Portrait of Colonel Albert A. Pope, circa 1883
THF228528 / Portrait of Colonel Albert A. Pope, circa 1883
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Artifact Overview
Albert Pope began manufacturing bicycles after seeing a high-wheel ordinary at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. In 1877, he formed Pope Manufacturing Company and churned out thousands of bicycles each year. The Civil-War-officer-turned-entrepreneur also helped sponsor the League of American Wheelmen to advocate for good roads -- something every cyclist (and bicycle maker) desired.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Cabinet photograph
Subject Date
circa 1883
Creators
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
86.18.14.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Mounting
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 4.125 in
Width: 3.875 in
Inscriptions
front:
Col A A Pope
verso:
Taken about 1883
pioneer manufacturer of bicycles in America
Pope Mfg. Co.
stamped, verso:
Abbot Bassett,
Secretary. L.A.W. 221 Columbus Av . . .
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetLeague of American Wheelmen
- 15 Artifacts
In the late 1800s, cyclists faced many challenges. Poor road conditions made travel difficult, and even on passable roads, cyclists found themselves unwanted. Wagon and carriage drivers thought bicycles and bicyclists frightened their horses, while others believed cyclists posed a danger to pedestrians. In 1880, several cycling clubs formed the League of American Wheelmen to advocate for bicyclists' rights.