Most adults can remember back to the moment they received their first two-wheel bike and I am no exception.
My first two-wheel bicycle was a circa 1970's model that was shiny purple in color with a white banana seat, chopper back bar and matching colored tassels hanging off the handles.
It also had a white basket clad with a floral motif. The bicycle was similar in design to a 1968 "Orange Krate", but without the shifter.
After I outgrew that bicycle I ended up with a pink "Huffy." The "Huffy" got traded in for several different purple and pink "Schwinn" 10 speeds, which I also later abandoned in lieu of my first car.
Thankfully for those of us who like to wax nostalgic over such childhood pleasures, there is a place one can go and revel in bicycle history; the "Bicycle Museum of America."
Situated in the City of New Bremen, the "Bicycle Museum of America" is purportedly the home of one of the largest, private compilation of vintage bicycles in the world today.
What follows is a brief summary of just some of what visitors can expect to find there.
Exhibits
The "Bicycle Museum of America" currently has over 1,000 bicycles that range in manufacture date from the 1800's to the present. There are generally 300 bikes on display at any one given time.
Some of the earlier, more notable bicycles in the collection include a 1816 "Draissine", 1870 "Bone Shaker", 1883 "Columbia Expert", 1886 "Rover", 1887 "American Safety",1890 "Hobby Horse", 1900 "Pierce Arrow", 1933 "Motobike", 1936 "Autocycle", 1941 "Letourneur Speed Bike", 1949 "Hopalong Cassidy" complete with guns, 1954 "Black Phantom", 1960 "Bowden Space Lander" and a 1965 "Sears Space Liner."
In addition to the bicycles on display, the "Bicycle Museum of American" features an on-site audio visual room where a short movie about the history of the bicycle may be seen.
The museum staff also hosts special events throughout the year including special guests such as the dynamic duo from the "History Channel's" popular "American Pickers" show.
Hours of Operation
As of early 2011 the "Bicycle Museum of America" is open year round, Monday through Saturday, with hours of operation varying by season.
During the fall and winter the museum is open from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday and from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm on Saturday.
The opening time remains the same through the spring and summer; however the weekday closing time changes to 7:00 pm.
As admission fees, hours of operation and bikes on rotation are subject to change without advance notice, would be visitors are encouraged to confirm all details directly with the museum's staff prior to trip departure.
Bicycle Museum of America
7 West Monroe Street
New Bremen, OH 045869
419-629-9249
Source:
Bicycle Museum of America, "Visitor Information" Bicycle Museum of America