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Background of The Hub Roller Rink
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 The Hub Roller Rink was definitely a well oiled machine. This has to be
attributed to the fine management, who wanted everyone to have a good time
while still maintaining control at all times. The key players were Jean
Benson, Charles Bendler and wife, Her name was Marabel. but she was always
"Mrs. Bendler" to us and last but not least George and Helen Gubbins who
were often around to fill in for the Bendler's and Benson's..
Jean
Benson was a familiar face to most of the skaters, since she was the manager
during the skating sessions. Charles, (Charlie) always seemed to be around.
He was the mechanic, he kept everything in working order and must have
personally know each and every board that made up the skating surface.
During the open skating sessions he also would be around to quell any
problems. Mrs. Bendler was the first person you would meet as you entered the
rink, since she was the cashier. Then there were George and Helen Gubbins,
who were the backup team when the Bendlers or Benson would take a few days
off.
Moving up a few years to the 70's and the AXLE, we need to recognize a
change of management and ownership.. At that time it became the property of
M & R Theaters and managed by Bill Kohn. We do have Bill to thank for
much of the information, pictures and memorabilia found on this site.. .
Back to the Hub and the 50's and 60's.. Outside of the FAMILY, there was the
floor manager, Ted, who usually was found at the door to take your tickets.
Speaking of Family, the Bendlers were well represented.. |
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The oldest child, Jackie, was sometime found working in Skate Rentals or
assisting in the Ladies Room, where the female customers would check there
personal stuff since it might be cumbersome for them to carry there purse
while skating.. Dick (Charlie) Bendler was a high school age young
man, who was very popular with the young ladies and he did help out around the
rink assisting his father and doing some maintenance chores.
Lonnie Bendler
was a few years younger than Dick, when I knew him he was a little to young to
work, but he sure did like to put on his skates and enjoy himself..
Youngest
of the Bendler's is Marc.. Back in the mid fifties, he was only about 8 years
old, and was seen skating at the matinees. Where are they now??
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Thanks to Dick (Charlie) Bendler, Marc Bendler
and Marty Kramer We now have updates to this question..
If you have anything to add, or you have any photos they would
be more
than welcome..
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 | Mrs. (Marabel) Bendler (1986)
deceased |
| George Gubbins (June 1972) |
| Jean Benson (???) |
| Helen Gubbins (June 2001) |
| Mr. Bendler (Charlie) deceased
3/18/08 |
| Jackie Bendler, married with 4 children and now a grandmother.. |
| Dick
(Charlie) Bendler, married and father of 4.. deceased 3/08 |
| Debbie, not a skater, so most skaters would not know her.. |
| Lonnie Bendler, father of 2, lives in Arizona.. |
| Marc Bendler, Doing just fine in the Chicago area.. |
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Charles Richard Bendler Sr. |
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Charles Richard Bendler Sr., 96, a resident of Scottsdale,
Arizona, died on March 18, 2008, surrounded by his five
children. He was married for 52 years to Marabel Bendler, who
preceded him in death. Charlie served as a loving and beloved
role model to his children, Jacqueline (Paul) Nelson, Charles
(Debbie) Bendler Jr., Deborah Watson, Lon (Janet) Bendler and
Marc (Lisa) Bendler; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren;
and one great-great- grandson. A memorial service will be held
at a later date in Chicago, IL, where prior to his retirement,
Charlie built, owned and operated the Hub Roller Rink for 19
years. Interment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery, Leroy, IL.
Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of the Valley,
1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.
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3/19/08 email from Frank Randall
Sandra,
The last time I spoke with Charlie was July 24th about 3 weeks before
his 96th birthday. On August 11th I called to wish him a Happy Birthday,
however I did not get an answer and I left a message on his ans mach. On
July 24th we talked for about 45 minutes, and that is when I mentioned
that I had never seen any of the owners put on a pair of skates and get
out on the floor. The owners, Charlie & Maribel, The Gubbins George and
Helen (Charlie's sister) and the Benson's Jean and Bill. Charlie told me
he was the very first skater to hit the floor. Yes, once it was
installed sanded and ready, he did put on a pair of skates and gave it a
whirl. That was his first and last time on that floor (wearing skates)!
As for the other 5 owners, nada,, never!! I don't know how they did it.
I worked in the skate room for a couple years and it was difficult for
me to stay there once I heard that organ playing.
It was only through the Internet and the Hub site that I was
fortunate enough to re-connect with him after my retirement, and let him
know how much that moment in time meant to me.
So that is my last word on a fellow I had the good luck of working
for as a young and goofy kid (man?).
Thanks to Bill Pritzen for letting us know about Charlie's passing.
Frank
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