Roller skating has been a cherished pastime for generations of kids and adults alike. It has a rich history that dates back to as early as 1743, when roller skates were first used in a London stage performance. While the initial credit for inventing roller skates goes to John Joseph Merlin in 1760, their popularity continued to grow over time.

Even during World War II, roller skates played a part in a fascinating idea by the U.S. military. The concept was to use roller skates to transport infantry around Europe, thereby conserving gas. Unfortunately, this idea never materialized, but it goes to show how roller skates have captured people’s imagination throughout history.

In the United States, roller skating became a popular pastime in 1935. However, it was the introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s that truly catapulted roller skating into mainstream popularity.

For those of us in a certain age bracket, memories of roller skating may include those heavy metal skates that were attached to our shoes and adjusted as our feet grew. But do you remember the metal object that came with these skates, which most skaters wore around their necks?

If you guessed that it’s a bottle opener or some kind of tool, you’re not alone. Many people are sharing pictures of this copper-colored object on social media, trying to figure out what it is. Well, it’s a skate key! Before the 1970s, it was an essential item for anyone with roller skates.

Roller skates would be securely strapped to your shoes, and the size could be adjusted using the skate key. The key would fit into the back of the skates, and many people would wear it around their necks to ensure they wouldn’t lose it while skating.

In fact, skate keys were so important and influential that songs were even written about them. They were an integral part of the roller skating culture and added a touch of nostalgia to the experience.

We would love to hear your roller skating stories! Share them with us on our Facebook page and reminisce about this fun-filled activity. And don’t forget to share this article with others who may have fond memories of roller skating and skate keys!