COLORED CYCLERS MEET. - San Jose Cyclers - Idla (Idella) Allen of Oakland - The San Francisco Examiner, 18 Sep 1895

COLORED CYCLERS MEET. San Jose Cyclers Idla (Idella) Allen of Oakland 18 Sep 1895, Wed The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

See previous article, chronologically; COLORED "CORKERS." - The Oakland Bicycle Club Has a Gala Day at Shell Mound. - Oakland Tribune, 17 Jul 1895. Idella Allen was a member of the Oakland Bicycle Club, which put on that event, led by Harry F. Williams, Captain of the club. In this article, the San Jose Cyclers, another Black cycling club, put on an event for Black cyclists, and she sets a paced record for 'colored' women, but as we'll see later, it was actually a record for all women, however because the Black cycling clubs were not allowed to join the League of American Wheelmen (more on that, later) the record wasn't recognized. You don't see women get much credit in this era, for cycling achievements, nor do you see non-White cyclists get credit. Idella Allen is important. - MF

COLORED CYCLERS MEET. 

San Jose Men Race, Making Good Time - Women's Record Is Broken. 

SAN JOSE, September 17. - The San Jose Cyclers, the colored organization, held its initial meet at the Garden City Cyclers' track this afternoon. A large crowd of contestants from various parts of the State and Colorado was expected, but few came. The attendance was small, but the sport was sufficiently exciting to interest the spectators to the end.

In an exhibition mile, Miss Idla Allen of Oakland, paced by a tandem, made a mile in 2:59 1-5, which, it is said, reduces the previous Coast record for women 5 4-5 seconds. The evening entertainment and ball was given in Foresters' Hall and the prizes distributed. Summary:

COLORED "CORKERS." - The Oakland Bicycle Club Has a Gala Day at Shell Mound. - Oakland Tribune, 17 Jul 1895

COLORED "CORKERS." The Oakland Bicycle Club Has a Gala Day at Shell Mound. 17 Jul 1895, Wed Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Newspapers.com

There is little mention of Black cyclists in the 19th century. It's as if the big newspapers of the day, the ones that are preserved, that I can search, were written only for white people, for white men. When Black people are mentioned, it's often only from and for the viewpoint of the White, male. What follows is written as a humorous sketch, but it's also the first mention I find of any Black cyclists in my home town, Oakland, or my home region, the San Francisco Bay Area. More to come about the Oakland Bicycle Club (colored), AKA the Oakland Cycling Club. Throughout the articles I could find, there is mention of Black cycling clubs, races, and even a league, but I could find only some references to them, and the people in the stories are barely in the historical record. I apologize for re-sharing hateful words, but I think that this is important history. - MF

COLORED “CORKERS.”

The Oakland Bicycle Club Has a Gala Day at Shell Mound. 

The annual picnic of the Oakland Bicycle Club (colored) was held yesterday at Shell Mound park. The club, 100 strong, paraded Broadway on their way to the park and as the notes of the bugles rang out storekeepers and clerks were edified by a novel spectacle. Stout, thin, tall and long colored men astride their wheels, arrayed in gorgeous uniforms and resplendent with badges, manoeuvered on Broadway in different drills to the amusement of the throng on the sidewalks.

SILENT WHEELS AND LOUD FALLS. - Bicycle Tournament Mechanics' Pavilion - Elwell - cartoons - The San Francisco Call, 20 Feb 1895

SILENT WHEELS AND LOUD FALLS. Bicycle Tournament Mechanics' Pavilion Elwell cartoons 20 Feb 1895, Wed The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

SILENT WHEELS AND LOUD FALLS.

BICYCLISTS WHO TOOK HEAVY HEADERS AT THE PAVILION LAST NIGHT.

THE CURVES ARE DANGEROUS.

TO GUARD AGAINST FATAL ACCIDENTS THE FENCES WILL BE PADDED.

The second night of the bicycle tournament at the Pavilion proved beyond all question that the track constructed with a view for fast racing is a genuine slaughter course. This view was taken by the wheelmen after they had become converted to the idea that something should be done to guarantee the contestants' safety from broken bones. Immediately after the finish of the races a meeting of the bicyclists was held, and the manager promised them that the curves at either end of the course would be arranged to-day in a way that in a case a rider should get a spill he would receive no great injury.

Knave - Picnic Trains to Redwood Canyon - Oakland Tribune, 16 Jun 1968

Picnic Trains to Redwood Canyon, part 1 16 Jun 1968, Sun Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Newspapers.com

Picnic Trains to Redwood Canyon, part 2 16 Jun 1968, Sun Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Newspapers.com

Picnic Trains to Redwood Canyon

THERE was something about boarding the coaches of the old Oakland, Antioch & Eastern electric line and heading for a picnic out among the gloriously secluded and shaded glens and dales of Redwood Canyon that has left an indelible impression with Oakland rail historian Vernon Sappers.

Acme Athletic Club reunion - Dimond Canyon - "old road" - Oakland Tribune, 16 Aug 1925

Acme Athletic Club reunion Dimond Canyon "old road" 16 Aug 1925, Sun Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Newspapers.com

ACME ATHLETIC CLUB WILL HOLD ANNUAL REUNION

Members of Club Long Since Out of Existence to Meet at Redwood Canyon.

In automobiles, by train and on foot, former members of the old Acme Athletic Club, which ceased to exist more than 25 years ago, will journey to Canyon Park, Redwood Canyon, today for their fifth annual reunion and barbecue.

Flocking from all parts of the state between 80 and 100 athletes of former times will gather to talk over the days when John Kitchen, Billie Gallagher and Jim Fox, all members of the club, were heavy, welter and lightweight amateur boxing champions of the Pacific Coast and when the Bay City Wheeling club was defeated in a 100-mile bicycle relay face from San Francisco to Oakland.

Those who intend to journey to the park on foot will meet at the Elks club, 420 Fourteenth street, before 8:30 o'clock. The "E" car will be taken to the end of the line and from there members will hike through Dimond canyon to Snake road summit and then down the "old road" to Canyon Park.

[This 1923 article about hikes, in the Oakland Tribune refers to "... the end of the Park Boulevard (E) car line." The wikipedia article says the E line went to the Claremont Hotel. You would not take a street car to the Claremont Hotel to get to Dimond Canyon. Park Boulevard used to be called 4th Avenue. You can see where it terminates in the 1911 Key Route map, and this would correspond with Park Boulevard and Hollywood Avenue. The "old road" spoken of here is the original Thorn road, built by Hiram Thorn to move cut redwood lumber from his mill to the wharves of Oakland. They would have walked up Park Boulevard, then Snake Road to what's now Huckleberry Botanical Preserve, and then down the "old road," which is now Lower Huckleberry Loop Trail to Lower Pinehurst trail, to Pinehurst road. This is Hiram Thorn's old route. On the other side of the hill it's (nothing) to Sobrante road to Thornhill drive to Mountain Boulevard to Park Boulevard to 13th Street. - MF]

Club members traveling by train will take the Sacramento Short line train leaving Fortieth street and Shafter at 10:10 a.m. Automobiles can get to Canyon Park via the Snake road.

The Acme Athletic club which at one time numbered 850 members, according to Willis Sharpe, in charge of the reunion.

Leader Sharp (Sharpe) has arranged a run for the boys to Redwood canyon next Sunday. - Oakland Tribune, 08 Apr 1891

Leader Sharp (Sharpe) has arranged a run for the boys to Redwood canyon next Sunday. 08 Apr 1891, Wed Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) Newspapers.com

THE ACME ATHLETES. 

An Exhibition Will Be Given at the Oakland Theatre. 

The directors of the Acme Athletic Club will hold an adjourned meeting next Friday night for the purpose of fixing a date for holding their exhibition at the Oakland Theatre. At the recent meeting of the directors it was decided to give the exhibition, but no date was arranged upon. Some of the boys want to have it during this month, while others think it wise not to hold it until the middle of next month. The last exhibition was such a grand financial success that the boys have confidence in giving another entertainment of the same kind.

The handball tournament at the club is creating a great deal of interest among the members and will probably not be terminated until the latter part of the week. Kitchen and Scott are in the lead, having won ten games and lost one. Scanlon and Swales are not far behind in the race, as they have won eight games and lost one. The contest will, no doubt, be a close finish.

Leader Sharp has arranged a run for the boys to Redwood canyon next Sunday. The members the Alpine Athletic Club have been invited to participate in the run. Harvey Sloper and John Grimley have agreed to take the luncheon in a buggy and meet the boys in the canyon. The rup will be about sixteen miles.

Bicycle Notes. - CYCLING NEWS AND COMMENTS. - Liberty Cycling Club - largest bicycle rider - The San Francisco Examiner, 05 Jan 1895

Bicycle Notes. CYCLING NEWS AND COMMENTS. Liberty Cycling Club drawing largest bicycle rider 05 Jan 1895, Sat The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

CYCLING NEWS AND COMMENTS.

The Biggest Bicycle Rider So Far Reported Is Rev. Mr. Frost of San Bernardino.

WITH THE LIBERTY CYCLING CLUB.

What the Cycling World Is Doing - Rain Stops Club Runs - O. C. W. Smoker - Imperials in New Clubhouse.

California now possesses the largest bicycle rider in the world, as well as the amateur champion.

Souvenir history & guide of the Pacific coast, Watkins & Griffin, 1892, African-American guidebook of California

I was looking for something else, and found this:

It's the Souvenir history & guide of the Pacific coast, published by Watkins & Griffin of Oakland, California in 1892, held by the Library of Congress. It's an old, faded pamphlet that's been poorly bound in hardcover, making some of the printed pages unavailable at the binding edge. Lots of ads, some misspellings, grand language. Not that interesting, right? It is, if you look more closely. I'll let the faded text, buried amidst the advertisements do the talking. I'll show it as clippings, color-adjusted to make it more readable. I'll use the page numbering used by archive.org to refer to the pages. I will leave the spelling and grammar as I found it, I think it helps to tell the story. Where words are clipped by the binding, I'll attempt to provide the missing letters. I'll put my comments in italic

Page 5:

This is the front page, I am guessing, of the original pamphlet. Notice "Oakland Cal" in the bottom right, and "Watkins & Griffin" top left, "L. C." top right. I like the colors.

Boyd Gray rides from coast to coast in 1894 - 1895

Who was Boyd Gray?

I know almost nothing about him. I saw mention of his arrival in San Francisco, in a newspaper article, and it made me curious about him. Searching his name - also spelled "Boyd Grey" - showed his journey over time and space, and I was intrigued. What was it like to be a young, black man in New York City in 1894, to have a family at risk due to economic and racial forces, to select as a solution to leave a known place of security and venture out on a massive journey across the continent and back, to serve others, and through serving, to achieve independence? What was that personal journey like? What about the actual journey, first on ordinary bike, then on safety bike, cross the country? Who were his parents? Where was that farm, exactly? Did they end up keeping it? How did that go? What was the rest of his life like? If you know, please tell me.

Racing Men Sue For Prizes. - M. H. de Young ordered to pay The Bearings, August 31, 1894

Racing Men Sue For Prizes.

San Francisco, Cal., August 22. — Three crack racing men, Charles S. Wells, William A. Terrill, and Harry F. Terrill, were given a verdict today in a suit against the California Midwinter International Exposition for prizes won at race meets under the fair management which were not delivered to them after running them. In his testimony, M. H. de Young, with the handle of director-general attached to his name, said that there never was any fair held under the title given above, but that the name was a pretty one which had its origin in the minds of certain newspaper editors, and that he was simply a figure head to the great exposition, and that he was one of the executive committee of fifty who managed the affairs of the exposition. He admitted, however, that the bicycle races were promoted by the fair management. On this showing Judge Dunne gave a verdict to the wheelmen for the amount sued for, $145 and costs. Frank H. Kerrigan, one of San Francisco's brightest young attorneys represented the wheelmen and the L. A. W. His skillful cross-examination of some of the fair officials brought out some queer facts regarding the responsibility of the management in relation to the indebtedness incurred, and to hear them tell the tale one would suppose that they didn't have to pay their just debts unless it so pleased them. In Mr. Kerrigan the L. A. W. has an able representative to look after its rights at the bar of justice.

BICYCLISTS RACE FOR THEIR VERY LIVES - Crack Riders at Mechanics' Pavilion. - San Francisco Chronicle, 19 Feb 1895

BICYCLISTS RACE FOR THEIR VERY LIVES - Crack Riders at Mechanics' Pavilion. 19 Feb 1895, Tue San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

BICYCLISTS RACE FOR THEIR VERY LIVES.

Crack Riders at Mechanics' Pavilion.

Osen, Decker and Byrne Are Winners.

Ziegler Got a Fall and Edwards' Friends Take Him From the Track.

Three thousand people and one bulldog saw any number of athletic young men do fancy things with their wheels at the Mechanics' Pavilion last night. The people were about the same as they always are at such exhibitions, but it was different with the bulldog. That animal was grossly misrepresented, and knew it. It was supposed to be the mascot of the Bay City Wheelmen, and was clad in a red and old gold blanket bearing a Maltese cross and the legend "Mike." Despite this masculine tagging, the festive creature has every reason to believe that she is the mother of several canines, who are very Corbetts in the annals of dog fighting. That was what hurt "Mike" and kept her from being as frolicsome as might be, but when things became exciting she barked just as loudly as if she had not been misrepresented at all.

CYCLING - The Twenty-five Mile Road Race Will Be Run Next Sunday. - Elwell track Mechanics' Pavilion tournament - The San Francisco Call, 24 Feb 1895

Elwell track Mechanics' Pavilion tournament 24 Feb 1895, Sun The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

CYCLING 

The Twenty-five Mile Road Race Will Be Run Next Sunday. 

The attention of the wheelmen from all parts of the State has been centered on the bicycle tournament held at the Mechanics' Pavilion during the past week. On account of some of the severe falls suffered by the riders the first and second nights it was feared the show would not be a success, as the men were afraid to ride on the track, but the management wisely had the turns of the track enlarged and in other ways provided for the comfort and safety of the contestants, and as a result all the best riders took part. The show has created quite a boom in the cycle trade here as well, and, taken altogether, the season of 1895 has had an auspicious opening.

NIGHT PARADE OF CYCLISTS. - THE TOURNAMENT. - Clubs and Counties Will Divide Time - The Championship. - The San Francisco Examiner, 17 Feb 1895

NIGHT PARADE OF CYCLISTS. 17 Feb 1895, Sun The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

NIGHT PARADE OF CYCLISTS.

Over Four Hundred Wheelman Rode in Processional Array Down Town Last Evening.

TO USHER IN THE BIG TOURNAMENT.

All the Principal Clubs of This City, Oakland, San Jose and Stockton Represented With Decorated Wheels.

The bicycle tournament which opens tomorrow evening at the Mechanics' Pavilion was ushered in by a street parade last night in which the leading clubs of this city, Oakland, Stockton and San Jose participated.

PLUCK ON WHEELS. - A Young San Francisco 'Cyclist's Rough Mountain Journey - Sacramento Daily Union, 13 July 1891

J. M. Kreiss made Carson yesterday afternoon 10 Jul 1891, Fri The Daily Appeal (Carson City, Nevada) Newspapers.com

J. M. Kreiss, a San Francisco bicyclist, made Carson yesterday afternoon, having ridden all the way on a Singer Safety. He has been on the road five days and passed through some beautiful country. He leaves to-day for the lake by way of the Placerville road.

PLUCK ON WHEELS. A Young San Francisco 'Cyclists Rough Mountain Journey. 13 Jul 1891, Mon The Record-Union (Sacramento, California) Newspapers.com

PLUCK ON WHEELS.

A Young San Francisco 'Cyclist's Rough Mountain Journey.

Last evening about 9 o'clock J. M. Kreiss, of the Bay City Wheelmen arrived in this city after a long trip on his safety bicycle to Lake Tahoe and vicinity.

He left Sacramento just two weeks ago yesterday, and made Nevada City before dark on that day. From there he struck out over the mountainous road to Tahoe. After spending a day in riding around the lake, he started homeward, and reached this city yesterday after a ride of ninety-five miles during the day. The total distance traveled was 550 miles, and Mr. Kreiss appears to be none the worse for his rough experience. All that he carried was a small bundle tied to the handle of his machine, and a knife and pistol which he had strapped to a belt at his waist. He was attired in an ordinary bicycle suit. 

A number of the Capital City Wheelmen of this city met him, and congratulated him on his successful and daring trip.

FOR THE CYCLE TOURNAMENT. - The Racing Men Who Will Take Part in Next Week's Races. - The San Francisco Examiner, 16 Feb 1895

FOR THE CYCLE TOURNAMENT. The Racing Men Who Will Take Part in Next Week's Races. 16 Feb 1895, Sat The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

FOR THE CYCLE TOURNAMENT.

The Racing Men Who Will Take Part in Next Week's Races.

ARRANGEMENT OF MEN IN HEATS.

Which is the fastest, Ziegler or Edwards? - Wells and Foster to Dispute the Title, Too - Some Fast Class A Men.

It is a much-argued question whether Ziegler is faster than Edwards, and next week they will race against each other. Charles S. Wells and W. F. Foster will also be pitted against them, and there are many believers in each of the four, so that the Pavilion race may settle the question as to the comparative speed of all four. Then there is a host of other fast men to be considered and only the result of the races can give a definite idea bow the men will ride this year.

CYCLE TOURNAMENT ENDED IN GLORY. - The San Francisco Call, 23 Feb 1895

CYCLE TOURNAMENT ENDED IN GLORY. pavilion elwell 23 Feb 1895, Sat The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

CYCLE TOURNAMENT ENDED IN GLORY

EMIL ULBRICHT BEAT THE WORLD'S RECORD FOR TWENTY-FIVE MILES.

CHINESE RACE AND HEADERS.

EXCITING FINISHES WIND UP A GREAT INDOOR MEETING. THE SUCCESSFUL.

The bicycle tournament at the Pavilion was brought to a successful conclusion last evening. A large attendance was present, both afternoon and evening, and the sport was fast and exciting. As a fitting conclusion to this great tournament, Emil Ulbricht of the Bay City Wheelmen made a successful attempt on the world's indoor track record for twenty-five miles and succeeded in lowering it to 1 h. 5 min. 17 2-5 sec, which is nearly three minutes below the best previous performance of the kind. Ulbricht rode at a killing rate of speed the entire distance, and his pacing was excellent.

The Oddest Suburban Town in America - The San Francisco Call, 23 Jul 1899

The Oddest Suburban Town in America 23 Jul 1899, Sun The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

The Oddest Suburban Town in America

PROBLEM; Given a Sandlot and an Old Street Car, Make a Comfortable and Pretty Home Therefrom,

What has been done by the people of that most unique town Carville-by-the-Sea

THE queerest little village in the wide world is Carville-by-the-Sea.

SAN FRANCISCO BICYCLE CLUB. - Informal Opening of Is Comfortable Apartments. - The San Francisco Call, 22 Jun 1890

THE SAN FRANCISCO BICYCLE CLUB Informal Opening of Its Comfortable Apartments 1820 O'Farrell 22 Jun 1890, Sun The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

SAN FRANCISCO BICYCLE CLUB.

Informal Opening of Is Comfortable Apartments. 

The new rooms of the San Francisco Bicycle Club at 1820 O'Farrell street were informally opened last night. The old quarters were at 110 McAllister street, and for the occasion the members brewed a punch, enjoyed a lunch, smoked, played billiards and talked wheeling.

The club was organized in 1879 [1878 - MF] with three members, and seventy-five are now on the roll. The officers are: - George J. Hobe, President; L. D. Owens, Vice President; E. Christ, Secretary; Dr. C. Spencer, Treasurer; F. G. H. Manning, Captain; H. S. Field, C. A. McDonald, Club Committee. The new apartments comprise a parlor, billiard, smoking, wheel, dressing, bath, janitor and locker rooms, and are comfortably furnished. 

The club will visit Walnut Creek to-day, and return by Haywards. On the Fourth of July a three days' trip will be undertaken to San Jose, Mount Hamilton, Los Gatos, Soquel and Santa Cruz, and the races at. San Jose on the first day will be attended.

A ladies' reception will be given next month, at which a "Tour of the World in Thirty Minutes" will be exhibited by magic lantern views.

WHIRLS OF THE WHEELS. - The San Francisco Examiner, 18 Apr 1896

WHIRLS OF THE WHEELS. 18 Apr 1896, Sat The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com

WHIRLS OF THE WHEELS.

The attention attracted by the great hundred-mile race of the California Associated Cycling Clubs shows how widespread is the interest taken in the contest by riders and non-riders alike. So remarkable a finish, after the ups and downs of the various stages of the contest, will not be likely to happen again. One strange feature of it was that it showed in a marked degree all the points of a racing finish, with the one factor of speed eliminated. The riders' faces all had a tense, drawn look in them and their every movement showed they of were traveling at a very slow rate of speed, in having exhausted themselves in the early part at of their ride.