Rollerland, Indianapolis, Indiana - Forgotten Roller Rinks of the Past

Rollerland, 926 North Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, Indiana

• Operator: Penn Sports Inc., Joseph A. Cantor, Pres.^[1] (1944), William Patterson^[2] (1960^[3]-1975^[U]), Harry & Susan McClung^[5] (1975-1983^[5])
• Manager: William Patterson^[2] (1941), Bob Pierce^[2] (1958), Julia A. Franklin^[6] (1934-1979)
• Pro/Coach: Margeret Patterson^[8] (1947), Howard Clay Woodruff^[9]
• Organist: Earl Gordon^[10] (1941), Ken Kasmire^[11], Larry Carpender^[11]
• DJ: ^[?]
• Floor size: ^[?]
• Floor type: Rotunda Maple wood^[1] and later, plastic coated.^[2]
• Primary reason for closing: ^[?]
• Opened: November 15, 1941^[1] - 1983^[5]
(Last ad found was from 1982. In November 1983, there's an article about the Salvation Army protesting issuance of a liquor license in the "former roller rink." And then a follow-up about turning it into a Surplus Store. (More below)

• The Metzger building, built in 1928, once served as a car dealership.^[12]

• Today, it's The Cabaret, Performing Arts Venue.

Image at top of page courtesy Larry Tiller.

Rollerland, 926 North Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, Indiana

Rotunda Maple Wood Floor!

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1943^[13]

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1944^[13]

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1947^[13]

Photos courtesy Larry Tiller^[14]

Haven't found any other information about this owner.

Last ad for Rollerland found.

In November 1983, there's an article about the near-by Salvation Army protesting the issuance of a liquor license in the "former roller rink."
(The need for a liquor license is not known at this time.
Perhaps the thought was to turn it into a dance hall?)

Then the following correction.

After having been a Surplus Store since 1983,
he now turned it into a parking garage.

And the end of the Rotunda floor.

Preparing to become and also the current tenant.
The Cabaret.

Maple floor, all gone.

Then & Now

2024 aerial image courtesy Google.

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Sources

Rollerland, 926 North Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, Indiana

Rotunda Maple Wood Floor!

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1943[13]

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1944[13]

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1947[13]

Photos courtesy Larry Tiller[14]

Haven't found any other information about this owner.

Last ad for Rollerland found.

In November 1983, there's an article about the near-by Salvation Army protesting the issuance of a liquor license in the "former roller rink."(The need for a liquor license is not known at this time. Perhaps the thought was to turn it into a dance hall?)

Then the following correction.

After having been a Surplus Store since 1983, he now turned it into a parking garage.

And the end of the Rotunda floor.

Preparing to become and also the current tenant.The Cabaret.

Maple floor, all gone.

Then & Now

2024 aerial image courtesy Google.

Back to top of page

Sources

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1943^[13]

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1944^[13]

Courtesy the Indiana Historical Society 1947^[13]

Photos courtesy Larry Tiller^[14]

In November 1983, there's an article about the near-by Salvation Army protesting the issuance of a liquor license in the "former roller rink."
(The need for a liquor license is not known at this time.
Perhaps the thought was to turn it into a dance hall?)

After having been a Surplus Store since 1983,
he now turned it into a parking garage.

Preparing to become and also the current tenant.
The Cabaret.