Biography of Samuel Winslow
They rented an area in the high-rise buildings of Merrifield and began to produce pieces of metal for other companies. In 1957 they produced 25 pairs of ice skates, as the ice sports in the country grew more and more. They sold 19 pairs. The following year, they produced 2500 pairs. After Seth passed away, Samuel managed the factory alone. After 27 years at the same location, the factory was moved to the corner of Mulberry Asylum Street, where it still stands today. Samuel continued the factory under the name of Samuel Winslow Skate Manufacturing Company, where he was the president and treasurer until his death. Winslow became one of the largest factories in the city.
From ice to wheels
After the expiration of Plimpton’s patents in 1880, his former colleague Samuel Winslow started to make his own roller skates. He teamed up with businessman Horace Bigelow, who reduced the entrance price of roller skating rinks and therefore made the sport accessible to the general public. In 1880, Samuel Winslow’s factory became the country’s largest roller skating factory. The production increased to 1200 pairs of shoes a day in 1889, with 40 different models for ice skating and 15 inline skate models.
According to the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, the most popular model was the ‘Vineyard’ model, invented and produced by Samuel Winslow. It was sold all over the world. The shoe has a wood base with leather straps and wooden and brass wheels. The Skate Rink in Cottage City was even named after this shoe ‘Vineyard Roller Skating Rink’. The model was also presented at that rink for the first time.
The roller skating rink of Winslow
This roller skating rink was built by Frank Winslow in Oak Bluffs. He also owned another roller skating rink in Boston (Massachusetts). The surface was smooth and had a good roll. Winslow made these places, places of fun, celebrations and sports. The field was octagonal, with thousands of seats on which spectators could admire the skaters and listen to the music of the orchestra that Winslow had organized.
Despite the great success, the rink was closed after only 14 years. It was almost completely destroyed by a fire in 1892. Even the Sea View Hotel across the street has been completely destroyed. The roller skating rink was never repaired.
The Winslow patent
Samuel Winslow filed many patents in his career. The oldest model is dated back to July 13, 1880 (US Patent No. 230,094).
On March 26, 1912, Samuel Winslow patented in Britain for a mechanical roller skate, which is activated by the movement of the skater.
The fight in the courtrooms
Samuel Winslow had to go several times to court. In 1931, the American state imposed a 10% tax on certain pairs of roller skates. Thus, Winslow owed the state $ 48,502.97 plus $ 14,550.91 penalty for not reporting taxes under the 1918 Law. Winslow complained because in his opinion children’s roller skates between the ages of 7 and 12 should not be charged. The lawsuit was rejected.
An active public life besides skating
The administration of several companies
Samuel also played an important role in public duties. In 1848 he was in the committee that was responsible for school of Newton Upper Falls. On top of that he campaigned for the expansion of the railroad tracks when he became writer of Boston Woonsocket New York and New England Railroad Company. He was also a member of Worcester Town Council between 1865 and 1866. From 1873 to 1874 he was a member of the Worcester Court.
He became president of Worcester Company Leicester and Spencer Street; and both the Worcester & Millbury Company and State Central & Blackstone Valley Street Railway Company.
He remained active until his death, taking care of the export and his possessions. The controversy in the last company preyed on his mind.
Through the construction and expansion of electronic rail transportation at Spencer and Millbury, M., Winslow became a pioneer in this field of commerce. He was a very successful administrator, vice president and president of the Mechanic’s Association; He was also director of the Citizens National Bank from 1889 until his death.
The editorial from Spy Worcester, which was released after his death
Hereby we honor Samuel Winslow for his incomparable work with materials and the development of our city. Worcester loses one of his most representative men. Winslow performed a very important function both in politics, and as a very successful entrepreneur for the city. Precisely for these and more reasons, this man will stay in our memories for a long time. His hard work is more than successful when you see today’s results. The premature death of M. Winslow is a serious loss to the city.
Winslow’s family
In 1848 he married his wife Mary VVeeks Robbins in Newton Upper Falls. They had two children: Frank Ellery * 16.05.1852 +12.06.1905 and Samuel Ellsworth * 08.04.1862, who both became known for their political activity. Even as a young man he was politically very involved. He completed his school education in public schools and received his diploma in 1880. He accepted office of the class representative. After completing his diploma, he attended the seminar of Williston. In 1885 he got his Bachelor of Arts in Havard.
After several months traveling across Europe, he helped his father as secretary of the company’s roller skates factory. After gaining experience in various departments of the company, he started as a salesman. He also was a buyer while traveling across the US. He became president of the company and became active in many companies in his hometown. Over time, he invested more and more in his activities as a Republican.