A schaats is a skate. Skating is a popular sport in the Netherlands, and has been for a long time. Many parts of the Netherlands are very boggy, and are drained by creeks and levies. In winter, skating was an efficient way to get around.
When I was about ten years old, I’d skate to school if the weather allowed it. There were several ponds between me and my school. I’d bring skate protectors to walk from one pond to the other and would have my shoes in my backpack to wear in school.
Young skater, 1933. Collection Spaarnestad Photo, via Flickr (no known copyrights).
About Yvette Hoitink
