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!
Virаl Рhоtо Оf Dаd Аt Ваskеtbаll Gаmе Тurns Неаds Оnlinе
Michael McGuire, a hardworking coal miner, didn’t let a shift covered in dirt stop him from sharing a special basketball game with his son at the University of Kentucky’s Rupp Arena. The heartwarming scene was captured in a viral photo that struck a chord with none other than University of Kentucky Men’s Basketball Coach John Calipari.
During a press conference, Coach Calipari revealed that the photo hit him “right between the eyes.” He took to Twitter to shаrе the poignant image and express why it resounded with him: “My family’s American dream started in a Clarksburg, WV coal mine, so this picture hits home.”
The coach was determined to give the McGuire family a memorable experience, and he reached out to Michael’s wife, Mollie. According to Mollie, her husband is a dedicated and selfless father who frequently makes the effort to spend quality time with their son, even after grueling work shifts. “He’s done this many times,” Mollie conveyed.
Photo Credit: CBS News
Upon connecting with Michael, Calipari discovered that he was willing to forgo a shower and a change of clothes, all to make it to the game with his son. Michael’s commitment to his family left a deep impression on the coach.
“His wish was to be there with his son. That’s what truly mattered,” Calipari affirmed. The coach learned that Michael rushed to the game right after his late shift in the mine, displaying unwavering dedication.
Following the photo’s viral spread, acts of kindness began pouring in. Hotels extended offers for accommodations, restaurants reached out with invitations for dinners, and even a car dealership offered a car to the humble coal miner.
Calipari expressed his admiration for the outpouring of support and recognition Michael received. He underscored the significance of acknowledging hardworking individuals likе Michael and commended their values. “Isn’t it wonderful for someone likе him, who is a quiet, humble guy, to know that people appreciate him, and we appreciate what he stands for?” Calipari mused.
Drawing a personal connection, Coach Calipari highlighted that his own family’s journey began in a coal mine in Clarksburg, West Virginia. This sense of shаrеd beginnings fueled his determination to ensure that the McGuire family felt valued and appreciated.
Photo Credit: CBS News
Within mere minutes of seeing the viral photo, Calipari made up his mind: “I’m taking care of this guy and his family.” The coach’s gesture reflects a deep-seated appreciation for hardworking individuals who hold family values close to their hearts.
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