 |  NOW ON THE SITE OF THE AMERICAN ROLLER RINK |
This morning we ran 4 miles round the streets of the south side, stopping at various sites along the South Side Heritage Trail. The one we knew absolutely nothing about was the American Roller Rink. If you are thinking about going out for a walk and wondering where to go? The South Glasgow Heritage Trail is a book worth buying.
I have copied the text from the book.
The American Roller Rink
Between 1908 and 1912 the nation was gripped by a craze for roller skating or “rinking” as it was popularly known. The American Roller Rink was built on Victoria Road, between Cutherbertson Street and Kingarth Street, opposite present day Lidl. Like many other rinks around the country it was essentially a large corrugated metal shed with an impressive interior. Within a few months of opening, it was hailed “the favourite hunt of the best people in the city”. There was space for 700 skaters and 3, 000 spectators. Music was supplied by a military band that played twice daily. The rink was managed by George M. Wellis who 10 years earlier brought the Barnum and Bailey circus to the south side of Glasgow. Inevitavly, the craze for “rinking” passed. Permanent cinema buildings were opening around Glasgow and in 1912 the American roller rink was converted into Govanhill’s second cinema. The American Roller Rink became the first B.B. Cinerama.
I have copied the text from the book.
The American Roller Rink
Between 1908 and 1912 the nation was gripped by a craze for roller skating or “rinking” as it was popularly known. The American Roller Rink was built on Victoria Road, between Cutherbertson Street and Kingarth Street, opposite present day Lidl. Like many other rinks around the country it was essentially a large corrugated metal shed with an impressive interior. Within a few months of opening, it was hailed “the favourite hunt of the best people in the city”. There was space for 700 skaters and 3, 000 spectators. Music was supplied by a military band that played twice daily. The rink was managed by George M. Wellis who 10 years earlier brought the Barnum and Bailey circus to the south side of Glasgow. Inevitavly, the craze for “rinking” passed. Permanent cinema buildings were opening around Glasgow and in 1912 the American roller rink was converted into Govanhill’s second cinema. The American Roller Rink became the first B.B. Cinerama.