"Trilby" Fowler, the Trick Bicyclist and Terror of Golden Gate Avenue. - San Francisco Call, Volume 82, Number 63, 2 August 1897

San Francisco Call, Volume 82, Number 63, 2 August 1897

"Trilby" Fowler, the Trick Bicyclist and Terror of Golden Gate Avenue.

A young man whose general name on Golden Gate avenue is "Trilby the Terror" is perhaps the liveliest kid ot all the tribe of experts that does trick bicycle riding on the Pacific coast. The young man's real name is Fowler, and he rides all over Golden Gate avenue in the most reckless manner imaginable. It is said by Dr. Creeley and others who have studied his actions for some months that young Fowler is the most interesting of all the strange characters that infest the avenue from dawn until sunset, for he is ever active and ever full of new tricks. One of his favorite schemes is to ride up behind a heavy dray, throw the front wheel on the four-wheeled vehicle, jerk the hind wheel up afterward, pat the driver on the back, say "Hello," and depart like a wraith of the mountain or an elf of the valley. He has also been known to ride up the steps of a private residence, ring the doorbell, run down again backwards, and cause great consternation all over the block. Once he appeared to lose all control of himself on the thoroughfare, throw his arms wildly into the air, let his legs go in a rickety manner, and appear to be rushing headlong into disaster just as a team approached, and then recover himself in a moment, whisk out of the way and say "Hello" to alarmed pedestrians and terrified drivers on the way. It is freelv predicted by Dr. Creeley and hundreds of others who have carefully observed the reckless young man's conduct that his body will land at the Morgue some day, but "Trilby" is a genuine fatalist and says he will never die until the appointed day, which he says is far in the future. He is a bright and venturesome young man and he has attracted the attention of thousands who frequent the avenue. It is said he has a professional ambition, and that he will soon give to hard study much of the energy he now devotes entirely to the cultivation of agility on the wheel.

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The Cycle age and trade review
by National Association of Cycle Dealers
Publication date 1897

THREE WEEKS' RACING. 

CALIFORNIANS COMPETE IN HONOLULU.

George Sharrick Wins the Lion's Share of the Money - Good Races Attended by the Notables.

Honolulu, Nov. 17. - Never in the history of cycling in Hawaii have such crowds been in attendance at races, as have turned out to the contests at the new bicycle park, Cyclomere. Pleasant weather was experienced during the three weeks of racing, despite the fact that it was the commencement of the rainy season. The California team, composed of Allan Jones, George Sharrick, Dan E. Whitman, “Trilby’’ Fowler, and Manager D. L. Conkling, was present.

...

“Trilby' Fowler was the lion of the town "kids," and gave some very fine performances, particularly so on the last Saturday evening, when Princess Kaiulani occupied the pavilion. Most of his work was done in front of this stand, and when at the end of his exhibition he rode into the lake, inside the track, the crowd went wild. The princess recognized his ability and her pleasure by sending him a handsome wreath of Hawaiian flowers.

November 13.

One-mile novice-Lloyd, first; Cowes, second. Time, 3:00.

One-mile open, professional-Sharrick, first; Jones, second; Whitman, third. Time, 2:36.

Two-thirds-mile handicap, professional-Whitman, 50 yards, first; Sharrick, scratch, second; Jones, scratch, third. Time, 1:29 4/5.

Half-mile open, Orientals-E. Kong, first; Ozawa, second. Time, 1:21 4/5.

One-mile handicap. amateur-H. Giles, first; Ludloff, second. Time, 2:29 2/5.

Matchrace: mille heats, besttWOin three–T.V. King and Fred Damon. Won by Damon.

The Y. M. C. A. gave a reception to the visiting wheelmen with a programme consisting of music, by the Y. M. C. A. quartette, the Quintette Club (Hawaiians), and an exhibition of club swinging with illuminated clubs. “Trilby' Fowler gave an exhibition of trick riding. The various agents had exhibits of their wheels, etc. The next meet will be held on or about January 1, when more coast riders will

participate.

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Los Angeles Herald, Number 89, 28 December 1899

TRILBY FOWLER HURT
Falls From His Wheel and Lands on His Head

"Trilby" Fowler, the expert trick and racing wheelman, met with a severe accident on Christmas morning, one which for a time threatened to end fatally. Fowler resides at the house of Mr. Slocum at 822 East Twenty-fifth street. He was riding to his home, with a friend, on East Washington just east of Main street, when the two wheels came too close together. Either the pedals or handle bars clashed, it is not known which, and Fowler was thrown well up in the air, coming down on his shoulder, the back of his head striking the earth with fearful force. Fowler was taken to a neighboring drug store and thence, after a quick examination, to his home. His skull was found not to be fractured, but he was badly shaken and he had a lump on his head as big as a man's fist. He was slow to recover consciousness, and it was feared his brain had been hurt, but the doctors now pronounce him out of danger, though he will be confined to his bed for a week or ten days.

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San Francisco Call, Volume 87, Number 164, 13 May 1901

GARDEN CITY WHEELMEN CAPTURE THE BIG HUNDRED-MILE RELAY RACE

Found on Newspapers.com

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Los Angeles Saturday Post (1902)

Chutes Park and Theater.
An augmented midway, and warm weather with good music has added to the drawing power of Chutes Theatre and Park during the past week. The Ferris Wheel is now un [sic] the only one west of the Rocky Mountains, in full running order, and is one of the strongest attractions. Lorita, one of the world's greatest wonders, attracts undivided attention; the Madagascar Snake King, Bosco, has held a reception every afternoon and evening and is a strong feature of the midway program. Juno the divine, and the moving picture show presents one of the best entertainers on the grounds. For another week a verv entertaining free outdoor performance is that of Mr. F. A. Dufty, the world's greatest high diver, who will give exhibitions both afternoon and evening. The vaudleville bill at the Chutes theatre for the coming week will include the Cary Brothers, the South African Musical clowns, Trilby Fowler, in his famous sketch of "Foxy Grandpa, a unique bicycle act which is a jolly surprise and all who see him. Tony "Always", the celebrated Hawaiian tenor, in a new series of songs illustrated with views of Hawaii, the beautiful island of the Central Pacific, Miss Beatrice Finn, the charming California soprano, in a new series of ballads and musical selections. The Vitoscope, presenting new views and up-to-date program of moving pictures. Besides these features there is the band promenade concert Sunday afternoon and at night the sacred concert. The Zoo, with its many attractions, the boxing bears, educated seals, and the greatest monkey carnival in California.

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San Francisco Chronicle 15 Oct 1916

“Trilby” Fowler Joins Howard Sales Force
Well-Known Expert to Sell Buick Cars Here
Harry C. “Trilby” Fowler has joined the Howard Auto Company’s sales force. Fowler is one of the oldest and best known automobile men on the Pacific Coast and has been actively engaged in the automobile industry since 1902. Prior to that time he served an apprenticeship in the bicycle business under J. W. Leavitt.
Fowler has a national reputation as a trick bicycle rider and as a driver of racing cars. He was with Barney Oldfield’s racing organization for two years and also has the distinction of having driven the first automobile in the Klondike. His trip to Dawson was made in the summer of 1907.
In speaking of the automobile industry, Fowler says: The thing about the Buick car that particularly appeals to me is the fact that for fourteen years the Buick factory has been working on one type of construction. The Buick engineers have certainly proved the correctness of the valve-in-head motor design and their claim to power, speed and endurance is well founded.

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Motorcycle Illustrated - Page 28 - Google Books Result
1916 - ‎Motorcycles

'FRISCO CELEBRATES ITS BICYCLE DAY
More Than 500 Cyclists Ride Out to Golden Gate Park Stadium Where a Huge Crowd of Fans Gathered for the Stirring Race Meet Old Timers Mounted on High Wheelers in Parade

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Those who entered were Orlando Stevens, Jack Cunningham, "Babe" Gibson, Mike Lind, Harry Wood, Mike Dallenberger, of Denver, Bob Terrill and Harry Fowler This race started to the tune of "Silver Threads Among the Gold" but finished in lively fashion, Bob Terrill crossing the line in 2:07 1/2 with Lind a close second and Fowler and Cunningham tying for their. [sic] After this race a lot of the oldtimers were lined up opposite the grandstand and introduced, including Judge Frank H Kerrigan, of the Appellate Court; Supervisor Jack Hynes, Frank E Carroll, chairman of the Bicycle Day committee; Walter Foster of the Bay City Club; Joe Desimone, of the Garden City; Harry Fowler,  Robert Long, Tony Delmas.
Harry "Trilby" Fowler, who has not been riding for ten years, gave an exhibition of fancy riding, showing the youngsters the tricks they used to do in the old days, and he was very nearly up to his old form, giving an exhibition that was full of pep, and was greeted with much applause. His appearance was the signal for a hearty yell from the Bay City Club of which he was a prominent member