Collection on Figure Roller Skating

Collection — Box: Multi-Collection Box

Identifier: 065-04

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains four items related to figure roller skating: a short pamphlet showing positions for figure skating, a sheet of paper with handwritten diagrams showing two dances, and two large folded sheets with photographs and diagrams documenting dances. The published materials were all produced by Skating Review Magazine.

Dates

1941

Creator

Rawson, Perry B. (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Materials are open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

PPL does not claim copyright to this collection. Users of this item are responsible for determining copyright restrictions.

Biographical / Historical

Materials included within document the popular culture surrounding roller skating in the early- to mid-20th century. Roller skating was hugely popular in the 1930s and 1940s; the first official U.S. Amateur Speed Skating championships were held in 1937, while the first roller skating Dance Championship and Figures Championship were held in 1939.

Two of the four items in this collection were authored by Perry B. Rawson, an avid skater and retired stockbroker who helped create a uniquely American style of skate dancing in the years before World War II. Rawson built a skating rink at his estate in Asbury Park, N.J., and frequently hosted lessons and demonstrations there.