Reginald D. “Reggie” Freeman 1904-1963

Racine Journal Times, September 3, 1963. Freeman Dies; Ran Roller Rink
Reginald D. (Reggie) Freeman, 59, coin machine distributor, and one-time roller rink operator, died Monday in St. Luke’s Hospital.
Freeman operated the former Beachland Roller Rink on the lakefront at the foot of Kewaunee St. and former Rollerina Rink and Ballroom at 17th St. and Murray Ave.
Born in Racine, Freeman was one of the first singers on WRJN, starting in 1923. He also composed music. His first song in 1933 was for a March of Dimes benefit honoring Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt.
After Eisenhower’s re-election Freeman composed “Hail to Our President,” which was sung at Inauguration Day events in Washington in 1957.
He was a charter member and past president of the Racine Exchange Club, which was established in 1948.
A sports car Freeman built in the 1930s attracted national attention. Built of scrap copper from a raided still and 1,001 parts from more than 50 automobiles, the auto carried such passengers as Fredric March, Tom Mix, Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd, Wayne King, Mae West, Red Grange, Doris Day and Jack Dempsey.
Freeman said his interest in automobiles stemmed from his youth when polio crippled him.
Survivors include his wife, Frances, and two sons, Frederick of Milwaukee and Roland of Hales Corners.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at the funeral home at 1001 High Street.

Racine Journal News, December 28, 1927. Skating party for newspaper carriers sponsored by Reggie Freeman, who would have been 23 years old at the time.
Racine Journal News, February 7, 1931. And here’s still another sign that spring is really here: “Reggie” Freeman is out on the street with his car of many parts. In other years he never came out with that car until the Fourth of July, but this year he broke the rule, the streets being free of snow and ice and there being no danger of harm coming to his pride.
To Hold May Party -- A May party will be given for members of the North Side Businessmen's association and their wives at Rainbow Gardens this evening. Reggie Freeman, a member of the association, has invited the members to the Gardens which were formerly known as Beachland.
Racine Journal News, May 21, 1931. To Hold May Party at Rainbow Gardens, formerly known as Beachland.
Reggie Freeman Manager of Beachland In addition to his duties as manager of Beachland, Racine's popular dancing and roller skating hall, Reggie Freeman is constantly in demand as entertainer for numerous adult and children's parties. He is known for his radio work for 11 years over WRJN. In 1927 he brought national fame to Racine with his car of 1,001 parts. It's interesting to know this car is still in excellent mechanical condition -- and each year Mr. Freeman changes the lines "and brings it up-to-date."
Racine Journal Times, December 31, 1936. Reggie Freeman is featured in Highlights of the Year.
Racine Journal Times, April 22, 1942. Sacrifices Car in Salvage Drive For years Reggie Freeman of 1433 Michigan boulevard collected parts from autos and then built "Reggie's Famous Car," made of 1,001 parts from 50 different makes of cars and a few extra things tossed in. He was especially proud of the radiator, made of copper from coils of a Wisconsin still confiscated by federal internal revenue agents in a raid. Now Reggie has turned his car in, but not for a new one. He donated it along with a pile of carburetors and other metal parts in the salvage drive to keep war industries humming.
Racine Journal Times, April 22, 1942. Sacrifices Car in Salvage Drive.
Racine Journal Times, April 13 1949. Smoke billowed and flames shot 15 to 30 feet through the roof when fire destroyed the Beachland Amusement Park and roller rink on Racine’s North Beach late Tuesday afternoon. Five alarms brought all except two pieces of the city’s fire equipment to the scene. No one was injured, but damages are expected to exceed $50,000.
1433 Michigan Boulevard in 2024.
Racine Journal Times, May 26, 1950. Announcing the Grand Opening Tomorrow, Sat., May 27th – 7:30 p.m. Reggie Freeman’s Grand New Rollerina Skating Rink, 1615 Murray Ave. (Corner of Murray Ave. and 17th Street.)
Kathi Bogucki says that her parents met at the Rollerina Skating Rink and that these photos are marked 1953.
1615 Murray Ave. in 2024.
Son. Reginald D. Freeman. June 30, 1904 to Sept. 2, 1963. Graceland Cemetery, Racine, Wis.