Oh, how I wish I could find my photos of the rollerskating rink that used to be right here in Minisink Hills, PA! Known as Carmen Roller Rink from the 1950's until the mid-1980's when it was purchased by Shawnee Resort. When I workef at Shawnee Inn from 1987 until 1994 I had been in the rink a number of times to deliver tables and chairs for events. It had beautiful hardwood floors and a very old-time feel. In 2001 (I think) when I worked in the security department I had to do security for a rave. The rink was closed down within a year or two. In the winter of 2005 or 2006 the roof collapsed under the weight of ice. Now there is nothing left except the foundation pillars (top photo). The following text is from a Pocono Record story:
The 'Grand March' of memories at Carmen
Pocono Record file photo
In 2007, the snow-covered roof of the former Carmen Roller Rink collapsed.
Posted Aug 6, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Aug 8, 2013 at 7:16 AM
For P.A. of Stroudsburg, who was interested in the Carmen Roller Rink:
As a teenager in the late 1960s and early '70s, J.Y. of Effort spent nearly every Friday and Sunday evening at Carmen Roller Rink off River Road in Minisink Hills. "It was a great meeting place for friends. I especially liked it when Gene (the owner) would lead us all in the 'Grand March,' a special skating routine with partners," she wrote.
"Gene" was Eugene Rohlfing of Minisink Hills, who along with his wife, Kathryn, owned and operated the rink, a second-generation family business, for about 50 years. Rohlfing died in 1997, preceded in death by his wife in 1989.
"The Carmen was a regular stop for our gang every week," another longtime Monroe County resident wrote. "And who can forget those kids taking a walk up the hill across the street to get a better look at the stars," he added with a laugh.
"I also remember skating to 'Winchester Cathedral,' and to this day, whenever I hear that song, I think of the rink. ... Those were the days," J.Y. added.
Those who skated at the Carmen may also remember Edwin Hoagland of Middle Smithfield Township, who was for 40 years the evening floor master. Hoagland died in 2003.
After years of serving the skating public as the Carmen, the rink, under new ownership, was known for a time as Shawnee Recreational Rink.
In 2007, the roof of the building caved in from heavy snow. It was believed to be unoccupied at the time of the collapse. The building was razed a year later.
Those who miss the Carmen can still find the roller rink's skating decals popping up for sale on a number of online auction sites.
