Roller skating is a pastime that generations of kids and adults have enjoyed.

The first use of roller skates were said to be in a London stage performance as early as 1743, with John Joseph Merlin claiming the first skate invention while living in London in 1760.

They even featured during World War II when the U.S. had the idea of using them to move infantry around Europe to save gas – an idea that didn’t materialize.

In the U.S. they first became a popular pastime in 1935 and when skating rinks playing disco music were introduced in the 1970s the hobby became all the rage.

For those of a certain age you may remember those heavy metal skates that attached to your shoes and adjusted as your feet grew. But you may not remember a metal object that came with these skates that most skaters wore around their neck.

Images of the copper-colored object are being shared on social media sites with many taking a guess that it’s a bottle opener or some kind of tool.

It is in fact a skate key, and for those skating before the 1970s it was essential to anyone with roller skates.

Skates would be strapped to your shoe and the size could be adjusted using the skate key.

The key would fit into the back of the pair of skates and most people would wear the key around their neck so they wouldn’t lose it while skating.

Songs have even been written about this important piece of skating equipment.

Do you remember skate keys? Please share your skating stories with us on our Facebook page.

And don’t forget to share this fun memory with others.

Roller skating is a timeless activity that has brought joy to people of all ages for centuries. The origins of roller skates can be traced back to a London stage performance in 1743, with John Joseph Merlin claiming to have invented the first skate in 1760. While roller skates were even considered for military use during World War II, they truly gained popularity in the U.S. in the 1930s and 1970s when skating rinks started playing disco music.

For those of us who grew up during this roller skating craze, memories of strapping on those heavy metal skates and hitting the rink are sure to bring a smile to our faces. But there is one piece of equipment that many may have forgotten about – the skate key.

This small, copper-colored object was an essential tool for anyone with roller skates before the 1970s. The skate key allowed skaters to adjust the size of their skates by fitting it into the back of the pair of skates. Most skaters would wear the key around their neck while skating to ensure they wouldn’t lose it.

Today, images of the skate key are circulating on social media, with many people speculating about its purpose. Some have guessed that it’s a bottle opener or some kind of tool. However, the skate key holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember using it to adjust their skates before hitting the rink.

If you have fond memories of roller skating with a skate key, we would love to hear your stories on our Facebook page. Let’s keep the spirit of roller skating alive by sharing these fun memories with others. And who knows, maybe we’ll inspire a new generation to lace up their skates and hit the rink!