The legislature prohibited "marathons, danceathons, walkathons, skateathons or any endurance contest of a like or similar nature" in an act approved on February 27, 1936. The act, however, was not intended to prohibit "the continuance of the ordinary amateur or professional athletic events . . . which are conducted for a definite length of time." Any person or corporation promoting such contests were to be fined no less than fifty dollars or more than three hundred dollars to which may be added imprisonment of no more than one hundred and eighty days. Each day the violations continue "shall constitute a separate offense under this act."
Roller Skates, ca. 1940. Adjustable, nickel-plated roller skates used by the children of the Chesher family of Louisville, Kentucky. Endurance marathons evolved after the Great Depression. Many of these contests attracted unemployed people hoping to win cash prizes. Danceathons, walkathons, and, eventually, roller-skating marathons were embraced nationally, grossing millions of dollars. Donated by Avanell C. Sutherland, 2004.26.13. Kentucky Historical Society Collections.
