Roller skating is a popular hobby for both children and adults.
Roller skates were reported to have first been used in a London stage play in 1743, with John Joseph Merlin claiming the first skate innovation while residing in London in 1760.
They even appeared during World War II, when the United States considered utilizing them to carry an army throughout Europe to conserve petrol – a concept that never came to fruition.
They originally became popular in the United States in 1935, and when skating rinks playing disco music were introduced in the 1970s, the interest exploded.
Those of a certain age may recall the hefty metal skates that connected to your shoes and grew with your feet. But you might not recall a metal device that came with these skates and was worn around the neck by most skaters.
Pictures of the copper-colored device are being posted on social media, with many speculating that it is a bottle opener or some other type of tool.
It is, in fact, a skate key, and prior to the 1970s, anybody using roller skates needed one.
Skates would be attached to your shoe, and the size could be altered using a skate key.
The key would slot into the rear of the skates, and most individuals would wear it around their neck to avoid losing it while skating.
This essential piece of skating equipment has even inspired songs.
Do you recall skate keys? Please tell us about your skating experiences on our Facebook page.
