Family looks for creative ways to rebuild Chaffee roller rink destroyed by ice storm

CHAFFEE, Mo. -- One evening in the summer of 1976, Robert Grojean suggested 16-year-old Anita Carter pair with Steve Montgomery during a practice session of the Willow Grove Rockets.

The Rockets were a roller-skating club Grojean put together at his Willow Grove Roller Rink. The members performed exhibitions in parades.

"Bob Grojean asked me one evening if a young man could spin me and I said yes, and I and that gentleman ended up getting married," said Anita, now with the surname Montgomery. "We have been married for 32 years."

Robert Grojean died in 1980, but the roller rink lived on, operated by his wife, Roberta. The tales of romance linked to the skating floor are too numerous to count, and include the marriage of Grojean's niece, Pam Compas, and his son, Bobby Grojean, who proposed to his wife two years ago as they skated alone in an empty rink.

What death and illness couldn't close -- Roberta Grojean insisted the rink stay open even while she was hospitalized twice for life-threatening conditions -- January's ice storm accomplished. Up to 8 inches of ice accumulated on the roof, collapsing the walls.

KIT DOYLE ~ kdoyle@semissourian.comRobert Grojean looks over the collapsed remains of Willow Grove Roller Rink in Chaffee, Mo., on Jan. 30. The rink has been owned by his family for half a century.

It was only after the building was destroyed that the Grojeans learned their insurance policy didn't cover collapse due to ice and snow accumulation. And because the business was never a cash cow -- it is hard to get rich charging $4 for two hours of skating, 50 cents for a soda and 25 cents for candy -- Bobby Grojean and his mother are trying to be creative.

"If everyone who ever skated at the rink gave a dollar, we could rebuild," said Bobby Grojean, who is manager of the Food Giant in Chaffee. He estimates that 200 people have offered help as they chatted with him at the grocery.

Many of the skates in the Willow Grove inventory have been removed, but the rest of the debris from the collapse has been left in place for now. The signs that proclaim the rules -- no fountain sodas, no fighting, bad words, playing tag or chasing -- are still up in the small portion that wasn't flattened. Pieces of the decorations used at different seasons, including Halloween-themed lights, are scattered about the property.

Bobby Grojean said he is waiting for word on whether Southeast Missouri will receive a disaster declaration that will make rebuilding funds available to private individuals. So far, the only disaster assistance being offered by FEMA is help for public entities such as cities and counties cover their costs from the late January storm. But with help for businesses and individuals still uncertain, Grojean has set up an account with Montgomery Bank to accept donations and discussions are underway for fund-raising events that would help defray the costs of removing debris and rebuilding.

"We would like to go back, but we are just kind of playing it by ear," Roberta Grojean said. "There are some in the community who would like to do our moneymakers for us. It is just like losing a member of the family."

ELIZABETH DODD ~ edodd@semissourian.comThe Willow Grove Roller Rink collapsed due to ice during the recent ice storm in Chaffee, Mo. The rink will not be receiving any money from the owners' insurance company.

During a visit to the rink's remains on Highway 77 this week, Pam Compas couldn't quite remember when she first learned to skate.

"It has been a part of my life all my life," she said. "They say I skated well all my life. I think I came out of my mother with skates on."

The community roller rink is a link to a past when entertainment choices were more limited. Before video games or cable television, a roller rink -- like the town movie house -- was where young people could go to mingle, make dates and fall in love. Willow Grove was the only remaining rink in the region and regularly drew from a wide area for open skating or private parties.

The first Willow Grove rink was opened by Robert Grojean's father in 1950. The building that collapsed in late January was built in 1968. Robert Grojean established the Rockets to showcase the skills young people were learning as they skated and, although many are well into middle age, they all still consider themselves Rockets.

"We were jumping barrels, turning cartwheels and spinning other people," said Bill Lix of Burfordville. "It was Bob and all of us out in the center working on stunts and having practice on weekends."

If it is money or other help rebuilding that is needed, Lix said he's ready. "All they have to do is call on me."

Anita Montgomery said she, too, will help out any way she can. While her husband, Steve, can no longer walk -- his injuries from a car accident keep him in wheelchair -- she said Roberta Grojean lent her a pair of skates that she puts on her husband's feet, allowing him to get some exercise for his legs. She has taken her grandchildren to Willow Grove and wants them to have the kind of memories she cherishes.

Told about Bobby Grojean's estimate that $1 from every past skater would be enough to rebuild, Montgomery said that is a fair guess. And she's ready to pitch in. "I would gladly put in a dollar," she said. "I would gladly put in five."

rkeller@semissourian.com

388-3642

How to help:

Call Bobby Grojean at home at 573-887-3817 or make a donation through Montgomery Bank to the "Willow Grove Rebuilding Fund."

Willow Grove Roller Rink

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