lgrinnings
I live for the CABE
Howdy folks-
The town in which I live is next to Amesbury, MA. Amesbury is famous for its carriage trade which evolved into automobile body manufacturing. Prominent Amesbury automobile body manufacturers included Walker Body Company, Briggs Carriage Company, and Biddle and Smart. About the same time the automobile started gaining traction, Amesbury dipped its toe into bicycle production with a handful of manufacturers before the bubble would burst.
Next June, I've been asked to share my passion for bicycle history by setting up a display during the annual Amesbury Days event that highlights the first 150 years of the bicycle (from hobby horse through banana seats). My late father's collection features most of the bicycles I need to mark the timeline. With that said, I think it would be beneficial to have an Amesbury-built bicycle to share with the people of the town. Below is a list of bicycles and manufacturers courtesy of the Wheelmen site. I'm willing to buy any of these bicycles in any condition for the purposes of display and education.
While finding one of these bicycles isn't essential, I think having one on hand would drive home Amesbury's connection to and place in the rich and storied history of American bicycle manufacturing. Hit me up with anything you might have. Thanks in advance.
-Lester
PS Here's a little Amesbury bicycle history if interested...
The town in which I live is next to Amesbury, MA. Amesbury is famous for its carriage trade which evolved into automobile body manufacturing. Prominent Amesbury automobile body manufacturers included Walker Body Company, Briggs Carriage Company, and Biddle and Smart. About the same time the automobile started gaining traction, Amesbury dipped its toe into bicycle production with a handful of manufacturers before the bubble would burst.
Next June, I've been asked to share my passion for bicycle history by setting up a display during the annual Amesbury Days event that highlights the first 150 years of the bicycle (from hobby horse through banana seats). My late father's collection features most of the bicycles I need to mark the timeline. With that said, I think it would be beneficial to have an Amesbury-built bicycle to share with the people of the town. Below is a list of bicycles and manufacturers courtesy of the Wheelmen site. I'm willing to buy any of these bicycles in any condition for the purposes of display and education.
Bicycle | Start Year | End Year | Manufacturer /Distributor | City | State |
Amesbury | 1896 | 1896 | Amesbury Carriage Company | Amesbury | MA |
Eastern | 1897 | 1897 | Eastern Cycle Manufacturing Company | Amesbury | MA |
Essex | 1897 | 1897 | Eastern Cycle Manufacturing Company | Amesbury | MA |
Flying Yankee | 1896 | 1897 | Eastern Cycle Manufacturing Company | Amesbury | MA |
Great Eastern | 1897 | 1897 | Eastern Cycle Manufacturing Company | Amesbury | MA |
Knights | 1898 | 1898 | George L. Knights | Amesbury | MA |
Laurel | 1896 | 1898 | S. D. Morrill & Company | Amesbury | MA |
Powow | 1898 | 1898 | S. D. Morrill & Company | Amesbury | MA |
zz ? | 1898 | 1898 | S. L. Bartlett | Amesbury | MA |
While finding one of these bicycles isn't essential, I think having one on hand would drive home Amesbury's connection to and place in the rich and storied history of American bicycle manufacturing. Hit me up with anything you might have. Thanks in advance.
-Lester
PS Here's a little Amesbury bicycle history if interested...