THE COLISEUM: Robert D. Carnes of St. Marys asks readers about a
building in Ceres, N.Y., called “The Coliseum.”

He writes, “The Coliseum was at one time a roundhouse for train
engines, but it was converted to a large auditorium and dance hall
probably in the 1920s or ’30s – during the ‘big band’ era.

“Several big name bands played there, and the place would be
packed for each performance. Rink roller skating was big in those
days. Bradford had its Evan’s, and there was also one in Wellsville
at that time, but it seems as though the Coliseum was the place to
go. People from miles around would come, and on any Saturday night,
the rink would be loaded. (Of course, the main hall was used on
other nights for other activities – bingo games and auctions with
crowds attending every function).

“Jim Sawyer owned the building and lived primarily in Florida. I
was in charge of all of the events that took place there. I made my
living by teaching roller skating and putting on skating shows to a
packed house (mainly of relatives to see their kids skate).

“On Aug. 6, 1949 – 57 years ago – there was a big event there.
My now-wife and I were married there – on roller skates. We also
had a full house to join in on the celebration. Our parents and
pastor were not on roller skates, but the rest of the wedding party
was. The hall had been cleaned from top to bottom. The Hammond
organ (which was then played by my now-brother-in-law) had been
shined and polished as well.”

“We saw a piece in the Era about 3 to 4 years ago that a large
18-wheeler had gone out of control and left the highway, plowing
into the building, which was badly damaged.

“We took a drive up to see the damage, and we talked to some of
the people from around there and learned that prior to the
accident, it was still used as a roller rink, but on a smaller
scale.”

If you have any information on what happened to the building,
he’s anxious to hear from you.

GLEN CHARLES: Brittany Smith, an intern at Pitt-Bradford is
eager to find anyone who remembers Glen Charles, an old logging
town near Westline, and collecting their oral histories. She can be
reached at 362-0905.