I can’t be the only one old enough to remember what this copper-colored object is?

Roller Skating Nostalgia: The Forgotten Skate Key

Remember the copper-colored object often seen around the necks of roller skaters? It’s a skate key, a vital tool for roller skate enthusiasts before the 1970s. Roller skating, enjoyed by generations, traces back to a London stage performance in 1743, with John Joseph Merlin claiming the first skate invention in 1760.

During World War II, the U.S. contemplated using roller skates to move infantry in Europe, a plan that never materialized. Roller skating gained popularity in the U.S. in 1935, reaching new heights in the 1970s with disco-themed skating rinks.

Those familiar with older roller skates recall the heavy metal skates that adjusted as feet grew. The accompanying copper-colored skate key was crucial for adjusting skate sizes. Worn around the neck, the key would fit into the back of the skates. Social media now buzzes with images of this nostalgic item, often mistaken for a bottle opener or tool. Beyond its functional role, the skate key even inspired songs, immortalizing its importance in the history of roller skating.