Tuesday, July 12, 2016

New Bicycle Display at Versailles Area Museum

Can you feel that warm summer breeze blowing gentle on your face as you peddle the back roads of North Star or Willowdell on your shinny new bicycle? What if that bike were a Dayton or Hawthorn? You say you’ve never heard of these bicycles? Well a trip to the Versailles Museum will give you a sample of early bicycles rode on the back roads of Shelby and Darke County at the end of the 19th century.

Thanks to the generosity of Evelyn and Art Gaier, the VAM is pleased to open their newest display of bicycling in our area, “Peddling Down the Road”. The display includes a wonderful panoramic photo of early Versailles around 1908 taken for the book “Views of Versailles” probably from the top of the old Elevator located near the corner of Williams and Main streets.

Bicycles are arranged to show off their original look. Painstakingly restored and prepared for this display, Mr. Gaier has spent many hours in prepareing for this notable display.

Two unique pieces include a big wheeler complete with a replica of the riders outfit, and an Irish Mailer that any child would enjoy.

Most of these wonderful bicycles have not been seen in our museum before. An exception to that would be the very popular previously displayed “Fairy Cart” that appeared several years ago on our “Street Where You Lived” display.

To enhance this wonderful display, cabinet items include wonderful accessories for your bicycle. This includes early lighting, bells and whistles, all to make your ride the safest and best around.

We invite you to drop by and enjoy this display as well as the continuing displays of the 65th Annual Poultry Days, 35th Jeff Warick Ultimate Tournament, and of course our “Brides Through the Years”.

The museum is open each Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment.

This summer our famous apple dumplings, homemade desserts and ice cream will be available at the Fireman’s Convention in Heritage Park on Friday evening July 29th and Saturday afternoon July 30th. Don’t miss this once a year event of deliciousness!

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