Seven women and one man ride on a bicycle built for eight, ca. 1895. During the 1890s bicycles became increasingly popular throughout the United States. Three thousand eighty-five different bicycle brands were produced in the United States during the years between 1890 and 1918, many of them made in Milwaukee, Janesville, and Appleton, Wisconsin. As bicycles became increasingly available, bicycle clubs were formed throughout the United States. In Green Bay, the Pastime Bicycle Club was started in the spring of 1895 by a small group of bicyclists. By the end of 1896, this social club had nearly 200 members and owned a set of clubrooms on Washington Street. Its membership also began its own newspaper and sponsored a series of winter dances, summer races and outings into the country. Due in part to several unsuccessful events, the club was disbanded in 1900.

Photo #6209.85.