League of American Wheelmen Lapel Pin, circa 1900
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Artifact Overview
The poor conditions of late 19th-century roads hampered bicyclists and their sport. In 1880, avid bicyclists formed the League of American Wheelmen to champion their rights and campaign for "Good Roads." League members were early advocates for road improvements, and they showed their support by wearing lapel pins like this one.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Lapel pin
Date Made
circa 1900
Creators
Place of Creation
Location
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
62.176.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of the State Historical Society of Colorado.
Material
Metal
Enamel (Fused coating)
Technique
Cloisonne
Color
Blue
Gold (Color)
Dimensions
Diameter: 0.875 in
Inscriptions
Enameled on front: LEAGUE OF / AMERICAN WHEELMEN / GOOD ROADS
Printed on reverse: THE WHITEHEAD & HOAG CO. / NEWARK, N.J. / PATENTED / JULY 17, 1894 / APRIL 14, 1896
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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.
articleBicycles: Powering Possibilities
The Henry Ford is well-known for its transportation collections, including automobiles from the road and race track, innovative early aircraft, and railroad locomotives of staggering size. But our holdings also include an impressive number of two-wheeled vehicles. Several of them are featured in our newest exhibit, Bicycles: Powering Possibilities, located in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation’s Collections Gallery (on view May 3, 2025 - February 15, 2026).