The Hub  

Fall Old Timers Reunion is Saturday, October 4th, 2008 - 7-11pm.  Tuesday morning adult organ music class and coffee skate 9am-noon $10 for both! Come see old friends and make new ones.

 Home
Customers
Employees
History
Hub Memories

This was the Hub Roller Rink sign

The Hub Roller Rink Opened October 27, 1950
Became the Axle in 1974 and Closed October 31, 1985
 

Much of this was put together by Frank Randall. It has since been reorganized and added to by many skaters that send me photos, memories via email or snail mail. - Sandra Levin, Orbit Skate Center
Hi, Sandra:
 
Here's a shot of Freddie I took around 1976 (Gawd, can you believe 32 years ago!!)  Also a shot of the pipes in the chamberThanks to Greg Reynolds for this greaet photo of the Hub organ pipes!
I'm a WurliTzer nut, absolutely mesmerized by Leon's GIANT album that Dad brought home in 1958. We lived in Hamilton, Ontario, and  I was a 13 yr. old who had never heard anything like it.  I made it a personal goal (at 13) to see this magical instrument at this mythical place known as "The Hub" in a far away place called Chicago.
 
Freddie Arnish played the Hub organFinally, after moving to Kansas City, I began a travelling job, and was now able to visit Chicago from time to time.  And I finally got to see the Hub, but Leon had left.  I caught up with him several times at different locations; he even invited me to see the "Beast in the Basement".  Sadly, I never did.
 
I did get to be friends with Freddie and Art, and shot these pics.  Hope you enjoy them, and can use them on the website.
 
All the best, Greg
 

This email came from Bill Pritzen and was too long to put on the Guestbook (S. Levin 7/26/07)

I had a great talk with Charlie Bendler this morning. Thanks for giving me his #. We talked and laughed about some of thee things that went on at the Hub and he reminisced about my mother and father staying with him in Florida. He said he had a memento that they had sent him after a visit and he keeps it on a bookshelf to remind him of those fun times. My wife Joanne (whom I met at the hub in 1962.) and I are going to visit Charlie on his 96th birthday. That will be 8/11/07. Hopefully I will be able to see his sons Dick and Lonny. We all worked as guards at the Hub.

Joanne and I are planning to be at the reunion this Oct. We look forward to seeing you and many other friends.

Thanks again for putting me in touch with Charlie.

Your friend ...............................................Bill

PS If you want to post this on the website feel free to.

Note from Sandra Levin at the Orbit - It was great to see Bill Pritzen and his wife, Bill Kohn and thanks for the photos of Charlie, he looks great!

3/18/08 - Charlie Bendler passed on, 96 yrs old I believe. Thoughts and prayers to the Bendler family.

 


Last updated 04/01/2008