These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

Derby on CBS

Roller Derby debuted on New York television starting on November 29, 1948, when it began a 13-week run on CBS-TV. This was long before TVs were popular but ultimately saved Derby from extinction. Broadcasts could be seen in bars and storefront windows, and the medium made it seem as though the underwhelming crowds were actually packing venues from wall to wall.

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