William F. Murphy with High-Wheel Bicycle, circa 1890
THF203380 / William F. Murphy with High-Wheel Bicycle, circa 1890
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Artifact Overview
William Murphy poses in front of an ordinary -- a high-wheel bicycle. In 1890, Murphy captured the League of American Wheelmen championship in the ordinary one-mile race. Murphy would later race "safeties" -- chain-driven bicycles with same-sized wheels. He would even team up with his brother, Charles, and pedal to several victories on a two-person tandem.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Cabinet photograph
Subject Date
circa 1890
Creators
Place of Creation
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
86.18.24.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Mounting
Toning (Photography)
Color
Brown
Sepia (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 6.5 in
Width: 4.188 in
Inscriptions
Photographer's imprint on front: Bowers, The Instantaneous Photographer 340 FULTON ST.
Handwritten on front: Wm F. Murphy. K.C.W.
Photographer's imprint on back:
Bower's / PHOTO-ART GALLERY, / 340 FULTON STREET, HEAD OF COURT STREET, / BROOKLYN, N.Y.
Label on back:
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN WHEELMEN / ABBOT BASSETT, Secretary-Treasurer, / 221 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass.
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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.