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Janet Lynn greets large crowds, signs personalized autographs
By Marianne Mueller
Reporter
ROCKTON – Janet Lynn holds a special place in people’s hearts and carries a rich love and fondness of where her ice skating career began.
A line formed inside and expanded out the door of the Rockton Township Historical Society Green Street Museum as hundreds lined up eagerly waiting to meet skating legend Janet Lynn on Sunday, May 1. As people stood in line conversations turned to reminiscing about days past. More memories scrolled on a computer screen.
Lynn’s new book “The Wheel Legacy of Excellence” relives her days at the Wagon Wheel while rekindling memories of every main aspect of the once famed resort for many. Lynn lovingly greeted everyone with a smile; signing each book with a personalized message and autographed signature.
Enticing readers is a phenomenal front cover design featuring a photo of Janet Lynn, Walt Williamson and a pair of wagon wheels amidst a calming blue background. Featured on the back of the book is a strikingly beautiful photo of the ice palace where Lynn first trained and a picture of a very young, graceful Lynn on skates.
One hundred-seventeen pages create a book that is a real page turner. Lynn’s personal account of her journey at the Wagon Wheel, and in the Ice Palace, stories told by former employees and colorful, detailed historical pictures fills the pages. This masterpiece outlines Lynn’s experiences at the Wagon Wheel, and relationships that helped lead to her rise to fame. Janet Lynn is the 1972 Olympic Bronze medal winner, is a 5 time US World Champion and is the highest paid female athlete of her time.
Lynn was a surprise guest at a Wagon Wheel Day back in 2013 where she first introduced a little bit about her book without a full reveal.
She read a few excerpts: “It took years to make a skater. Williamson believed in setting a goal. He was an especially keen businessman of great honesty and initiative.
In 1936 many people said such a venture would surely fail. The Wheel was a place of excellence. It was standard; not stuffy.
“The Ice Palace owes its name to an old Vaudeville theme which was both vintage and classy.
“The building was made from wood timbers and telephone poles. Once Mr. Williamson had the equipment he needed a building to put it in. Of course, detailed, meticulous craftsmanship was used. The Interior of the Wagon Wheel had the appearance of a Swiss Chalet.”
Special touches complete “The Wheel Legacy of Excellence.” It is a true dedication to a fondly remembered resort where celebrities visited, was a place that memories were made, and proved to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who worked at the Wagon Wheel or for those who simply remember what a truly unique place the Wagon Wheel was. The book is dedicated to Lynn’s parents, Slavka Kohout Button and to Walter Williamson.
Gayle Shedd Haab comes from a family who is tightly connected to the Wagon Wheel. Her mother Jo worked at the Wagon Wheel for years as a waitress, and hostess and was director of the Old Stone School for 17 years.
Haab and her friend Pat Keyes Kocher skated in an ice show with Janet Lynn and took lessons at the ice rink. She also was a waitress at the Carousel. Haab’s brother John worked at the Wagon Wheel pool and as a bartender.
“The book signing was a great tribute to Janet Lynn and the legacy of the Wagon Wheel. My mom, the late Jo Shedd, grew up with the Wagon Wheel and was close friends with Walter Williamson and Gayle Manners. I was named after Gayle manners. I was honored Janet Lynn was able to use my mom’s photos of “The Wheel” in her book,” said Haab.
By Marianne Mueller
Reporter
ROCKTON – Janet Lynn holds a special place in people’s hearts and carries a rich love and fondness of where her ice skating career began.
A line formed inside and expanded out the door of the Rockton Township Historical Society Green Street Museum as hundreds lined up eagerly waiting to meet skating legend Janet Lynn on Sunday, May 1. As people stood in line conversations turned to reminiscing about days past. More memories scrolled on a computer screen.
Lynn’s new book “The Wheel Legacy of Excellence” relives her days at the Wagon Wheel while rekindling memories of every main aspect of the once famed resort for many. Lynn lovingly greeted everyone with a smile; signing each book with a personalized message and autographed signature.
Enticing readers is a phenomenal front cover design featuring a photo of Janet Lynn, Walt Williamson and a pair of wagon wheels amidst a calming blue background. Featured on the back of the book is a strikingly beautiful photo of the ice palace where Lynn first trained and a picture of a very young, graceful Lynn on skates.
One hundred-seventeen pages create a book that is a real page turner. Lynn’s personal account of her journey at the Wagon Wheel, and in the Ice Palace, stories told by former employees and colorful, detailed historical pictures fills the pages. This masterpiece outlines Lynn’s experiences at the Wagon Wheel, and relationships that helped lead to her rise to fame. Janet Lynn is the 1972 Olympic Bronze medal winner, is a 5 time US World Champion and is the highest paid female athlete of her time.
Lynn was a surprise guest at a Wagon Wheel Day back in 2013 where she first introduced a little bit about her book without a full reveal.
She read a few excerpts: “It took years to make a skater. Williamson believed in setting a goal. He was an especially keen businessman of great honesty and initiative.
In 1936 many people said such a venture would surely fail. The Wheel was a place of excellence. It was standard; not stuffy.
“The Ice Palace owes its name to an old Vaudeville theme which was both vintage and classy.
“The building was made from wood timbers and telephone poles. Once Mr. Williamson had the equipment he needed a building to put it in. Of course, detailed, meticulous craftsmanship was used. The Interior of the Wagon Wheel had the appearance of a Swiss Chalet.”
Special touches complete “The Wheel Legacy of Excellence.” It is a true dedication to a fondly remembered resort where celebrities visited, was a place that memories were made, and proved to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who worked at the Wagon Wheel or for those who simply remember what a truly unique place the Wagon Wheel was. The book is dedicated to Lynn’s parents, Slavka Kohout Button and to Walter Williamson.
Gayle Shedd Haab comes from a family who is tightly connected to the Wagon Wheel. Her mother Jo worked at the Wagon Wheel for years as a waitress, and hostess and was director of the Old Stone School for 17 years.
Haab and her friend Pat Keyes Kocher skated in an ice show with Janet Lynn and took lessons at the ice rink. She also was a waitress at the Carousel. Haab’s brother John worked at the Wagon Wheel pool and as a bartender.
“The book signing was a great tribute to Janet Lynn and the legacy of the Wagon Wheel. My mom, the late Jo Shedd, grew up with the Wagon Wheel and was close friends with Walter Williamson and Gayle Manners. I was named after Gayle manners. I was honored Janet Lynn was able to use my mom’s photos of “The Wheel” in her book,” said Haab.
