roller skate: Toddler Quad Roller Skates

In 1863, James L. Plimpton, a New York City furniture dealer, patented two-by-two roller skates. The wheel assembly was fastened to a pivot and had a rubber cushion, which allowed the skater to have more control and maneuverability. Plimpton built a roller skating floor in his office and leased the skates. He also founded the New York Roller Skating Association, which leased the Atlantic House resort in Newport, Rhode Island, and converted the dining room into a skating area. Skating design continued to involve and safety measures such as the toe stop, metal side braces, and leather straps were added. Between 1935 and the early 1960, roller skating proved a popular pastime.

This pair of skates is made out of a toddler boot fastened to a metal base with a stopper and four wheels. The donor said that they were used as early as 1945 by a family to teach their children how to roller skate.