History of the Cavalier
1969- The Cheeseman's oldest
daughter, Freda- 2 years old
The first Cavalier Roller Rink was opened in March of 1940 in the old Eagles Hall on Walnut Street in Chillicothe.  It was operated by Irvin Whetsel,
John Whetsel, and Robert and Roberta (Whetsel) Ward.  When the building was sold, they moved to two buildings in Washington Court House
and Hillsboro. Both John Whetsel and Robert Ward were called to service in World War II and the rinks were closed.  Robert Ward was killed in
the service in France in 1944.  After the war, Roberta Ward married Bill Breakfield and the family went on the road with portable rinks. The  
sections of flooring and huge tents were loaded up on flatbed trucks, and the whole operation toured throughout Ohio, much like a traveling
circus or carnival.   The "portable rink" was then taken to Georgia in 1948 before being brought back to Chillicothe and Jackson, Ohio.  
     In 1949, The Cavalier Roller Rink in Jackson, Ohio was built, using a portion the flooring from the portable rink, which remains today.  In 1950,
Bill and Roberta Breakfield (Ward) built the Cavalier in it's present location in Chillicothe, Ohio.   
Both Cavalier Rinks have remained in continuous operated by the decendants of the Whetsel familiy.
Bill Breakfield behind the counter,
Chillicothe Cavalier  - early 1950s
Taken in 1948 in Georgia. Current owner
Karen Cheeseman with "portable rink in the
background.
Mid 1950s
1951
floats in parades- 1950s
Owner, Karen Cheeseman,
(left)  and her little Brother,
Larry Breakfield, 1951
Skaters performing at the Ross County Fair
Owners Chris & Karen Cheeseman
in 1966
Chillicothe Gazette Article, 1952
In 1994, the Cavalier Rink was
flooded and a new floor had to be
constructed.  For more on the
flood and pictures.. Click here