Grab your skates off the shelf, kids-- it's time to roll! While the side-by-side "quad" wheel is viewed as the classic style, the first skate design invented by John Joseph Merlin in 1760 had in-line wheels to simulate ice skating. It didn't catch on at the time, most likely because Merlin attempted to skate through a masquerade party while playing the violin, crashed through an expensive mirror and was severely injured. Well, kids... let that be a lesson to always wear your pads and helmet!

10.03.22