There are countless hobbies to explore in our world, but roller skating stands out as a beloved pastime that has endured for many years. While its popularity may have dipped in recent times, it’s fascinating to realize that roller skates have been around since 1743.
Naturally, the roller skates from 18th century London are quite different from the ones we wear today. In fact, roller skates have undergone numerous transformations throughout the years.
In 1935, roller skating surged in popularity across the United States. By the 1970s, with the lively beats of disco music accompanying the skating rinks, it transformed from a simple hobby into a full-blown trend that everyone wanted to join in on!
If you were part of the roller skating scene in the 1970s, you likely have fond memories of the skates you rented at the rink. Before that era, however, various types of skates were in use, but they didn’t last long.
Among those vintage skates, there was a unique accessory designed for a specific function. Today, it might look like an odd bottle opener or a peculiar tool, but it was actually known as a skate key.
Skate keys were handy tools that allowed you to adjust the size of your skates, and you could easily put them back in the skates to avoid losing them. Many people also liked to wear these keys around their necks, which became a trendy way to keep them close.
Reflecting on the history of roller skating, skate keys played a significant role. They were especially popular during the era when skating was primarily an outdoor activity, and many older individuals cherish those memories.
If skate keys ring a bell for you, looking at pictures and learning about their history might bring back some warm feelings. And if you’re not familiar with skate keys, perhaps it’s the perfect moment to dust off those roller skates and give it another go!
