Pair of four-wheeled roller skates

Pair of four-wheeled quad roller skates, (made by Union Hardware Co. – Torrington, Connecticut). These skates are made of metal with a leather strap around the ankle. They would have been worn over a pair of shoes and are adjustable to a variety of different foot sizes. A small key would have been used to make these size adjustments.

Roller skates were first created in the 18th Century, with John Joseph Merlin being widely credited for their invention in the 1760’s, although there are some earlier references. However, skates did not take off widely until around 100 years later when James Plimpton, an American inventor, designed and patented his first set of quad skates in 1863.

These skates were produced by Union Hardware Company, a company based in Connecticut prior to acquisition by the Chicago-based company Brunswick Sports Products Co. Union Hardware Co produced skates from 1876 until the mid-1990s, illustrating the long-standing interest in roller skating.

Roller skating was popular in the 19th Century in both the USA and UK, with the term “rinkomania” being coined by the press to reflect this craze. Alongside the health benefits, one big attraction for this sport was that it was practiced by both men and women and so courting couples were able to meet without rigid chaperoning.

The social impact of skating continued into the 20th Century, with Roller rinks playing an important role in the American civil rights movement as several protests against segregation were held at these venues. Roller rinks have continued to be significant spaces for Black communities, especially in the United States, but they were also very popular among LGBTQ+ communities. Roller discos provided spaces where individuals could go to express themselves amongst likeminded people. Even today there are many community groups worldwide which focus on bringing together Black, PoC and LGBTQ+ skaters, providing a sense of freedom and empowerment. This inclusive attitude also extends to the more formalised arena of roller skate sports, such as roller derby. Roller derby is a full-contact sport which has been built on the values of empowerment and inclusivity, welcoming players of all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, ages, and body types.