Inline History

The History of Inline Skating

History, of course, is all reconstructive (and mostly hooey!). But it's kinda fun. ... These links provide some entertaining tidbits about the history of inline skating.

"Faster - Smoother - Easier Skating: Only $4.95 a Pair"
Inexpensive, inline and ignored ... Christian Siffert's inline skates from 1938 had lots of things going for them, even a heel brake that looks very similar to the ones found on modern inline skates. And the price? Unbeatable at $4.95 a pair! Here's a story about them, including an ad featuring them in a 1948 issue of Popular Mechanics, which was sent to me by Rollerblade founder Scott Olson. ... It would be fun to try these skates. Looks like they would roll just fine. (Tuesday, January 4, 2005)

The Illustrated History of Inline Skate Design at the U.S. Patent Office
The U.S. Patent Office is a treasure trove of information about the history of inline skating. And I've been raiding the place! The result is a work in progress: The Illustrated History of Inline Skate Design at the U.S. Patent Office. I've started a patent gallery, which you'll find here. I've also posted a story about the first skate in the gallery -- Shaler's rubber-belted Parlor Skate from 1860. Check it out! (Thursday, December 30, 2004)

The National Museum of Roller Skates' Inline History ... A short but sweet history of inline skates from the National Museum of Roller Skates, in Lincoln, Nebraska. They even have a photo of the inline skate made by the Chicago Roller Skate Company that Scott Olson used as inspiration for Rollerblades.

An Inline History That Looks at Motive ... This is a quick history with a human angle. ... One thing I don't get. Why doesn't it mention the "skeeler"? Still a nice piece.

A History of Skating on Wheels ... Here's a straight ahead account of the evolution of skates from ice to land. ... And a great old photo of a 'skeeler.' Check it out!