The Intrepid Cyclist

In the 1880’s a new sensation was gripping our country. Starting in France earlier in the 19th century, cycling benefited from experimentation on improving the cycle mechanism. By the time cycling reached America, the most popular cycle was the high-wheeler or penny-farthing bike — the name derived from English coins, the penny being large and the farthing small.

Albert Augustus Pope founded the Pope Manufacturing Company in Hartford in 1877. Pope manufactured the bicycle every rider wanted. Called the “Columbia” these bikes were direct drive (i.e., no chain) from the front wheel. Most Pope bikes had a 48 or 52 inch wheel. The brake was a hand operated spoon type which the rider pressed against the tire. One major problem for the rider was first learning to mount on his wheel and, once onboard, not doing a “ header “ over the handlebars. The average speed for the Columbia was 20 miles per hour.

Pottstownians were becoming very interested in this new sporting adventure. In 1884 a local wheelmen group was formed. One of its members was Hugh J. High. Born in Warwick Township on April 26, 1858, High served as a talented musician in the United States Army band from 1880-82. After leaving the army, High was introduced into cycling by his nephew who taught him how to ride the high wheeler. After several bumps and bruises High started riding between Pottstown and Birdsboro every day to give music lessons. In 1884, he traded in the old bike for a 50 inch “Expert Columbia” and rode it to Philadelphia and back. Next, he traveled to Washington, D.C.

At this point High decided to make the trip that would become the talk of the town. He would ride to Seward, Nebraska; visit friends; and ride back to Pottstown. He put together a kit he would need for the trip and left Pottstown on May 4, 1885. After visiting Seward for almost two months, he started back home via a different route via to visit friends in Kansas. At 7:30 pm, on October 10,1885, he arrived back into Pottstown. Members of the cycling club and a band paraded him down High Street. The amazing story is what happened between Pottstown and Nebraska. Learn about it at the Society library.