Karfer, you are partly right in that a chain made for a derailleur bike will not work with many older skiptooths. The chains are a bit too thin (3/32") to fit right. However, a "Standard" chain (1/8" wide) from a cruiser will fit most skiptooths. 1/8" chains are common at bike shops..... or on old cruisers.
Just to be sure, I checked several skiptooths with a 1/8 and 3/32 chain over the week-end. My wife has a collection of sprockets, so I had a lot to work with. Anyway.... the Schwinn, Columbia, and generic American made skiptooths all work fine with a 1/8" chain. Only the Generic sprocket will fit the 3/32 chain well. A Raliegh skiptooth fit both chains. ONE sprocket does not work at all though: a Meade. It is wrong in both pitch and width. BUT you are not likely to use a Meade sprocket since they are rather obscure.
So... if you want to use a skiptooth front with a standard rear, you should not have any problems as long as you use the right chain. IF you use a 1/8" width you will be fine. If you use a 3/32" width, it might not work.