Rinking
Oaks Skating Rink is considered a "Grand Lady" due to her size. She is the oldest continuously operating roller skating rink in the United States.
Until the early 1960's, there was a very strict dress code. Management bent to skaters requeset to wear short skating skirts and skating dresses. They were allowed only during Sunday night sessions.
Prior to that, ladies wearing skirts that were even 1" above the knee were not admitted. The change in dress code was changed for the Wednesday club night session followed by the change for all public sessions.
Below are pictures of the interior from circa 1905 through 1980 plus a diagram of the interior of the rink.
Robert Bollinger (Mr. B) is shown in a publicity pictures. A sheet of plywood replaced ceiling tile. His skates were bolted to the plywood. There was a scaffold just off camera. It was removed, the picture taken then moved back.
circa 1980
Richardson clamp on skates awaiting skaters - in front of the counter are seats where "skate boys" would attach/detach skates for the patrons.
Interior - 1937 (looking toward organ booth)
