Great Leopard Skating Rink, Chester, Pennsylvania

• Operator: Jack Coopersmith
• Manager: ^[?]
• Pro/Coach: Tony Mayo, Phyllis Wright (1946)^[2], Arthur Eglington (1946)^[5], Emma R. Smith (1959)^[8], Kathy Peterson Tini (1960's)
• Organist: Len Harwood (1941)^[3], Shirley McFadden, Johnnie Willet (1954)^[1], Bill Closs (1955)^[5], Judy Lang (1959)^[7], Sonny Maresco (Late 60's - early 70's?)
• Floor size: ^[?]
• Floor type: Fan style, Maple wood.
• Primary reason for closing: "The Great Leopard Fire of 1971".^[?]
• Opened: 1937^[1] - 1971^[4]

"Coopersmith said that a 110 mile an hour wind ripped off the roof of the rollery, exposing its entire interior to the elements". Hurricane Hazel, Oct 19, 1954. Re-opened February 3, 1955.
-Billboard 1955

"The Old Great Leopard Rink actually caught on fire and burned for three or four days in late 1970 or 1971. The floor of the rink was made from Maple and was probably so old and dry [and oiled] it was almost impossible to put out. I skated there for many years in the Saturday afternoon sessions, and then represented the rink in competition for many years. The "new" Great Leopard was called Spinning Wheels and was on Rt.202. It was built and run by Bill Coopersmith, Jack's son, until the insurance became so high that Bill decided it was no longer profitable. The Great Leopard was named for Great Leopard Enterprises, which was the corporation owned by Jack Coopersmith."
- Bill Gorman, BG171@aol.com

It was on the second floor but technically the third floor from the lower parking lot which was where the market was. The middle level was a huge clothing outlet and then Penn State had a Campus there. The building was built into a grade. Also on the lower level across the parking lot was Sandrose Trophy Company. Many skating trophies came from there.
-Bill Gorman @ Forgotten Roller Rinks of the Past 06/25/2019