Roller Skating

by Judy Meier Grace

Before Wheeling had the roller rink (by Linsly), with all of its neon lights, we roller skated up and down Poplar, Maple, and and Walnut Avenues. I think it was just a girl thing--I honestly don't remember. First, you had to have the right kind of shoes--Keds (there were no Nikes, etc.) didn't work, because the skates wouldn't attach. The shoes had to have a good sole so that the skates could be tightened over them. Then the ever-important skate key went around the neck on a string, just in case the skates needed to be tightened while "on the road." Sidewalks were divided at 2-3' intervals. Sometimes a section had to be replaced, so the areas were of different textures and colors. Some were cracked, some had shifted. A skater knew her sidewalks and where there was smooth sailing. Most of us had bandaged knees at some time or other. And at 9 Poplar, we were not allowed to skate on Sundays.