The exhibition illustrates the evolution of the bicycle from the velocipede of the 1870s, also known as a “bone shaker”, to the high wheels of the 1880s, later called “penny farthings”, to the safeties the 1890s. Also included is the only known example of the 1901 Lamson, one of the world’s earliest motorcycles.
All of the examples come from the personal collection of Rick Wolfe, who has been collecting for over 40 years. He has restored most of the cycles on display and ridden many of them including the high wheels. Among the Canadian-made highlights is a fully-restored E&D (Evans and Dodge) bicycle, built by the Dodge Brothers in Windsor in the 1890s, who went on to start the well-known automobile company.
The exhibit also features many trophies, medals, period posters, advertising novelties, and bicycle accessories such as oil lamps, peddles and horns. Tools and equipment from the period can be found in a recreated “Repair Shop.”
The exhibition has garnered wide media attention including CBC’s Fresh Air and the Globe and Mail; drawing visitors from as far away as Toronto and Windsor and many points in between.
The exhibit closes September 2nd and this will be the last public tour Rick will make of his fascinating collection.
*Please park behind the Elgin County Administration Building, 450 Sunset Drive.*