William F. and Charles M. Murphy, Tandem Bicycle Champions, 1891
THF201307 / William F. and Charles M. Murphy, Tandem Bicycle Champions, 1891
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Artifact Overview
Brothers William and Charles Murphy raced to victory as tandem bicycle champions in 1891. This studio photograph shows William seated up front with his brother behind. Charles would later go on to pedal 60 miles per hour in the slipstream of a Long Island, New York, train. This feat in 1899 would earn him the nickname "Mile-a-Minute" Murphy.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Photographic print
Subject Date
01 January 1891
Collection Title
Location
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
86.18.41.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Mounting
Toning (Photography)
Color
Brown
Sepia (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 5.25 in
Width: 8.5 in
Inscriptions
Photographer's imprint on front: Bowers / ESTABLISHED 1875. 340 FULTON ST
Handwritten in ink on back:
Compliments of Wm. F. and Chas M. Murphy. / N.Y.A.C. and K.C.W. Tandem Champions of Americans / Brooklyn N.Y. Jan 1st 1891
ear rider is Chas M. Murphy "mile a minute" Murphy
Label adhered to back:
LEAGUE OF AMERICAN WHEELMEN / ABBOT BASSETT, Secretary-Treasurer, 122 Columbus Ave., Boston, Mass.
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