“The City In Indiana Where Roller Skating Was The Prominent Form Of Recreation”

Richmond, Indiana, a lesser-known city located in the flatlands of Eastern Indiana, surrounded by corn and soybean fields, approximately 50 miles from Dayton, Ohio, has a remarkable history of producing innovative and courageous individuals.

This unassuming city was once home to renowned figures such as the Wright brothers, who resided in downtown Richmond from 1881 to 1884. Dr. Charles A. Hufnagel (1916-1989), the inventor of the artificial heart valve, was also raised in Richmond. Levi Coffin, known for his involvement in the Underground Railroad, operated businesses and a farm in the area. Additionally, inventor Micajah C. Henley (1856-1927) called Richmond his home.

Over his lifetime, Henley acquired multiple U.S. patents, covering a wide range of inventions, including improvements to roller skates. Despite James Plimpton from Massachusetts being credited with inventing the four-wheel roller skate in 1863, Henley began enhancing it once Plimpton’s patent expired. In 1880, Henley obtained his first roller skate patent, revolutionizing the design by introducing lighter wheels and a toe clamp mechanism.

Henley’s roller skate business quickly expanded from a small barn behind his family home to a nearby factory. This led to the roller skate industry booming in Richmond during the 1880s, as reported by the Wayne County Historical Museum based in Indiana.

Kerry J. Cottongim George, the collection manager and lead curator for the Wayne County Historical Museum, mentioned Henley’s significant contribution to Richmond by establishing the city’s first roller skate rink, aptly named “The Coliseum.” It was in association with this rink that Henley created the sport of Roller Polo. Teams from Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio would travel to compete in tournaments. Interestingly, Roller Polo enjoyed more popularity than basketball in Indiana during the early 20th century.

An exhibit at the Wayne County Historical Museum, situated in Richmond’s picturesque historic district, showcases Micajah C. Henley’s contributions to the roller skating industry. The house where Henley was born, where he lived with his parents and began his inventing journey, is within walking or biking distance from the museum. Similarly, his factory, which not only produced roller skates but also lawn mowers and bicycles, can be found at 522 N. 16th Street.

Henley passed away in 1927, just before his 71st birthday, in the same house on N.14th Street where he spent his childhood. He rests alongside his wife in Richmond’s Earlham Cemetery.