised and have fun.” John then replied, “You know, a skating rink is what we need.” Thus starting a great tradition in Gastonia, NC, known as Kate’s Skating Rinks.
“No one will skate at John’s Skating Rink, but they will skate at Kate’s!” John Grice said in an interview with the local NBC news one day when asked how they came up with the name.
First opened in Lowell, North Carolina, back on Thursday, 5 January 1961, Kate’s Skating Rinks. They eventually grew to nine locations.
Kate’s founder John Grice passed away Tuesday, 12 July 2011, at the age of 87. His lovely wife, Kate, passed on Tuesday, 24 February 2022, at the age of 95. (Quotes from Kate's Online website).
Currently Kate's owner is Billy Thompson and his wife are operating the remaining two operational rinks.
The reason for the closure is that he has three rinks and reduce to two rinks due to operational costs. The other rinks are according to the website, they have two locations-- 1151 Skating Rink Drive, Gastonia NC 28054 (Call them for schedule times and mentioned Rink-History 704-864-7007) and the Indian Trail location at 14500 E. Independence Blvd Indian Trail NC 28079. (Call them for schedule times and mentioned Rink-History 704-821-7465). If you are Deaf, use the relay or VP services.
This rink began all rinks. Original rink closed for good. They went on to expand their rink business empire to 9 rinks. Slowly one by one closed. Then they closed the original then there is two.
The floor is clear coated Polyurethane Hardwood Maple with Log Cabin Layout.
I love their logo. It was used for decades and that font is popular again. You noticed with Burger King and Arby's advertisements lately. It is some kind of Flair style.
The Thompsons closed the rink on Sunday, 5 March 2023.
The Interior.
The roller rink floor was Hardwood Maple with clear Polyurethane coat. It was a Straight Log Cabin layout. They also have festive ribbons style Black Light carpet throughout the floor. They originally had different floor back in 1961 though. And remodeled throughout the years as you can see more updated photos showed it was remodeled. At least they did in 1970s and 1990s. Maybe early 2020s. I will find out or any of you know, please let me know what it was back then and any photos because they operated this rink for more than 60 years.
The Exterior.
The exterior showed their common architecture design that it has Emerald or Forest Green Sheet Metal siding with Mortared Stone Wall style. Almost Freestanding. This was a common architecture style in the 1950s and 1960s and this rink was among many facilities around the country with this beautiful architecture with natural, yes, real natural stone veneer wall. It was the style. It appeared to be toward Natural Stone Yellow color. Matching to the green canopy and upper walls. And no, far from John Deere colors. Ha.
It had a Gabled roof but not much degrees difference and the exterior photos showed it looks flat. Trick of the trade in commercial architecture.
The rest of the walls are Cinderblocks painted in White. Just the accent wall by the front door and Canopy.
They had beautiful stone wall for a sign. Normally you would find that in luxurious developments or any commercial campuses.
But also they had a regular sign that does not need to be there because of beautiful stone wall. I love that stone wall.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Clear Polyurethane Coated Hardwood Maple. Floor Layout: Straight Log Cabin.
Building Size: N/A. Built: 1960. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: Still standing.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Forest Green Steel and Stone - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Flatted.
Acres: N/A.
Architect: N/A.
Contractor: N/A.
Interior Designer: N/A.
Organ: N/A.
10 Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Duck Pins Bowling Lanes: None.
Candlestick Bowling Lanes: None.
Pocket Billiard Tables: 4
Air Hockey Tables: 1
Foosball Table: N/A.
Basketball Speed: N/A.
Amusement Rides: None.
Driving Range Slots: None.
Miniature Golf Course: None.
Arcade: 23.
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: Questionable.
Skate Park: None.
Theater (movie/stage): None.
Operated: (Overall)-- Thursday 5 January 1961 to Sunday 5 March 2023.
Reason for Closure: To reduce operations costs of running three rinks into two.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also, photos/articles. Also send me any updates such as reopening, sold, name changes, or whatsoever occurred with this rink or any rinks. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at Rink-History©. Before you email, please state this rink name AND THE CITY AND STATE (or COUNTRY) so I can know where or what rink you are talking about. Thank you. We welcome both active and defunct rinks.
Sources:
Queen City News - Announcing closure of the rink that weekend.
Facebook - Kate's Lowell (Dead page)
Kate's Online - Kate's Rinks website.
Gaston Alive - Too late!
Yelp - Lowell location, I hope! (Because they had 3 rinks, and some pictures and information can be mixed up with the other locations!
Four Square - Some photos are same in Yelp and few in Google Images.
Date of issue: 09 June 2023.
For office use only:
16/1.
Worth to visit:
None. Closed HOWEVER, the Thompsons have their other rinks still operational. Please check their website for details. It is... Kate's Skating Rinks.
DISCLAIMER:
International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© (formerly known as 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.
Dead Rinks is now International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© because many former names have become new names at the same rinks that are still active and due to much confusion, We have decided that International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© fits better for all rinks including defunct, closed, inactive, rebooted, and rinks that are still active today. For short on this site, it is International Roller Skating Rinks History© Bear with us as we change the entire site page by page each day. 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. Since we are rebooted to allow alive rinks, active rinks, we welcome those active rinks as well. It will be described.
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 International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© are not the property of International Commercial Archeology Preservation© Group and/or International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© therefore we do not own the rights to the music.
All photos you submitted or we retrieved become property of International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation© 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: Disclaimer.
© Copyrighted by International Roller Skating Rinks History Foundation©, an International Commercial Archeology Preservation© Group. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 to 17. Deut. 32:7.
Queen City News - Announcing closure of the rink that weekend.