Elliott Hickory Bicycle, circa 1890
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Artifact Overview
Many women in the late 19th century wanted to ride bicycles. But mounting a high-wheel ordinary was difficult, especially in a period dress -- and donning athletic attire or bloomers for some was considered socially unacceptable. The safety bicycle changed that. This drop-frame safety allowed women to mount the bicycle easily and accommodated the dresses worn by riders.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Bicycle
Date Made
circa 1890
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
38.441.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Metal
Nickel (Metal)
Wood (Plant material)
Rubber (Material)
Color
Black (Color)
Green
Red
Dimensions
Height: 39 in
Width: 26 in
Length: 72.5 in
Wheelbase: 45.25 in
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Related Content
SetBicycles
- 25 Artifacts
Charles Metz of Waltham, Massachusetts, built the Orient Oriten in 1896 as a way to promote his Orient line of bicycles. Metz featured this 23-foot-long, 305-pound ten-seater at bicycle meets and races throughout the country. Though difficult to ride, the vehicle could reach speeds of 45 miles per hour. The Henry Ford owns the only surviving Oriten.