Early American Bicycle Works

Few inventions rival the bicycle’s global reach. Even fewer have maintained their fundamental design for more than 130 years, a feat achieved by the true safety bicycle after 1890. With two equal-sized wheels, a diamond frame, rear-wheel chain drive, and pneumatic tires, its design is globally recognizable. Despite its cultural significance, the bicycle remains inadequately represented in our built and cultural environments.
This book explores the history of the early American bicycle industry. It examines factory complexes, worker housing, and urban plans that go back to America’s seminal period of bicycle manufacturing, which began in 1878 with the production of elegant high-wheel models. By studying the architecture, engineering, and inventions of bicycle design and manufacture, this research sheds light on various aspects of the industry during its early years and contributes to the preservation of cycling’s nineteenth century heritage within our built environment.

Robert L. McCullough is a professor of historic preservation at the University of Vermont and has written about America’s built environments and cultural landscapes. He lives in Vermont.

Robert L. McCullough
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 334
Bibliographic Info: 125 photos, appendix, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2025
pISBN: 978-1-4766-9669-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-5462-1
Imprint: McFarland

Introduction: Factory Remnants       1

 1. Versatile Factory       13
 2. Bicycle Factory       24
 3. Overman Wheel Company (MA)       45
 4. Iver Johnson Arms and Cycle Works (MA)       54
 5. Pope Manufacturing Company (CT)       68
 6. Pope Tube Company (CT)       94
 7. Lozier Manufacturing Company (OH, CT, MA)       118
 8. Crawford Manufacturing Company (MD)       143
 9. Eagle Bicycle Manufacturing Company (CT)       157
10. Keating Wheel Company (MA, CT)       172
11. Warwick Cycle Manufacturing Company (MA)       194
12. Wheel Works in Worcester (MA) and Keene (NH)       216
13. Emblem Manufacturing Company (NY)       234
14. Davis Sewing Machine Company (OH)       244
15. Ride and Park       254

Appendix: Other Bicycle Factories in the East and Midwest       269
Chapter Notes       275
A Selected Bibliography 313
Index 317