Charles’ 
Slide of the Week: May 9th, 2008
SKATELAND, SOMEWHERE, USA, 1965
Young skaters dressed in blue solids, strips and plaids stand out against the warm stained wood and banana yellow tones of the rink. it looks like “Little Mr. Shifty Eyes,” on the left, is looking at the lovely young lady or the young man beside her who is skating l like Frankenstein. They are all experiencing that very special now-I’m-balanced–now-I’m-not feeling that you get when you enjoy that wonderful Americana pastime of the highest order, Roller Skating. We didn’t invent roller skating in the USA but likes so many things we certainly perfect it!
Speaking of roller skating, I’m SO excited about the THE MOONLIGHT ROLLERAY JUBILEE show. Over 60 skaters, including the Moonlight Rollerway’s own long reigning Unites States champion synchronized skaters, Team In Sinc, and other skating stars and former world champions will perform in a variety of costumed musical acts. I’ve never seen a roller skating show. Have you?
Before the skating extravaganza I will present a retro slide show and tell about the history of roller skating. The evenings musical stylings will be provided by none other than the “Worlds Greatest Roller Rink Organist,” Dominic Cangalosi, live on the Hammond Organ. He is the only rink organist in the Roller Skating Hall of Fame.
Seating for skating show will be in a single row around inside edge of the rink floor. So everyone will have a great view! Free snack bar treats will be served at intermission and after the show the audience is invited to stay and play at the AFTER SHOW ALL-SKATE PARTY. Skate rental is free!
Don’t miss this very special event at Southern California’s most historic roller rink!
Saturday’s performance IS SOLD OUT!
Get your tix now for the Sunday matinee show, MAY 18 @ 3PM
Tickets and Info!
Here’s to THE MOONLIGHT ROLLERWAY JUBILEE and YOU!
Charles Phoenix
Los Angeles
May 2008
4 Comments on “SKATELAND, SOMEWHERE, USA, 1965”
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May 9th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I grew up near a Skateland roller-skating rink in Whittier, CA, right next to Oceanic Arts. I wonder if this is the same place? The silhouette of the figure skater on the sign looks similar to the one on Skateland’s sign.
May 10th, 2008 at 11:34 am
I HAVE VERY FOND MEMORIES OF “OUR” ROLLER-SKATING RINK ON THE SANTA MONICA PIER. IT WAS GREAT.EVERY SATURDAY MOM WOULD LEAVE US OFF IN FRONT, THAT’S WHEN YOU COULD DRIVE ALL THE WAY DOWN THE HILL TO THE END OF THE PIER AND TURN AROUND. ANYWAY, A COUPLE OF HOURS OR SO WENT TOO FAST FOR US WHEN SHE CAME BACK TO PICK US UP AFTER OUR DAY OF BEING THE “BEST” SKATER THERE WAS, AND HAVING THE BEST TIME OF OUR LIVES! CAN’T FORGET DOING THE “HOKIE POKIE” ON SKATES TOO!
THANKS FOR THIS GREAT “SLIDE OF THE WEEK”!
ROSEMARY KUHL
May 10th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Doing a search for “Skateland Roller Park”, one came up for West Seattle during that time era. Scroll down to segment entitled “Finding a Label”:
http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=8568
June 13th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
The Skateland at Miller Park. I think there is a Miller Park in Whittier too. I think the building is still there.