19th century bicycling — Popular at Stonycreek

Bicycling was gaining favor at Stony Creek.

“Less than two years ago there was not a bicycle in town, and now we have twelve, with the prospects of more in the near future,” the Stony Creek correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 11, 1895.

In other 19th century bicycle news collected from historic newspapers of the region:

• “Our efficient Star carrier has purchased a brand-new bicycle. Look out for a more-prompt delivery, if that is possible,” the Fort Edward correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 11, 1895.
• “Bicycle insurance is a novelty in Glens Falls,” The Morning Star reported on May 16, 1895.

Glens Falls dealership A. A. Budd and Sons offered policies for $6 a year — the equivalent of $224 in 2024 dollars.

The policy covered repairs for a bicycle damaged in an accident, repair of a tire punctured in an accident, replacement of a bicycle destroyed in an accident, and replacement of a bicycle which is stolen.

• “Joseph Richardson of this village has challenged Hilbert Parker of Warrensburg to contest in a bicycle race for a suitable prize, the distance to be anywhere from 100 yards to 100 miles, and the race to take place over the Glens Falls track,” The Morning Star reported on May 15, 1895.

The challenge was accepted, and it was agreed to compete in a 25-mile race at 2:30 p.m. at the Glens Falls track, The Morning Star reported on May 16.

• Hilbert Parker competed in two bicycle races the same evening at Warrensburg, The Morning Star reported on May 20, 1895.

Parker lost to A. J. Latham of Lake George in a one-on-one for a 200-yards dash race, with the prize of a sweater.

Parker won the second event, a one-mile handicap race with six starters.

Parker won a bicycle blanket.

• “Dr. S. J. Banker made a trip to Granville on his bicycle yesterday,” the Fort Edward correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 15, 1895.
• “Bicycles are as numerous here as flies on a lump of sugar. A number of riders passed through here Sunday,” the Middle Granville correspondent reported in The Morning Star on May 24, 1895.
• “Frank Cole of the Farmers’ National Bank made us a flying visit on his bicycle last week,” the North Hebron correspondent reported in The Granville Sentinel on May 31, 1895.

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