Roller skating has been a cherished pastime for both children and adults across generations.
Historical records suggest that roller skates made their debut as early as 1743 in a London stage performance, with John Joseph Merlin credited with inventing the first skate while residing in London around 1760. Interestingly, roller skates found utility even during World War II, with the U.S. considering their use to transport infantry across Europe to conserve fuel, though this plan did not come to fruition.
In the United States, roller skating gained popularity as a recreational activity in 1935. The introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s propelled the hobby to new heights of popularity. Those who experienced roller skating during this era might recall the clunky metal skates that were affixed to shoes and adjusted as feet grew. However, there’s another metal item associated with these skates that often escapes memory.
Recently, images of a copper-colored object linked to roller skating have circulated on social media platforms, prompting guesses ranging from bottle openers to tools. Surprisingly, this item is a skate key, an indispensable accessory for roller skaters prior to the 1970s. Used to adjust the size of the skates, the skate key would fit into the back of the skates, and many skaters would wear it around their necks to prevent misplacement while skating.
The significance of the skate key is further emphasized by its cultural impact, with songs dedicated to this essential piece of skating equipment. Do you have fond memories of using skate keys? We invite you to share your skating stories on our Facebook page.
Let’s celebrate this nostalgic aspect of roller skating by sharing these memories with others.
