This is a big deal. As discussed in previous articles about Black cyclists in the San Francisco Bay area, their events and records were not recognized by other cyclists, because they were not sanctioned by the League of American Wheelmen. Idella Allen's record could not be said to be for all women, because the preeminent local, White women's cycling club declined her challenge, holding the color line. Their refusal was stated in the passive language of referral:
Just how the Athenian Cycling Club will take this challenge and these remarks is not certain, but Mrs. Schlueter, treasurer of the club, when seen to-day was frank to express her individual opinion. In speaking of the matter she said: "I do not think our ladies will care to engage in a race with a colored girl. Of course, that could not be settled except through a meeting of the club, which would have to be called by the President, Mrs. Quintal. If the question. comes before her, I suppose some action may be taken."
Similarly, the request by Captain Harry F. Williams to have the Oakland Cycling Club become a member club of the League of American Wheelmen was submitted to the East (original) division of the L. A. W., which referred it to the Pacific Coast Division, of which Chairman Welch was head. What we can't see - because it wasn't recorded in a newspaper - is the previous attempts by Williams and the O. C. C. to gain legitimacy. I am guessing he tried Welch / Pacific, got no satisfaction, forced the issue by submitting his request to East, which then referred it back to the local division. As we'll see in subsequent articles about Black cycling, he, and the club were very frustrated with their treatment. How did the League respond, locally and nationally? I'll publish that soon, I'm posting these in chronological order. This issue was playing out more broadly, at the same time, see this article about the color line being drawn the previous month, at the Republican National Convention in St. Louis.
COLOR LINE DRAWN. Captain Harry Williams of the Oak Cycling Club, wants
to join L. A. W.
05 Jul 1896, Sun
San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco, California)
Newspapers.com
COLOR LINE DRAWN.
A Cycling Club Which Wants to Join the L. A. W.
OAKLAND. July 4. - Wheelmen are rather disturbed by a very difficult question which has arisen. Captain Harry Williams of the Oak Cycling Club, which is composed entirely of young colored men, has applied for admission to the League of American Wheelmen, and the color line has been drawn. Cyclists here are divided on the proposition. Williams is a young man of good standing, and the club of which he is president is quite an influential organization.
Williams' application is still under consideration, and a decision is expected very soon. Whichever way it is decided there will be considerable feeling over the matter.
HAVE APPLIED AS A CLUB.
Oakland's Colored Cyclers Want to Join the L. A. W.
OAKLAND. July 10. - The Oakland Cycling Club, against the president of which the color line was drawn, has decided to apply for admission to the League of American Wheelmen as an organization, and a letter in which formal application is made went forward to Chairman Welch to-day. The matter forces itself to the front just now because the club has arranged a meet on July 16th and wants to have the races sanctioned by the league. The application of Harry Williams, president of the club, was not made on the Coast, but was sent to the East, and by the officials there referred back to the Coast officials to act upon.
The move of the club was not anticipated, and it is difficult to say what will be done as to its application. There is a revulsion of feeling as to the club and its members, and the opinion is now expressed that the club will be warmly welcomed to the fold of the big organization of wheelmen.
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