These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

Skating Competition

The sport's growing popularity led to the formation of organized endurance races. In 1884, Victor W. Clough skated 100 miles over the course of ten hours through Geneseo, Illinois. The next year, 36 skaters competed for $500 in prize money in a six-day-long skating competition at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

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The More You Know

  • There's a shrimp-like creature that makes aluminum armor to protect itself.
  • Fleas can jump up to 100 times their body length.
  • Nutella was invented during WWII, when an Italian pastry maker mixed hazelnuts into chocolate to extend his chocolate ration.
  • Holding a sneeze can be dangerous.
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