<p>Evel Knievel was born in Butte, Montana on October 17, 1938 as Robert Craig Knievel. He had a number of professions over the years, although some may be his own tall tales (swindler, safe cracker, holdup man). He got in trouble for popping a wheelie on mining equipment in his home town. Knievel once owned a Honda motorcycle dealership where he offered a $100 discount to customers who could beat him in arm wrestling.</p><p>The world-renowned motorcycle stunt daredevil defied death countless times and always survived, even if he broke a bone - or a lot of bones. He called it quits after a 1976 stunt - jumping over a tank of sharks - caused major injuries, but couldn't resist a few more smaller stunts with his only son, Robbie, who followed his dad into the daredevil business. Toys with an Evel Knievel theme grossed $300 million in the 1970s and 1980s. Two movies about his life have been made and a limited television series about Knievel was about to be produced in 2020 before the pandemic halted work.</p><p>The end came quietly one day at the age of 69. Evel, who suffered from pulmonary fibrosis in his later years, had trouble breathing and an ambulance was called to his condominium in Clearwater, Florida. The man who had defied death so many times before passed away on November 30, 2007 before the ambulance could reach a hospital. He left behind two ex-wives, four children, ten grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.</p>

2013 book on collecting Evel Knievel stunt toys (Sluice Publishing)

Website

Video

Popular Evel Knieval toys from the 1970s by IDEAL

Knievel's surprise tie to Topeka daredevil (Chilson 2016)

Located next to a historic building on the former Kansas State Fair complex, this museum is home to the world's largest collection of historic memorabilia, jump bikes, and performance leathers of daredevil Evel Knievel. The museum offers interactive exhibits where one can feel what it was like to fly through the air on his motorcycle, jumping over Greyhound buses, sharks, or seemingly whatever else he could dream up. The museum was built in 2016 by the adjacent motorcycle dealership's owner, Mike Patterson.

Evel Knievel Museum

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This trail is a work in progress... more entries will be added soon

Industry developed early in Springfield, driven by the power harnessed from the Connecticut River. In the eighteenth century, numerous mills were established in the city, and the establishment in 1794 of a United States Armory in the city led to increased industrial development. Industry continued to flourish in the nineteenth century following the construction of the Springfield and New London Railroad in 1870, and the city gradually became a railroad center as well.<br><br>In the late nineteenth century, a number of industrial buildings were constructed near the intersection of State Street and Wilbraham Road, which was near a stop on the newly constructed Springfield and New London Railroad. Because of the presence of the Armory in Springfield, munitions manufacturing had long been a major part of the city's economy, and the first building constructed on what would become Winchester Square was the Bullard Repeating Arms Company, which was built in 1883.<br><br>The Bullard Repeating Arms Company didn't last for long, and eventually the building that housed the company was purchased by George Hendee, who moved his motorcycle company to the site. His company, originally known as Hendee Manufacturing Company, was later renamed the Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company (the "r" was originally left out of motorcycle). Hendee greatly enlarged the building's size, adding two stories to the original building and adding other structures as well. The company would eventually occupy a triangular parcel between State Street and Wilbraham Road, a far larger space than the original Bullard building. By 1914, Indian, known as the first American motorcycle, was world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles.<br><br>Indian Motocycle Manufacturing Company continued to operate out of the Springfield facility until 1953, when it closed. Since that time, the buildings have been used for numerous purposes and some have been demolished. The original building was preserved and after sitting vacant for a number of years, it was recently restored and converted into apartments. Winchester Square was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

For much of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Springfield was known as "the city of firsts." Industry was an important part of the city's economy, and Springfield produced numerous "firsts"--the first gasoline-powered automobile and the first motorized fire engine, to name just two. It was also in Springfield that the Indian Motorcycle was created, its developers becoming the first successful motorcycle manufacturers in the United States. The massive Indian Motorcycle was located in what is now the Winchester Square Historic District, home to much of Springfield's industry. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 


Indian Motorcycle Factory and Winchester Square Historic District

Motorcycle enthusiast Gerald Doering raced Indian Time Lines in the late 1940s and began collecting motorcycles in 1949 and continued to do so for 60 years. His son, Ted, started to build choppers in the 1960s and collected Harley Davidsons as well as others.&nbsp;

Founded in 2011, the Motorcyclepedia Museum, located in Newburgh, New York, contains 500 motorcycles with the earliest dating to 1897. Brands include Harley Davidson and Indian Time Line, and the museum also features choppers (custom motorcycles) built in the 1960s-70s as well as police and military motorcycles. The museum also features three motordromes, which are large round wooden structures in which a performer rides a motorcycle. The Indian Time Line collection is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring bikes from 1901-1953. One of the police motorcycles was in President John F. Kennedy's motorcade in Dallas when he was assassinated.

Motorcyclepedia Museum

<p><b>Establishing the America on Wheels Museum</b><br></p>
<p>Although the America on Wheels Museum attracts thousands of visitors every year from around the country, it only dates back to 2008 when the museum finally opened its doors.&nbsp;</p><p>However, Allentown city officials were announcing plans to revitalize the old industrial area of the city back in 1989. Part of these plans included a museum along the Lehigh River, and because of fundraising and environmental issues, among many others, development of a museum was delayed.&nbsp;</p><p>Yet, community officials strived, and after three groundbreaking attempts and raising nearly $17 million in funds, the America on Wheels Museum officially opened.</p>
<p><b>Exhibits and Automobile Collections</b></p>
<p>Traveling through all the exhibits at the museum takes about 1.5 hours, though visitors are welcome to stay as long as they would like. With 5 galleries and 75 historic and rare vehicles, many museum-goers have claimed to spend all day looking through the various exhibits.<sub>1</sub>&nbsp;</p><p>Upon entering the Main Entrance, visitors first experience a collection of spacelike&nbsp;‘50s automobiles typical to the time period.&nbsp;Moving onwards, visitors come across community utility vehicles, while the interactive exhibits in the Lobby/Corridor Gallery detail the other exhibits in the museum.</p><p>One of the most significant parts of the collection is the 1889 Nadig Gas-Powered Carriage, which was one of the first vehicles driven in the United States. Visitors can also explore an 1885 high wheeler bike, a 1919 Mack AB Truck, a 1929 Indian Scout, and much more. Each exhibit also features an interactive section that allows further education on the history and development of the featured vehicles. These interactive exhibits also allow people to sit in various vehicles, ranging from Indy racecars to Mack trucks.<sub>2</sub>&nbsp;</p>
<p><b>Education and Entertainment Offerings</b></p>
<p>In addition to its massive collection, the America on Wheels Museum is dedicated to providing the community with a new way to experience the history of transportation technology. For example, some community programs offered at the museum include the “Magic Seat Belt Tour,” lessons about how an engine works, museum scavenger hunts, and much more.&nbsp;</p><p>Also, the museum hosts several well-attended events throughout the year, such as free senior nights, auto shows, canned good drives, Kidventure days, and automotive flea markets, among many others.<sub>3</sub>&nbsp;</p>

America has catered a love affair with automobiles since the turn of the 20th century, and the American on Wheels Museum captures this vibrant enthusiasm for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. In essence, America on Wheels celebrates the rich history of transportation in the United States, and it stands as a community treasure that collects and preserves over 75 cars, trucks, motorcycles, and bikes. 

Including a Mack Truck collection, unique 1920s pickup trucks, and several biannual rotating exhibits that focus on different facets of automobile history, the 43,000-square-foot museum tells the story of automobiles from the carriage days to the future of transportation. Furthermore, each exhibit in this museum seeks to bring the displayed vehicles to life through time-period mannequins and scenes, all of which transport visitors in a variety of different locales and decades in Americana history.

America on Wheels Museum

<div><div>Highlights of the museum include the oldest known Harley-Davidson motorcycle in existence called "Serial Number One," which is enclosed in a glass case, a replica wooden board track to highlight the motorcycle racing history of the 1920s (the sport was banned because it was so dangerous; many lost their lives), and replica bikes ridden by actor Peter Fonda. Other aspects are explored as well including Harley-Davidson clubs and the company's influence on the American culture and the world. This state of the art facility also includes a restaurant, gift shops, and an archives. Located on the riverfront, the museum also offers fantastic views of Wisconsin's largest city while enriching visitors in the history of Harley Davidson motorcycles. The museum is also close to Miller Park where the Milwaukee Brewers play, and is close to the breweries the city is also famous for.&nbsp;<br><br>Childhood friends William Harley and Arthur Davidson founded the company in Milwaukee in 1903. They began building engines out of available parts within a small wooden shack. Within a few years, they were able to open a small factory and quickly&nbsp;grew their company and developed the company's iconic V-shaped engine. The company&nbsp;soon sold their products to the American military, which bought tens of thousands of bikes during World War I. While the nation was home to dozens of motorcycle companies in the early 20th century, Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle were the only two American motorcycle manufacturers to&nbsp;survive the Great Depression. As a result, the U.S. military again placed large orders with Harley-Davidson during World War II.<br><br>Harley-Davidson experienced changes in ownership in the 1960s, and the company went public in 1965. A decline in finances saw AMF sell its stake back to the current owners, which included members of the founding families. The Davidson family’s involvement in the day-to-day running of the company continues, with Willie G. Davidson serving as President of Styling.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>The ‘80s and ‘90s saw the introduction of famous model families that continue to this day, like the Softail, FLT and Road King lines, joining classic models like the Electra Glide. In the ‘90s Harley-Davidson also solidified its hold over Buell motorcycles, taking a controlling stake in the American sportbike/street bike manufacturer and selling Buell motorcycles at many locations.&nbsp;<br></div><div><br></div><div>Since the turn of the century, Harley-Davidson has retained its image as a classic American symbol of transportation. But the company is reaching out to other riders with the introduction of more performance-oriented models, like the V-Rod – significant as the first liquid-cooled production Harley. As the current riding demographic ages, Harley is working to build products that appeal to younger consumers. The company is also working to build its international consumer base, a task that became difficult in the summer of 2018 when European companies announced retaliatory tariffs in response to President Donald Trump's tariffs on foreign products.&nbsp;</div></div>

This museum offers exhibits that share the history of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the growth and evolution of motorcycle culture in America and around the world. While the museum opened in 2008, the company dates back to 1903 when William Harley and Arthur Davidson began building and selling motorcycles out of a shed and small machine shop in Milwaukee. One of only two American motorcycle companies to survive the Great Depression, the company grew in the second half of the 20th century and became one of the most iconic American businesses by popularizing motorcycles and motorcycle culture around the globe. The museum includes hundreds of historic motorcycles and thousands of artifacts related to the history of the company and the culture of motorcycle life that is deeply connected to Harley-Davidson. The museum is divided into several thematic exhibits that include engines, gas tanks, and items related to motorcycles and popular culture. 

Harley-Davidson Museum

<p>The museum features permanent and changing exhibits. The permanent Barn Find exhibit recreates what one an old American barn may look like with long-unused motorcycles, old oil cans, and old farm equipment. The Early American Transportation Innovation exhibit features 15 early motorcycles, two cycle cars, a dozen bicycles, and the Gnome-Omega Rotary airplane. The museum also features a restored 1920s Shell steel, modular gasoline station. It includes gravity pumps, a bulk oil tank, and an attendant's office.</p><p>The museum features several notable motorcycles including the Evel Knievel X2 Rocket Bike (there are also many Evel Knievel autographed prints and posters), a 1952 Vincent "Red" Rapide, a 1909 Royal Pioneer, a 1955 Goggo 200 DeLuxe Scooter, an Indian Scout "Big Base", and a 1936 Harley Davidson VLD. The museum moved to its current location in 2010, which is a much larger space than where it was in downtown Anamosa.</p>

<p>Established in 1898, the National Motorcyle Museum celebrates the history of motorcycling. It is located next to Highway 151 and features an impressive array of over 500 motorcycles on display from the United States, Japan, England and Europe. The museum also includes numerous photographs, memorabilia, apparel, movie posters, advertising art, period accessories and parts, and motorcycle toys. There is also a collection of vintage bicycles and a seven-cylinder 1914 Gnome-Omega Rotary engined airplane, which is believed to be the oldest airplane in United States in its original condition.</p>

National Motorcyle Museum

<p>The origins of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally date back to 1938 when a local motorcycle club called the Jackpine Gypsies held the first rally, which featured just one a race called the "Black Hills Classic." The club itself was founded by Clarence "Pappy" Hoel, who passed away in 1989. Over time, the rally grew and eventually included hill climb and motorcross races. Except during World War II, the rally has taken place every year since 1938. Today, it is one of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of people each year. The museum was established in 2001 and is located at the intersection of Junction Ave. and Main Street. </p>

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the culture and history of motorcycling. To this end, the museum collects motorcycles and memorabilia, and honors the individuals in the hall of fame who have made an a positive impact in the motorcycling community. Visitors to the museum will see 85 vintage motorcycles on display, some of which are very rare, as well as art, photographs, patches, and a variety of other motorcycle-related items. Notable motorcycles include the 1982 Harley Davidson FXR Super Glide 2, the 1912 "Flying Merkel", a 1922 ACE Inline 4, and Cabana Dan's Triple Lindy. The museum also the story of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which occurs every year in August. 

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame

<p>Evel Knievel was born in Butte, Montana on October 17, 1938 as Robert Craig Knievel. He had a number of professions over the years, although some may be his own tall tales (swindler, safe cracker, holdup man). He got in trouble for popping a wheelie on mining equipment in his home town. Knievel once owned a Honda motorcycle dealership where he offered a $100 discount to customers who could beat him in arm wrestling.</p><p><br /></p><p>The world-renowned motorcycle stunt daredevil defied death countless times and always survived, even if he broke a bone - or a lot of bones. He called it quits after a 1976 stunt - jumping over a tank of sharks - caused major injuries, but couldn't resist a few more smaller stunts with his only son, Robbie, who followed his dad into the daredevil business. Toys with an Evel Knievel theme grossed $300 million in the 1970s and 1980s. Two movies about his life have been made and a limited television series about Knievel was about to be produced in 2020 before the pandemic halted work.</p><p><br /></p><p>The end came quietly one day at the age of 69. Evel, who suffered from pulmonary fibrosis in his later years, had trouble breathing and an ambulance was called to his condominium in Clearwater, Florida. The man who had defied death so many times before passed away on November 30, 2007 before the ambulance could reach a hospital. He left behind two ex-wives, four children, ten grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.</p>

<div>Birmingham, Alabama native George Barber modified, raced and maintained Porsches in the 1960s (63 first-place wins). He started collecting and restoring classic sports cars in 1989, but his interest soon turned to motorcycles. Barber recognized that there was not a museum which reflected the history of motorcycles from a global perspective. He wanted to preserve motorcycle history in the United States in a way that represents an international aspect and to supply an example of motorcycles that until then could only have been seen in books and magazines. This was the theme used in the mission and development of the Barber collection.</div><div><br></div><div>The collection grew with the assistance of skilled restorers that worked for Barber at a secluded location in Birmingham that once housed a commercial vehicle refurbishing facility. Out of the same shop a vintage motorcycle race team operated with the challenge of maintaining and racing historically significant machinery. These bikes were routinely campaigned around the United States and Europe so that they could be enjoyed and appreciated in their original setting, rather than collecting dust in a garage. This racing effort brought the Barber Team 7 National Championships in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) and helped secure a credible place for the collection in the community of motorcycle enthusiasts.</div><div><br></div><div>In 1994, the Barber collection became the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum when it was granted a 501(c)3 not for profit status. On March 14, 1995, the museum was officially opened to the public in the original secluded location on Birmingham's Southside. The museum operated here until November 1, 2002. The Museum reopened at its new location at the Barber Motorsports Park on September 19, 2003. Along the way vehicles from the museum’s collection have been featured in exhibits around the world. Twenty one motorcycles were selected for the famed Art of the Motorcycle exhibit at the Guggenheim’s New York and Bilbao, Spain location as well as the Field Museum in Chicago. England’s Goodwood Festival of Speed has featured cars from the Barber collection. Birmingham’s own Museum of Art has conducted a special exhibit featuring motorcycles from the Barber collection.</div><div><br></div><div>The collection now has over 1200 vintage and modern motorcycles and as well as a substantial collection of Lotus and other racecars. It is considered the largest collection of its type in North American and possibly the world. There are approximately 600 of the collection’s 1200 motorcycles on display at any given time. These bikes range from 1902 to current-year production. Bikes from 20 countries represent 200 different manufacturers. The common street bike is represented, as well as rare, one-off Gran Prix race machinery. Bikes have been purchased from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden, but also as close as down the street.<br></div>

Home to the world’s best motorcycle collection, the museum now has over 1200 vintage and modern motorcycles and racecars and the largest collection of Lotus cars as well as other significant makes. The collection is the largest of its kind in the world. There are approximately 600 of the 1200 motorcycles on display at any given time. These bikes range from 1902 to current-year production. The museum displays common street bikes as well as rare one-off Gran Prix race machinery.

American Motorcycle Heritage Trail

Evel Knievel Museum

Introduction

Images

Backstory and Context

Sources

Additional Information