, 1891-02-08
The Evolution of the skate.

The origin OF the skate is wrapped in
oblivion, but all commentator on sport
agree that its introduction was due to
actual necessity, as a means of locomotion
over a frozen surface, rather than for the
purpose of amusement. As far as can be
learned from the records Of the past nearly
all the northern European races used u
rude device for travelling over the ice. and
the next record is found in Holland, when
a Dutch sailor, who was storm driven on
the coast of LaplRnd In the Twelfth cent
ury. learning from the natives to 'skait
withe boenes on hys feete," introduced the
strange practice TO his countrymen. 1t Is
worthy of notice that "skait" is the Hol-
lander's word for glide"
From Holland the skate was introduced
into England about ITO, the historian
Fitzstephen saying that Young men do
go to the create moor at Moorhelds, on the
north wall LOT Londonl and there do binde
boenes TO there feete, holding stakes In
there handes with which they sometimes
do strik the lea" One pair of these bones
Is now preserved In the British Museum
and another in the collection OF Col. Roach.
1t would seem that the skate progressed
very slowly for many years, for in 1880 the
historian Stowe says, The apprentices do
tye bones on TO their heles, and running on
their toes do slide on the ice on their heles
with great speed, often suffering grevous
falls and broken bones"
In 1854 the first mention of the iron skate
ppeAr and Pepys tells US that a man
named King brought = pair from the
island of Ihoes, and that In 1852 the lake
In st, James park was covered with citi-
tens enjoying the new diversion. Bristol
was the first town to see their use In Eng.
land.
From then on the skate remained for
many years simply 4 wooden patten and a
metal blade. IL use became general, and
IL was probably used in this country dur
ing the first winter passed here by the
Pilgrim Fathers. For many years the
skates used here were imported from Aus
tria and Germany, but as usual with Amer
leans. no sooner did the demand increase
than u domestic supply spranR up to meet
IL. II ID worthy of motto In this connection
that American skates and their improve
ments now dominate the skating world.
The first skates made in this country were
the handiwork OF a man named Sanford,
living at EaElesville, Conn. The exact
date is lost. but It was In 1880.
This skate had a long curved runner,
which turned up in front OF the foot like a
piece of spring wire. and must be affec.
tionRtely remembered by many an "old
boy" This rune was fastened to the
wooden standard by screws, and a narrow
strap. heel and toe, held 1t in position on
the foot. The next improvement was what
is known as the clamp" introduced in
1868. These gripped the sole and heel and
dispensed with straps At first these were
used on the heel and a strap on the toe,
but later the clamp was affixed to both.
The clamps were worked by a double
threaded screw, and this idea was patented
and sold to n Worcester CMass.) firm.
The double threaded screw was super
seeded by the lever in 1909, a style that
quickly spread the name and fame OF
American skates all over the civilized
world. Here to a great extent the inven-
ton of improvements ceased. Many styles
have been introduced that nave varied in
some detail, but for actual practical use
the 1869 model with some notifications
still holds the palm. The long reach
racer is the latest innovation.