While history books tend to focus on the big, bold moments from the past, it’s important to stop and take a look at the quiet, small things that have brought us to where we are today. The images and stories that we’re bringing you here may not be the big, all caps historical eras that shaped the world, but they’re anything but insignificant. From quiet experiences with nature to a look at how small things we appreciate have changed over the last one hundred years, we hope this little punch of history can help you see how even when things change, the world isn’t as different as it was back in the day.
Ice Skating
The world has been roller skating since Belgium inventor John Joseph Merlin stuck wheels on an old pair of ice skates way back in 1760. When roller skates hit the United States they were no longer wheels attached to wooden shoes, they were what we know as “quad skates,” which are much easier to maneuver. Today, whenever you strap on a pair of rollerskates remember that back in the 16th century having fun was a lot of work.
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Going to the Dentist Back in the Day Was A Nightmare
No one likes going to the dentist. Even if you’re one of those people that doesn’t mind having a bunch of tools digging around your mouth it’s still an anxiety producing trip. Now imagine going to the dentist in the 19th century, long before the medical advancements of today. Back in 1882, if you had to have a tooth pulled it was definitely going to be a painful experience with a brutal recovery time. As barbaric as that sounds, it’s important to remember that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the painful procedures of the past.
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A Table of Giants
When you really think about it, it’s crazy that all of these guys know each other. Every single one of these filmmakers has shaped American cinema in one way or another since the 1970s. We’d love to be a fly on the wall of this conversation at George Lucas’ 50th birthday party way back in 1994 if only to see if these guys actually get along.
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The Arctic Fox
Arctic foxes can survive almost anything. These cute little creatures can withstand temperatures as low as negative 58°F, which we’d describe as “pretty cold.” It’s mind boggling that something so small can survive that, but it all comes down to their coats. Their fur not only keeps them warm but allows them to move through the tundra undetected.
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Who Remembers Getting A Meal Delivered on Roller Skates?
There’s nothing more nostalgia inducing than a carhop delivering a burger and a shake on a pair of rollerskates. Carhops date back to the 1920s, but their heyday was really the 1950s. In that post war era good vibes flowed and people had money to spend, hence the ubiquity of drive-in burger joints staffed with pretty girls on rollerskates. After the advent of the drive-thru (and we’re guessing more than one chipped tooth), carhops were phased out. If you know where we can find a restaurant with roller skating carhops lets us know.
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