SKATELAND
Session Skaters FROM THE PAST Guestbook
The following are skaters from the past who for some reason are no longer skating but who may wish to hear from their friends from the past.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005, David Cook at viewerxx@yahoo.com
I recall living on both sides of the Merrimac River,
in Haverhill and Bradford, and finding a way to get
to Skateland, no matter what it took. I don't
expect anyone reading to attempt this but, what we
used to do was jump on the freight train from down
the tracks by the Crescent Yacht Club, as our way of
getting there. I mowed/shoveled yards whatever it
took to have the funds. Now I'm talking almost some
30 years ago, so you know its been awhile. Am glad
to hear it has reopened.
Monday, March 7th, 2005, Steven MacIsaac samacisaac@yahoo.com
Hi, My name is Steven MacIsaac, and my parents, Toni
and Allan MacIsaac owned Skateland for a while in
the late 60's early 70s I believe. I moved out of
the area in '77 and was unaware that Skateland was
open and doing well! what a pleasant surprise!
I was doing research on the area in preparation of
bringing my family back home to see where I grew up,
now, instead of showing my kids where Skateland was,
I can take them skating there!
I was pretty young at the time, but practically
lived at the rink during that period, I had skates
on more than shoes! When I wasn't skating, I spent
alot of time playing in the building and on the
grounds, and around the laundromat across the
parking lot! I competed in Juvenile B boys
Freestyle, Speedskating and pairs, making it to
nationals once, where I got to see Michael Jaques
perform.
I would be interested in reading more about what
happened to Skateland in the years since, Did the
big neon sign on the roof survive?? I look forward
to skating back at Skateland this coming labor day,
I guess I'll have to pull my skates out of my
original blue skate bag with the "Skateland,
Haverhill" logo on it and see if the still fit ! Steve
Wednesday, December 22, 2004, Abetterre@adelphia.net, Subject: Memory Lane.
My name is Louie Carbone, grandson of Skateland's
founder who by some strange coincidence had the same
name. My father, Bob, used to take us to the rink
when it was closed and nothing is sweeter to me than
the memories of raiding the soda fountain. My
siblings and I never became that adept at skating
(too busy eating) but some of my cousins, Mary Beth
in particular, were most graceful. Original rink
rats will fondly remember my uncle Aldo Carbone, who
recently passed away. He is to be remembered as a saint
for meeting the harsh expectations of my task master
of a grandfather.
January 13, 2004. Hello. My name is Paula Griffin, I grew up on S. Elm Street, in Bradford. My sisters SHeila and DIana and I grew up skating at Skateland. We were one of the only Black families that skated . I remember the Glide Waltz and the Hokey Pokey, winners of the races won a free admission. I remember the owner, Tilly and his daughter, a pretty blonde girl that was my age, I am 50 now and still skate. We live in SC, the skating rinks don't have those beautiful wooden floors. Those were good memories, the skating lessons, the whistle blowers making speeders sit out, those cute mini-skirts we wore with tights and matching bootcovers...YIKES!! I enjoyed the web site. Good Memories. Please add me to your guest list. Paula Griffin, 7231 Smithfield Rd, Columbia, SC 290223, NDNgiver@aol.com
June 22, 2001. I remember Skateland. Lina Paciulli (Rehalcute@aol.com) writes:
Hi, My grandparents lived at the top of Mt. Washington for many years. I lived
in Haverhill myself for a while when I was young. I loved to rollerskate
when I was a child. My memories of Skateland are wonderful. I skated there
from the mid to late fifties to the mid sixties. I didn't know it was still
there. I am so glad to know it is. My name was Lina Paciulli. I don't
skate anymore, but had to write when I found your website. Lina
June 29, 2001. I was at the Grand Opening. Betty writes:
October 24, 2002, Steambacker@aol.com writes:
Hello--I was at the Grand Opening of Skateland, along with several of my friends
at that time. We eagerly awaited its opening and I have many fond memories
of spending Saturday afternoons there. I also lived at the top of
Washington St. (see Lina Paciuilli) but at a different time (I met her a
couple of weeks ago).
I recently visited the East Coast (I live in California), including
Haverhill. We came across the bridge and I took a picture of Skateland.
Memories came flooding back and I will never forget the fun times there. I
did not know it still existed; so many things have "gone by the wayside."
I skate occasionally, however, not as well as before. If anyone online
remembers me, I'd love to hear from them. I was Betty Klein at the time;
my address is betty@eee.org
I was wondering if you wouldn't mind adding this to ''Session Skaters from the past list:
I wanted to commemorate a very special man, Mr. Harry Garafola who use to play the organ on Thursdays and Saturday nights. One of Harry's greatest pleasures in this world was to play the organ. Unfortunately, Harry passed away suddenly from an illness in January 2001. He is remembered secondly, after his wonderful organ music, for his zest for life and sense of humor. Harry kept everyone laughing!!! Harry's memory is alive in my heart and memories for he was a very special person with a heart of gold. For all those who knew Harry and enjoyed his music, please keep his memory alive within your heart as well.
Thank you, this would mean alot to me -
Jenn Fedukowski-Thomson 
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