HR0950 LRB093 22244 KEF 51257 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, Skateland, a Quad Cities institution, is closing
3 its doors on May 23, 2004; and
 
4     WHEREAS, Four generations have participated in the
5 operation of Skateland skating rinks in East Moline since 1936;
6 and
 
7     WHEREAS, The first skating rink co-owned by Charles "Pop"
8 and Mildred Jones and Mildred's parents, the Bursks, was opened
9 as the Galesburg Glass Palace in 1928; and
 
10     WHEREAS, The Jones' daughter, Edith "Edie", met and fell in
11 love with Roy Johnston while he skated at Skateland in East
12 Moline and they were married in 1946; and
 
13     WHEREAS, Roy and Edie Johnston built Skateland at its
14 current location in East Moline in 1960; it was the second
15 largest skating rink in Illinois and routinely hosted 700-800
16 skaters per weekend in its hey-day; and
 
17     WHEREAS, Bud Johnston and Judy Johnston-Bowser grew up
18 skating and working at Skateland, sweeping the floors and
19 working at the snack bar before they became owners and
20 operators in 2002; and
 
21     WHEREAS, 4,500 young adults made Skateland their first
22 jobs, bringing service, safety, and entertainments to the
23 youngsters of the community; and
 
24     WHEREAS, Skateland will be remembered for its unique
25 lighting that announced the next skate such as "All Skate" or
26 the "Moon Light Couples", or the organ music played by Randy
27 Goodard since 1977, or manager Bob Housholder, or Dorothy
28 Johnston behind the counter, or the many romances occurring

 

 

HR0950 - 2 - LRB093 22244 KEF 51257 r

1 while gliding around the sleek floor, or getting in free
2 because you were the niece of the owner; memories that live on
3 forever; therefore, be it
 
4     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
5 NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we
6 recognize the closing of Skateland and the profound positive
7 effect the establishment had on its patrons for so many years;
8 and be it further
 
9     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
10 presented to Bud Johnston and Edie Johnston-Bowser.