Roller skating is a pastime enjoyed by generations of kids and adults.
The first use of roller skates was reportedly in a London stage performance as early as 1743, with John Joseph Merlin credited with inventing the first skates while living in London in 1760.
They were even considered for use during World War II by the U.S. to transport infantry across Europe and conserve gas, although this idea never came to fruition.
In the U.S., roller skating became popular as a pastime in 1935, and the introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s made the hobby extremely popular.
For those who remember, roller skates used to be heavy metal contraptions that attached to shoes and adjusted as feet grew. Some may also recall a metal object that skaters often wore around their necks.
Known as skate keys, these copper-colored objects have recently gained attention on social media, with guesses ranging from bottle openers to various tools.
In reality, skate keys were essential tools for anyone with roller skates before the 1970s. They were used to adjust the size of the skates by fitting into the back of the skates. Many skaters wore their skate key around their necks to prevent losing it while skating.
There have even been songs written about this important piece of skating equipment.
Do you remember skate keys? Share your skating stories with us on our Facebook page.
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And don’t forget to share this fun memory with others.
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