HR0950 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0950 LRB093 22244 KEF 51257 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Skateland, a Quad Cities institution, is closing its doors on May 23, 2004; and

WHEREAS, Four generations have participated in the operation of Skateland skating rinks in East Moline since 1936; and

WHEREAS, The first skating rink co-owned by Charles "Pop" and Mildred Jones and Mildred's parents, the Bursks, was opened as the Galesburg Glass Palace in 1928; and

WHEREAS, The Jones' daughter, Edith "Edie", met and fell in love with Roy Johnston while he skated at Skateland in East Moline and they were married in 1946; and

WHEREAS, Roy and Edie Johnston built Skateland at its current location in East Moline in 1960; it was the second largest skating rink in Illinois and routinely hosted 700-800 skaters per weekend in its hey-day; and

WHEREAS, Bud Johnston and Judy Johnston-Bowser grew up skating and working at Skateland, sweeping the floors and working at the snack bar before they became owners and operators in 2002; and

WHEREAS, 4,500 young adults made Skateland their first jobs, bringing service, safety, and entertainments to the youngsters of the community; and

WHEREAS, Skateland will be remembered for its unique lighting that announced the next skate such as "All Skate" or the "Moon Light Couples", or the organ music played by Randy Goodard since 1977, or manager Bob Housholder, or Dorothy Johnston behind the counter, or the many romances occurring while gliding around the sleek floor, or getting in free because you were the niece of the owner; memories that live on forever; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the closing of Skateland and the profound positive effect the establishment had on its patrons for so many years; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Bud Johnston and Edie Johnston-Bowser.