Tribute courtesy of Phil Berrier, Roller Derby Forum
Ivy King
We lost Roller Derby great Ivy King today. She was 90.
Born in Toronto, Canada on September 7, 1915, Ivy quickly became the premier star of Leo Seltzer's creation after the Transcontinental Roller Derby debuted at the Chicago Coliseum on August 13, 1935. In that first race, she wore #1 with partner Joe Evans, an appropriate number for this bespectacled lass, since it would be how she was viewed by fans and teammates over the next five years.
During those early years, she traveled the country, partnered with other pioneers of the sport like (first Hall of Famer) Johnny Rosasco, Buddy Atkinson, Sr., Al Allison, Jack Carr, Eddie Fetter and Jack Picot. When Roller Derby made its debut at New York City's Hippodrome on September 10, 1936, Ivy was partnered with the legendary Wes Aronson. Ivy held three official world speed records: quarter mile, one half mile and mile.
Ivy King retired in the early 40s and was elected to the Roller Derby Hall of Fame in 1953. She was the devoted wife of banker Joe Imlah for many years. Mr. Imlah passed away in 1988. When the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame celebrated the 70th anniversary of the Transcontinental Roller Derby's first race in Chicago last summer, Ivy King was presented with a 'Living Legend' award to honor her lifetime achievements in Roller Derby.
During the Chicago HOF Weekend, Ivy reveled in the adoration of fans and former colleagues. She arrived surrounded by an enthusiastic entourage of family and friends, wearing 'Ivy King' buttons and carrying scrapbooks jam-packed with newspaper clippings heralding Ivy's illustrious career. Members of the print media and television were anxious to speak with this legendary female athlete and each one quickly succumbed to the charms of this amazing woman. Ivy's winning personality captivated everyone and all who met her felt blessed to be in her presence. And I'll never forget the roar from the crowd at the Congress Theatre when Ivy was introduced during the 'Windy City Rollers' all-girl roller derby match. When the 'Windy City Rollers' held their first championship in Chicago last November, the 'Ivy King Cup' was presented to the winning team as a tribute to this legend of the banked track.
Ivy had been in the hospital over the past few weeks with congestive heart failure, but was recovering in the rehab when she fell this past Friday and broke two ribs. She fell two days later and broke her sternum. She passed away Wednesday, July 12 at 1 PM.
Ivy was blessed to have many members of her loving family at her side while hospitalized, especially neice Phyllis Delle Grazie. Ivy was moved by the many cards and notes she received while hospitalized, especially from her new friends at the 'Windy City Rollers,' and always showed her 'Living Legend' award to anyone who came to see her.
Ivy King was an amazing woman who had lived an extraordinary life. She was a pioneer in the field of women's athletics and she excelled like few others. When Ivy smiled, the entire room seemed to shine. She took great delight in telling everyone the latest jokes, many that would make one blush, and this seemed to delight her even more.
Ivy King's place in the history of Roller Derby will never be forgotten. She will be remembered and loved for all time. God bless Ivy King and the family she's left behind. May she rest in peace.
Gary Powers
http://www.rollerderbyhalloffame.com
http://www.rollerderbyfoundation.com