The Top Hat Rollaway at 154 Elm Street was among several popular roller skating rinks in Holyoke. The Winter Palace was at 108 Cabot Street, and the Valley Arena in South Holyoke. Another name similar to today's subject was the Top Hat Roller Rink, which operated at 261 1/2 Appleton Street from 1936 to 1940. This rink, which faced the length of Newton Street, was operated by Edward Sanford, who also operated a roller rink at Mt. Park during the summer months. Immaculate Conception Hall at 2 Ely Street and O'Brien's Rollaway at 156 Chestnut Street were two popular Holyoke rinks.
On September 2, 1958, Alfred S. Zytkiewicz Sr. and Alfred C. Zytkiewicz, Jr., father and son, purchased the real estate at 154 Elm Street to open the Top Hat Rollaway.
The location had a fascinating history. For 25 years, Moses Newton's home was located on the property, and for the five years preceding 1914, it was a boarding house after Mr. Newton's death. The descendants sold the property to Kraig Yoerg, who within three months sold it to Groise Brothers Auto Company.
Since its construction in 1915, the building has been used by auto repair, auto body, and auto sales concerns. The open floor plan allowed for the storage of up to forty vehicles, ample space for the planned roller rink.
Oscar Beauchemin designed the building. Louis Carreau & Son were the general contractors. It was built for Groise Brothers Garage, which moved from 525 High Street to the new fireproof building.
The Top Hat Rollaway opened on October 10, 1958. In addition to public skating, management offered instructional skating classes for individuals and dance teams. There was sufficient space for social group activities, birthdays, and fundraising parties. The Top Hat set aside time for a Mothers Club, Old Timers Night, and a fitness class.
The Holyoke Parks and Recreation Department offered programs from pre-school to high school. There were dances, a roller hockey league, and the New England States Inter-Club Competitions in dance.
A Roller Skating show with forty performers to benefit the Heart Fund took place in 1961.
The Holyoke Dog Obedience Club trials were held at the rink in 1961. The Top Hat Rollaway Get Acquainted Club was formed for singles and married couples. Roller skating was promoted as a healthy and fun activity. Organist Eliott Lockwood provided live music.
There were discussions about having boxing and wrestling matches after the Valley Arena was destroyed by fire.
On October 27, 1967, the real estate was sold to Ed Nacke Chevrolet, and the Top Hat Rollaway closed. The building had come full circle back to the auto industry, except for the memories of those who roller-skated at the Top Hat.
Citations:
Newspapers.com (paid subscription): Citations: Holyoke (Massachusetts) Transcript & Transcript-Telegram; Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican; publication dates and pages are shown.
Holyoke Public Library, Holyoke, Chicopee & Springfield, Massachusetts, City Directories.
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