In a post many years ago, I copy/pasted a large article on the history of the Capital Bicycle Club which was founded in DC in 1879 and continued to operate until sometime during the 1920's. But this Feb 4, 1879 article about that founding day adds one other tidbit.
which is that the English bicycle, which I'm taking to be the "Safety Bicycle" invented in England in 1876, had been introduced to the city in 1878. If true, this bicycle wouldn't have had a chain, but treadles (the chain not being added until 1879).
It doesn't look like it became the dominant choice among club members, as photos mostly show them riding penny-farthings.
And then here is Will Robertson riding an American Star Bicycle down the Capitol steps in a promotional photo for the bike. [He was not the first person to do this, apparently that honor belongs to Burt Owens].
They also ran a camera club.
The members will appear in uniforms, consisting of leggings, blue coat, and cap adorned with the colors of the club.
I wonder if Courtland Milloys of the day made fun of their "clown suits."
Posted by: contrarian | April 25, 2016 at 01:54 PM