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

  • Shakespeare's plays feature the word "love" about 10 times more than the word "hate."
  • In 1567, the man said to have the longest beard in the world died after he tripped over his beard running away from a fire.
  • There are snakes with two heads, which compete with each other for food.
  • A single lightning bolt has enough energy to toast 100,000 slices of bread.
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