Still Seeking Info on Fun Town, Original Soul Train Dancers, Chicago Roller Skating
July 18th, 2012 by ShortyWhat can I say? I’m new school (kinda) with an old soul and I love how history has set the stage for the things we have today. With that said, I’m still seeking information, resources and people who can share their knowledge and experiences on Fun Town, Original Soul Train Dancers and Roller Skating in Chicago.
Fun Town Amusement Park
Fun Town was the last community amusement park, and it graced the South Side of Chicago for 30+ years. Following are some of the stories that have been posted on the site. Read the comments to bring back memories.
I Can’t Find Information on Fun Town Amusement Park
Mr. Lee’s Memories of the Fun Town Jingle
Do You Have Any Images from Fun Town Amusement Park in Chicago
Original Soul Train Dancers from Chicago
I am seeking original Soul Train Dancers from Chicago who danced at the Board of Trade in Chicago for WCIU? If this is you or anyone you know, let’s chat.
Chicago Roller Skaters
I am seeking information on roller skating rinks, roller skaters and any other memories of Chicago roller skating history. My research has yielded great results and I’m not done yet. There is so much more I that needs to be discovered before I am satisfied with what I have.
However, if you would like to share your roller skating memories, complete the form on Real Skate Stories. It will take 10 - 15 minutes of your time. You will get credit for your contribution in the book. If you have ANY information at all, it would be greatly appreciated.
Do you have any information on Fun Town, Original Soul Train Dancers and Roller Skating in Chicago?
Seeking Chicago Roller Skaters 50 & Older for a Roller Skating Project
August 14th, 2011 by ShortyIf you know of 50-somethings and older who used to roller skate in Chicago, or who still does, please let me know. I am having the hardest time finding anything on roller skating, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
In the meantime, check out the late Dr. Margaret Burroughs, the Founder of DuSable Museum of African American History, as she skates in her 90s.
Thanks for your help!
Roller Skating Is Still Hot on the South Side
February 20th, 2011 by ShortyI said it before in a previous post and I’ll say it again: roller skating is still the hot thing to do on the South Side. Don’t believe me? Check out the video below.
Writing & Researching Interns Needed for Roller Skating Project
February 16th, 2011 by Shorty
I am a roller skating entrepreneur and journalist seeking 2-3 interns to help conduct research on Chicago’s roller skating history. You don’t have to be a roller skater yourself; you just have to have a high level of interest in learning more about this old school, yet relatively obscure leisure activity and Chicago.
Ideal interns will be college students with excellent verbal, writing, interviewing and researching skills. You will be creative and resourceful with a good personality. You are computer savvy with a high level of comfort searching the internet and have a good handle on Microsoft Word and Skype. Also, you need to be able to work alone or with a team.
You can work 1-5 hours per week according to your schedule. Your help will be needed for at least three months.
This is an unpaid internship. However, you will receive credit for your work and referrals based on your commitment to the project and quality of work.
If you are interested in the project, please submit a resume and two (2) writing samples to [email protected]. The writing samples can be uploaded documents or links to online sources. Also, tell me why you are interested in this project in 100 words or less. Be as creative as possible.
Honoring Joe Small - Chicago’s Oldest Roller Skater
January 11th, 2011 by ShortyI got word that Mr. Joe Smalls, Chicago’s oldest roller skater, died on Saturday, January 8, 2011 at age 89. I don’t know the last time he put on his wheels, but he was at the rinks faithfully every week when he wasn’t experiencing health challenges. He will be
Chicago South Side Has Always Been a Hot Spot for Roller Skating
April 2nd, 2010 by Shorty
As a fairly new roller skating junkie and journalist, I have conducted a little research about roller skating in Chicago and have learned quite a bit. The most interesting fact I’ve learned thus far is the Chicago South Side has always been a hot spot for roller skating. Even today.
Roller skating rinks were connected to early amusement parks, so visitors had the best of both worlds. And it probably cost less than a $1 to get in and that time. Talk about buy one, get one free!
During the disco years, roller skating and dancing were the things to do. The really good skaters jammed on wheels. There were skating competitions between the South and West sides of Chicago. People in Chicago even went to Screamin’ Wheels in Gary to get their roll on. Memories anyone?
Even though roller skating is not as popular as it used to be in the 80s, Chicago is still one of the hottest place to skate according to Tasha Klusmann, Board President of Our Family Skate Association in Washington, D.C. What makes this so? We are one of the few cities where people can skate any night of the week. The fact that people come from Wisconsin and Detroit to get their roll on in Chicago is a testament to its attraction. And, the old school skaters are keeping the sport alive. Check out my clip of Dr. Margaret Burroughs from The DuSable Museum of African American History.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W98VO7nG7mw”>
So, my fellow Chicagoans, even if you are not a roller skater, you should be proud of this accolade. Did I mention that roller skating is good for your health?