$25,000 Fire at Roll Land in Norwood-This Day In Norwood History-June 9, 1942

In the early hours of June 9, 1942, a fierce three‑alarm blaze tore through Roll‑land, the popular combination roller skating rink and bowling alley located along the Boston–Providence Highway. The fire, described as stubborn and fast‑moving, raged for more than three hours and caused an estimated $25,000 in damage — a significant loss for wartime Norwood.

The blaze was first spotted shortly after 4 a.m. by a watchman assigned to a nearby defense plant under construction. His quick report brought all available units of the Norwood Fire Department racing to the scene. Firefighters arrived to find the first floor — the roller skating rink — engulfed in flames inside the large wooden structure. Below it, the basement‑level bowling alley suffered extensive water damage as crews fought to contain the fire from above.

Because of the building’s location directly off the busy highway, firefighters were forced to lay hose lines across the roadway. Norwood Police rerouted early‑morning traffic through Walpole and Westwood, creating detours for commuters and defense‑plant workers heading to their shifts.

Despite the intensity of the blaze, firefighters prevented the flames from spreading to nearby structures, including the new defense facility. Their work was made more difficult by the building’s construction — a large wooden entertainment hall filled with varnished floors, wooden beams, and open interior spaces that allowed the fire to travel quickly.

The property was owned by Santoro Bros., who had operated Roll‑land as a popular recreation spot for years. The rink and bowling alley had been a favorite gathering place for young people, servicemen on leave, and families seeking inexpensive entertainment during the early years of World War II.

By the time the fire was declared under control, the rink was heavily damaged, the bowling alley soaked, and the future of the business uncertain. But thanks to the rapid response of Norwood’s firefighters, the blaze was contained before it could threaten the nearby defense plant — a critical wartime asset.

June 9, 1942 Norwood Messenger

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