Bicycle Racing
This closed-course race is about to start for nine cyclists at the Fairgrounds (aka Fairgrounds Park). This event may have taken place during the county fair typically held in September. Cycling competitions were quite common in Rockford and of varying distances: 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles, and 10 mile handicap races were widely held. The Rockford Cycling Club was founded in 1891 with headquarters at 604 West State Street in 1892. A similar depiction can be seen in photo 90.5.39. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 487.)
circa 1895 - 1905
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88.122.738
Three Men on a Bicycle
A unique bicycle with three riders pedals past the Nelson Hotel in downtown Rockford. The Rockford Clothing Company and Second Congregational Church are in the background looking west. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 127.)
circa 1895 - 1905
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88.122.785
Bicycle Racing
The closed-course race is about to start for these nine cyclists at the Fairgrounds (aka Fairgrounds Park). This event may have taken place during the county fair typically held in September. Cycling competitions were quite common in Rockford of varying distances: 1 mile, 3 miles, 5 miles, and 10 mile handicap races were widely held. The Rockford Cycling Club was founded in 1891 with headquarters at 604 West State Street in 1892. (Reference - Sinnissippi Saga, page 487.)
circa 1895 - 1905
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90.5.59
A Bicycle Built for Three
This photograph, taken in front of the South Main Street entrance to the Nelson Hotel, features a very unique three-person bicycle. The hotel, at 306 S. Main Street, was opened in 1893 at the corner of S. Main and Chestnut Streets. William Nelson built the hotel to honor his father, John Nelson, founder of Nelson Knitting Company in Rockford.
circa 1900 - 1910
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90.5.47
Preparing to Take the Family for a Bicycle Ride
Henry B. Utter, in the rear seat, and another boy sit on a trailer attached to the back of a bicycle. They are in front of the Utter home at 972 North Main Street. The bike trailer was made in the Utter Manufacturing Company factory.
circa 1900
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79.126.4
An Utter Family Bike Ride
Utter family on a bike ride. Four ladies and one man on bicycles face the camera in front of an unidentified home.
circa 1900
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80.39.5
A Young Cyclist
Young man with an early bicycle stands on a gravel pathway surrounded by trees and plants.
circa 1890s
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85.134.14
A July 4th Visit to Rockford by Early Bicyclists
A large group of cyclists stand with their bicycles on the lawn to the left of an unidentified house.
circa 1890s
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88.122.551a
A High Wheel Bicyclist
Man on a high wheel bicycle performing in front of grandstand filled with spectators. Possibly Driving Park or Fairgrounds Park.
circa 1890s
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88.122.551b
A Bicycle Race
Cyclists line up at the start of a bicycle race Possibly Fairgrounds Park.
circa 1880s
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90.5.22u
A Bicycle Built for Three
Three men on a three-passenger bicycle ride in front of the Nelson Hotel at 306 South Main Street.
circa 1894
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90.5.22w
Bicycle Club
Bicycle Club from the late 1880's. Orin Rugg is sitting in the middle of the front row.
circa 1880s
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2011.62.4