The New Skateland
Google street view of original New Skateland location at 1320 Main Street. Image capture date August 2023.
Article mentioning a dance contest held at the New Skateland, Skating News (1955).
Notice of a burglary at the New Skateland, Buffalo Courier Express, April 16, 1961.
Notice that the New Skateland burned, Press and Sunday Bulletin, October 26, 1953.
Notice of the New Skateland filing for bankruptcy, Buffalo Courier Express, April 23, 1965.
Article about the the New Skateland's safe being cracked, Buffalo Courier Express, April 30, 1961.
Known Name(s)
The New Skateland
Address
Main & Riley Sts. Buffalo, NY
Physical Status
Extant
Description
The second location for New Skateland is a two-story brick building facing north onto East Ferry Street. It has a shingled awning on the second floor over the street and a compoosite roof. Inside, there is a night club above the skating rink. Both levels have open floorplans.
Detailed History
After the previous roller rink burned in October 1953, a new building was constructed at 1320 Main Street. Originally operated by Arnold Lipsitz in the 1950s, Trunnis Goggins became the manager and a stockholder of New Skateland in September 1961. It was during Goggin's time as manager that patrons submitted the location to The Negro Traveler's Green Book. His daughter described Goggins as an entrepreneur upon his death in 2013: “His business was his life, and he was a brilliant businessman.” He hired entertainers such as Gladys Knight, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Dionne Warwick to perform, first at the 1320 Main Street location. Today, New Skateland is operating at 33 East Ferry Street. The original site of New Skateland on Main Street is now a parking lot for an Enterprise Rent-a-Car location.
