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Skates have certainly come a long way over the years. "Stock" skates were made by someone in the family using a sleigh runner that was about 12 inches long strapped to a boot. The heel was held by a long screw extending up into the boot. "Spring" skates were a blade on a metal frame that was secured to the boot by winding a key. "Automobile" skates much resembled our present day version. A blade was purchased and then attached to a boot at the local shoemakers. (Keir Museum, photo by Tom MacDonald)

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