Our Past Is Present February 12, 2018

February 12, 2018

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

            Today’s story is about some of the former roller skating rinks in Junction City.  The information was take from article written by Kathy George, former GCHS Executive Director, and Ralph Murphy, a former Curator. 

            “An enthusiastic Dutch skater decided there had to be a way to enjoy skating throughout the year and in the 1700’s he invented a skate with wheels or rollers.

On October 25, 1884, Schull and Stewart re-opened the Seventh Street Skating Rink at Seventh and Jefferson Streets in Junction City.  The previous owner had lost his lease.  The rink was open every night with an average attendance of 75 skaters.  The regular schedule was: Monday, general skating; Tuesday, no gents without a lady partner; Wednesday afternoon, ladies only; Thursday evening, music by the band; Friday and Saturday, general skating.  

            In 1942 a roller rink owned and operated by George Harding was located on Grant Avenue opposite the Drive-In Movie Theater.  This was a portable metal building with an oak floor, 50 feet by 110 feet.  Admission was 35 cents for a two hour period and music was supplied by a 78 speed phonograph record player. 

            When the rains and floods came to Grant Avenue two times that year, Harding moved the rink to 1008 West Sixth, which was approximately where the old Montgomery Ward Store was and the Goodwill Store is now located.  The rink remained at that location until 1953. 

            In 1944 there was a rink called the Roller Land Roller Rink at 206 East Sixth Street. Then in 1954, J.C. Roller Rink opened at 920 North Washington Street and was operated by Mr. Mrs. John B. Chaney until it closed in 1969. And… that’s our story today on “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.