Thad Neely

Thad Neely
Thad A Neely, Manufacturer of the Muncie Skate In these modern days of practical utilitarianism, when almost every effort of the inventor is in the direction of devices for laborsaving machinery and purely mechanical appliances, it is a pleasure to chronicle the success of one whose ingenuity and skill has been directed in other channels, but usability and usefulness in his chosen field of enterprise is no less worthy of prominent recognition as a benefactor of the human race, for the best authorities of the age hold it as an incontrovertible fact that the individual who caters to the innocent requirements of childhood and the amuse- ments of children of a larger growth, by the introduction of any device whereby health and happiness is secured in pleasure gained, is more deserving of the commendations of his fellow creatures than the grim student of philosophy, theology or medicine, however scientific and in full erudition of his essays and dissertations may be. Scarcely two decades have passed since the roller skate was first introduced to the notice of the American public, and it was not until many years later that it became popular with the masses. In fact, it was not until Mr. Thad. A. Neely, of the city of Muncie, perfected and patented what is now known in America and Europe as the "Muncie Roller Skate" that the pastime of rollerskating was raised to the rank of one of the most graceful, helpful and elegant accomplishments of modern times and immensely popular with all classes of the community. Among the advantages claimed for this skate rendering it superior to any other in use, may be briefly the following: it is the only adjustable bottom skate manufactured and can be changed from one side to another instantly; it is equal to four pairs of any other roller skate and has met with greater success than all others combined; it is the most simple, the most durable and the only practical rink skate in America; it is endorsed by the finest experts and professionals in the world as being the finest movement. In the year 1880 Mr. Neely established in the city of Muncie and manufactory for the production of these skates, and although there are at the present time for similar works in the United States, he has secured a trade extending to all sections of this country and Europe, which will exceed in fourfold proportion that of any of his contemporaries, his annual output at this time being from 40,000 to 50,000 pairs, which range in price from $1-$20, the latter being exquisitely finished in gold mounted, suitable for Preiser presentation. Mr. Neely occupies a two-story building, 20 x 60' in dimensions and furnishes employment to a force of about 25 men, and what is technically known as "assembling," or putting together the various parts which are manufactured at other points, many nations in foreign lands being tributary to even so delicate a contrivance as this beautiful skate. Mr. Neely is a native and lifelong resident of Muncie, and to his ability, enterprise and integrity may be attributed the worldwide reputation which has been attained by our beautiful inland metropolis within the past four years.
Manufacturing and Mercantile Resources and Industries of the Principal Places in Wayne, Henry, Delaware and Randolph Counties A Review of their Manufacturing, Mercantile and General Business Interests, Advantageous Location, &c Including a Brief Historical and Statistical Sketch of Their Rise and Progress Resources and Industries of Indiana, Part V

Thad A Neely, Manufacturer of the Muncie Skate

In these modern days of practical utilitarianism, when almost every effort of the inventor is in the direction of devices for laborsaving machinery
and purely mechanical appliances, it is a pleasure to chronicle the success of one whose ingenuity and skill has been directed in other channels,
but usability and usefulness in his chosen field of enterprise is no less worthy of prominent recognition as a benefactor of the human race, for the
best authorities of the age hold it as an incontrovertible fact that the individual who caters to the innocent requirements of childhood and the amuse-
ments of children of a larger growth, by the introduction of any device whereby health and happiness is secured in pleasure gained, is more deserving
of the commendations of his fellow creatures than the grim student of philosophy, theology or medicine, however scientific and in full erudition of his
essays and dissertations may be. Scarcely two decades have passed since the roller skate was first introduced to the notice of the American public, and
it was not until many years later that it became popular with the masses. In fact, it was not until Mr. Thad. A. Neely, of the city of Muncie, perfected
and patented what is now known in America and Europe as the "Muncie Roller Skate" that the pastime of rollerskating was raised to the rank of one of the
most graceful, helpful and elegant accomplishments of modern times and immensely popular with all classes of the community. Among the advantages claimed
for this skate rendering it superior to any other in use, may be briefly the following: it is the only adjustable bottom skate manufactured and can be
changed from one side to another instantly; it is equal to four pairs of any other roller skate and has met with greater success than all others combined;
it is the most simple, the most durable and the only practical rink skate in America; it is endorsed by the finest experts and professionals in the world
as being the finest movement. In the year 1880 Mr. Neely established in the city of Muncie and manufactory for the production of these skates, and although
there are at the present time for similar works in the United States, he has secured a trade extending to all sections of this country and Europe, which
will exceed in fourfold proportion that of any of his contemporaries, his annual output at this time being from 40,000 to 50,000 pairs, which range in price
from $1-$20, the latter being exquisitely finished in gold mounted, suitable for Preiser presentation. Mr. Neely occupies a two-story building, 20 x 60' in
dimensions and furnishes employment to a force of about 25 men, and what is technically known as "assembling," or putting together the various parts which
are manufactured at other points, many nations in foreign lands being tributary to even so delicate a contrivance as this beautiful skate. Mr. Neely is a
native and lifelong resident of Muncie, and to his ability, enterprise and integrity may be attributed the worldwide reputation which has been attained by
our beautiful inland metropolis within the past four years.

Manufacturing and Mercantile Resources and Industries of the Principal Places in Wayne, Henry, Delaware and Randolph Counties
A Review of their Manufacturing, Mercantile and General Business Interests, Advantageous Location, &c
Including a Brief Historical and Statistical Sketch of Their Rise and Progress
Resources and Industries of Indiana, Part V