They Shall Not Take Our Skate Girls
Cameron June 28th, 2008
With the destruction of “old Ballard” increasingly apparent these days I’ve been a bit sentimental, absorbing and relishing all that remains of the neighborhood’s architectural facades, mom and pop businesses and random Rockabilly eccentricities. So that’s probably the reason why I pulled a life-threatening U-turn off 15th and 59th Avenue into Java Jazz after catching a glimpse of two random life-size, 1950’s Rosie-the-Riveter styled figures atop of the coffee joint’s roof.
I’ve seen the landmarks before, and always admired their vintage appeal. Two plaster-made betty-boop resembling sculptures are on roller skates holding plates full of treats, beckoning the spirit of a more simple time—how could you not be charmed?
The new owners of Java Jazz (soon to be Energy Cafe) are also fond of the skate girl statues. When I interviewed the new proprieters of the cafe, I was hoping to uncover the origin of the girls; where did they come from, what was their story and are they here to stay? Apparently I was not the first concerned resident to wander into the business with these questions. Despite that they were closing for the day, and that I didn’t want to buy any coffee, Jeff and Nora eagerly insisted that the company was their pleasure. They were so adorably enthusiastic– about coffee, Ballard and the skater girls– that they spoke at the same time and over each other to the point where I could barely keep up.
I learned that the coffee shop was built in 1954, and from what they know, the space has been an Italian restaurant, then a coffee shop, and now, their coffee shop. Nora, originally from Bulgaria, is an artist with lots of ideas and ambitions to make Energy Cafe another local art space. Adorning the walls with her current pieces, she looks forward to the cafe soon hosting open mic shows and being a part of the Ballard art walk. She’s also got lots of ideas for the girls: ”maybe to spice them up a little bit– retouch some paint–fun colors, and maybe some tutus!”
With a worried look on his face (apparently he’s not a fan of the tutu), Jeff continued to give me a little context about the skater girls. When they bought the shop, they weren’t exactly sure if the ladies really fit their theme. After all, it’s not 1955 or a hamburger joint. Jeff told me he thought about selling them on Ebay but explained his change of heart. The girls were another piece of “old Ballard” history that this community is deeply connected to and so are Jeff and Nora. “First they take our Denny’s, then they’ll take our girls…” is the common attitude from their customers. No, friends, the girls are here to stay– but maybe with a little added flair.
Yay. It’s good to know that they’re keeping the idependent spirit and history.
I’ve seen those and wondered too- thanks for the backstory. Nice to have a place that keeps it’s history and character- I’d prefer unique skate girls over McArches anyday.
As a lover of all things kitsch, I am thrilled to know these will stay around!