History of Roller-Skating
Roller-skating was invented in 1735 by John Joseph Merlin, a Belgian who famously introduced his new wheeled shoes at a party in London and promptly crashed into a mirror. (That’s why moms always insist their kids wear helmets when learning how to skate!) Monsieur Petitbled patented the roller-skate in 1819. His skates were inline, with only three wheels and no way to turn! Until James Leonard Plimpton came along. He reinvented the wheel, patenting a four-wheeled roller-skate that let wearers pivot as needed.
Skating fell out of favor in the 1900s until the waitresses at drive-ins started wheeling meals to customers. Roller-skating quickly rose in popularity, hitting its peak in the roller-disco era of the ’70s and ’80s. Inline skates took over in the ’90s, but quad skating has once again hit its stride.
Fun Facts about Skating
- The first public skating rink opened in 1866.
- Did you know there’s a National Museum of Roller-Skating? It’s in Lincoln, Nebraska.
- Plenty of celebrities have gotten into roller-skating. Skating is featured in several famous music videos, from Cher’s 1979 hit to Beyonce’s 2013 chart-topper.
- There’s even a music video set at Skate World!
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