Swirl Arena Roller Rink, Rt 62 Sharon-Mercer Rd., Sharon (Hermitage), Pennsylvania

• Operator: Ed A. Brunet[1]
(NOTE: It's un-confirmed who the original owner was. Ed A. Brunet's name was listed as the Swirl Inn owner.)
• Manager: [?]
• Pro/Coach: [?]
• Organist: James Edward Diffenderfer[3]
• Primary reason for closing: [?]
• Opened: Dec 28, 1947[4] - 1951[5]

• By September 1951 it was known as the Swirl Inn dance hall.[5]
(Operator: E. A. Brunet)

• Google shows building was still there in 2008, but just an empty lot by 2014.

Now a new building stands, a Dollar General store.





My Father, James Edward Diffenderfer, was the organist at Swirl Arena in the 1950's. I roller skated there with my brothers until I discovered ice skating. Dad retired from the San Francisco Chronicle and then played organ on the cruise ships for about 10 years and toured the world with mom. Ed, as he was known, died in 2000 at 90.[3]
-Son, David Diffenderfer.


Now known as the Swirl Inn, dance hall.


Roller Skating has ended.
Skates for sale, even the Hammond Organ!


The Swirl Inn for lease or sale
as the owner leaves the area.


And it continued as a dance hall.


Another 2008 view courtesy Google.


Back to top of page

Sources

(1)The Record Argus August 1, 1952
(2)Reserved
(3)James Edward Diffenderfer, info and photo courtesy his son, David Diffenderfer. Thanks!
(4)The Record Argus December 26, 1947
(5)The Record Argus September 29, 1951

copyright © FRRP | all rights reserved.