Roller skating has been a beloved pastime enjoyed by generations of kids and adults alike. It’s hard to believe that the first use of roller skates was in a London stage performance way back in 1743!
John Joseph Merlin, a London resident in 1760, deserves the credit for inventing the first skates. Roller skates have certainly come a long way since then!
In the United States, roller skating gained popularity as a pastime in 1935. But it wasn’t until the introduction of skating rinks playing disco music in the 1970s that roller skating became a huge trend. It seemed like everyone wanted to hit the rinks and groove to the music!
Speaking of roller skating, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Do you remember those heavy metal skates that you could attach to your shoes? They were quite the fashion statement back in the day. But there’s something else that you might remember if you were a skater before the 1970s – the iconic skate key.
This copper-colored object was an essential accessory for anyone with roller skates. At first glance, it may look like a bottle opener or some kind of tool, but it is actually a skate key. With the skate key, you could adjust the size of your skates by fitting it into the back of the pair. And to make sure they didn’t get lost while skating, most people wore the key around their necks. It was a small but significant part of the roller skating experience.
Skate keys were such an integral part of roller skating that there have even been songs written about them! They symbolize a time when roller skating was a cherished activity, filled with fun and memories.
So, do you remember skate keys? We’d love to hear your skating stories on our Facebook page. Let’s share this delightful blast from the past with others who may have fond memories of roller skating and skate keys too!
“Aging Backward,” Vera Wang, 74, Youthfully Glows in a Revealing Dress, Creating Buzz
Vera Wang ensured all eyes were on her during her latest public appearance. The fashion designer dazzled in a bold dress, leaving people amazed at how radiant she looked at 74.
Attending the 2024 Fragrance Foundation Awards on Wednesday, Wang opted for a vibrant neon green dress, complete with a feathered skirt and a plunging neckline.
To complement the look, she added a black bandeau top underneath, maintaining simplicity in the rest of her ensemble. For accessories, she ditched elaborate jewels and opted for a basic black bracelet. At one point, she even donned oversized sunglasses.
Fans of the bridal icon flooded her with compliments online, commenting on her youthful and fresh appearance. One person noted, ”You really are your own best model. WOW!” Another admirer wrote, ”Stunning dress…you look fabulous!” Someone else added, ”You are aging backward.”
We find inspiration in Vera Wang’s embodiment of confidence and authenticity, reminding us to embrace our true selves with pride. Another senior celebrity who continues to dazzle with her public appearances is Jane Fonda. The 86-year-old star stole the spotlight on the red carpet at Cannes 2024, leaving us in awe of her beauty and grace.
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