Roller skating is a beloved pastime that has brought joy to generations of kids and adults alike. Its origins can be traced back to a stage performance in London as early as 1743. John Joseph Merlin is credited with inventing the roller skate in 1760 while living in London. Since then, roller skates have played a surprising role in history, even during World War II when the U.S. considered using them to transport infantry in Europe.
In the United States, roller skating captured the public’s imagination in 1935 and reached new heights of popularity in the 1970s with the introduction of roller skating rinks that played disco music. It became the ultimate trend of the era.
If you were lucky enough to experience roller skating in the good old days, you might reminisce about the heavy metal skates that were attached to your shoes. But there was one peculiar metallic accessory that accompanied these skates that might spark your memory.
Recently, images of a copper-colored object associated with roller skates have been making rounds on social media. Some speculate that it could be a bottle opener or a tool of some sort. However, the truth is much simpler. It is called a skate key, and for anyone who skated before the 1970s, it was an essential item.
The skate key was used to adjust the size of the skates. By fitting it into the back of the skates, you could easily customize the size to fit your feet perfectly. To ensure it was always within reach, many people would wear the skate key around their neck while skating.
This small but significant object holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up with roller skates. It even inspired songs dedicated to its importance in the skating world.
Do you remember skate keys? Share your skating stories with us on our Facebook page and let’s relive those cherished memories together. Don’t forget to spread the joy by sharing this article with others who share the same passion.
Check out this video of a classic roller skating routine to bring back those joyful memories:
