These Vintage Photos Prove That Roller Derby Has Always Been Cool

No More #1

Eventually, replacement skaters were signed to take over for the spots lost to those who had been killed in the accident, and the Roller Derby persevered. As a tribute to those who lost their lives, the number "1" was retired for all Roller Derby teams. The sport enjoyed a few more years before another event derailed its popularity...

World War II

Roller Derby was broadcast on the radio as early as 1939 and quickly grew in popularity as a spectator sport. Matches were held in 50 cities across the nation for more than five million spectators until the U.S. entered into World War II at the end of 1941, which put a halt to the sport's rapid ascent.

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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.