We don't have any of the bicycles Dr. Williams rode, but they were undoubtedly similar to this one, which was popular at that time.
The San Francisco Bay Area was no exception to the popularity of the bicycle. Especially in the communities on the flatlands adjoining the bay, the bicycle craze took hold, with impact on both personal and commercial life in the mid-peninsula region.
In the 1895 Cycler's Guide at least 50 bicycle clubs were listed in California. Palo Alto had several informal bike clubs, and they often put on races. Social outings, often evening rides, were coed.
In 1895, racing events were held by both the Palo Alto Cycle Club and the University Bicycle Club. The latter included Thomas M. Williams (owner of this house).Timed three mile races went from Palo Alto through Mayfield. Ten mile road racers rode from Mayfield circling into the foothills and back to Menlo Park and Palo Alto. Serious bicycle races were held at San San Jose's large Garden City Velodrome.
The 1896 Cycler's Guide contained maps and directions for riding from Chico to San Diego, with stopping points between San Francisco and San Jose including Mayfield (now California Avenue in Palo Alto). High wheeler riders often pedaled the streets of Mayfield by 1888. Rutted dirt roads were very difficult for bike riders to use and by 1900 the Palo Alto Live Oak reported serious efforts to build a smooth bike path from San Francisco to San Jose. An 1899 article noted the pedestrian and bicycle path from Palo Alto to Stanford was being increased to 17 feet width, carefully graded and given a coat of cinders.
Safety concerns for bicyclists and pedestrians soon led to ordinances concerning riding on the sidewalk, lights and horns for bikes, and other laws. A bicycle was classed as "a carriage and has the same rights and privileges that other species of carriages have". Now codes classify bicycles as vehicles. In 1915 in Palo Alto it was unlawful to ride bicycles or tricycles on sidewalks in May, June, July, August, September, or October. In winter months the streets were too muddy so bicyclists were allowed on the sidewalks. Strict enforcement of the bicycle headlight and taillight law in the 1920's resulted in citation, arrest, and publication of your name in the newspaper.
The popularity of bicycles in the early 1900's brought several bicycle shops to Palo Alto. An article in 1902 indicated there were 2000 "wheel riders" in Palo Alto. Fred Smith's cyclery on the Circle specialized in Columbia bicycles. F. C. Crandall featured the Rambler bicycle. Some of the bicycle shops became automobile repair shops as the car became more popular. In recent years interest in physical fitness and clean air (reduction of car emissions, etc.) has brought a resurgence of bicycle riding and bicycle businesses.
Dr. Thomas Williams, who built the home currently housing the Museum of American Heritage in 1907, was an avid bicycle rider - as were so many Americans in the 1890s. His cycling activities began while he was a Stanford student, and continued into his adult years.
He raced: the May 19, 1895 Palo Alto Times noted that he won first place in the University Bicycle Club 10-mile road race. Another clipping makes reference to his placing first in a Palo Alto Bicycle Club race, after he became a doctor.
Thomas Williams rode long distances: during Easter break in 1896, he rode a bicycle all the way from Palo Alto to Pasadena, to visit his classmate (and future wife) Dora Estey Moody.
He bicycled for transportation: when he began his medical practice in Palo Alto, Dr. Williams made house calls by bicycle until he began using a horse and buggy - and later, an automobile.
We don't have any of the bicycles Dr. Williams rode, but they were undoubtedly similar to this one, which was popular at that time.
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This page last updated: March 10, 2004 Original content: Copyright © 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Museum of American Heritage Trademarks are the property of their owners |
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