On a hot, sun blazing Saturday afternoon I spotted this old skating rink from my car as I drove away from Corvallis, Oregon after I just learned that I had to dish out some money to get some expensive repairs done to my Toyota truck. But that is neither here nor there.
I now was occupied scanning the area for some opportunities to take photographs when I spotted this old building. The old sign out by the road appeared to read, "Roll-Away Roller Rink." I knew to turn around and pull into its dirt road for some quick shots.
I now was occupied scanning the area for some opportunities to take photographs when I spotted this old building. The old sign out by the road appeared to read, "Roll-Away Roller Rink." I knew to turn around and pull into its dirt road for some quick shots.
It stood rather forlornly in a large open field. Swallows were very active flying around and I think in and out of the building. When I got out of my car a couple flew low at me -- I guess to either scare me off or just to inspect who this new critter was.
The old wood building had some vernacular charm but was hinting abandonment. Some TLC was needed soon or else it would start having some really bad problems. Yet hope can spring eternal for old buildings.
And hope is alive. After my photo session with the building I went home and researched online for some information on the rink. I found out the building with rink was built in 1923 which makes it now about 90 years old! Apparently a group of women skaters bought the property recently for a very reasonable price and are planning to restore it. My heart is with them. We need to save our old buildings.
P.S. Hopefully, the swallows will gently be encouraged to relocate!
P.S. Hopefully, the swallows will gently be encouraged to relocate!
Click HERE for Corvallis Gazette Times article on the roller rink's future.
Are swallows the kind of birds that return to nest in the same place each year? I think if the renovations were to happen in the winter, perhaps the swallows would be absent, and not bothered at all...maybe. Goodness, does this mean there will be roller skating again? We have a rink down the road nearby...concrete building, not at all picturesque.
ReplyDeleteBarbara -- Swallows do return to their nests from the previous year. They also control mosquitoes and flies. Unfortunately swallows are in a bit of a decline in parts of the US as are bats --- both control the insect problems which is bad news for us. I understand there are quite a few roller skating rinks still going strong in ceratin regions. thanks --- barbara
Deleteps. And you, oh so artfully, captured all the swallow crap on the benches too. Good girl!
ReplyDeleteBirdman -- Swallows are lovely birds that we need to control our insects -- Love to see them in large group flights. -- barbara
DeleteTo get inside of places like this is what I enjoy more than anything. The second picture is excellent.
ReplyDeleteOne Fly -- nice to hear from you. So many old buildings that represent our former ways are on the edge of disappearing. Wish that more photographers felt like you. Thanks for your nice comment -- barbara
DeleteI like the feeling the bench photo evokes. Solemn and strong.
ReplyDeleteMichelle -- I don't know how long the bench has been sitting beside the roller rink but with the many kids who probably sat there over time -- it would have to me a tough old bench for sure.Thanks for the comment -- barbara
DeleteRemindful of many abandoned farm building in our area. Once the weather and critters get in they fall apart quickly....
ReplyDeletetroutbirder -- How true your statement is. I don't have the faintest idea what will happen to this place but for now the swallows are the "occupiers," thanks for your comment -- barbara
DeleteI guess there are some roller-derby type groups still these days. Seems like a bygone-era pastime. We still had a roller rink in my hometown in the 70s, but I can't remember when it closed.
ReplyDeleteMelissa -- I thought it was a by-gone era too. But where there is interest things happen. I wish them the best -- From what I have read they seem like they are quite active in their pursuit. There was no sign of any work when I was out there with my camera though. thanks -- barbara
DeleteThat looks like quite a project. Good luck to them!
ReplyDeleteHattie -- Nice to hear the your island did not suffer any great damage -- at least that is what I heard. -- thanks for stopping by -- barbara
DeleteIf I had a pair of roller skates.......and you had the key.....
ReplyDeleteDiane -- Ah -- I think you are a former (?) roller skater from your comment. Roller rinks used to be quite common where I grew up -- I doubt if any are left -- thanks -- barbara
DeleteIntriguing; would have liked to see inside but looks as if everything locked/boarded up. Amused by remark in newspaper "tough, fishnet-wearing derby ladies." Well there are many roller-skating girls and women in Portland--not dressed that way, not tough at all. One is my adorable 9 year old granddaughter!
ReplyDeletenaomi -- The building was eerily quiet -- no one in sight -- and locked tight. I am careful when I am around such places. Didn't catch the "tough, fishnet" comment in the newspaper. To tell the truth I don't even know what fishnet wearing is? I think maybe the article reflected the reporter's bias. When I was a child like your granddaughter I just went to a roller rink to have fun. I imagine this is still true today about children and skating. thanks -- barbara
DeleteI used to skate here as a kid in the 80s and 90s when it was called Lake Park roller rink...great memories!
ReplyDeleteTiffany -- Nice to have it's former name. I take it you were living in Corvallis or nearby when you accumulated all those great memories. thanks barbara
DeleteThe rink was purchased by the local roller derby team, The Sick Town Derby Dames.
ReplyDeleteThe rink was purchased by the local roller derby team to have a home base and practice location. Sick Town Derby Dames has spent the last two years just getting the building up to code with donated tie from a contractor. There's still much to be done though!
ReplyDelete