Introduction
By Phil Cohen
The development of the bicycle spawned much enthusiasm in the 1890s. Bicyclists, or as they were called in those times, Wheelmen, formed clubs, a national association, held races, conventions, and all matter of social events. Three clubs were of note in Camden, the Camden Wheelmen, the Century Wheelmen, and the Stockton Wheelmen, who hailed from what was then the Town of Stockton, which became part of Camden in 1899.
Phil Cohen
The Camden Wheelmen
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Carteret Club Minstrel Entertainment
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Camden Wheelmen Christmas Open House
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The Camden Wheelmen
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Pres. Robt. Allgorn — Recording Secy. W. C. Driver — Capt. & Rec. Secy. Thomas J. Clasby
The Camden Wheelmen antedate the Century Wheelmen of this city by some years, and can boast of more than one “pet” of the club, but it was not long ere the accession to their already large membership, from various parts of the city, suggested an elevation of their name that improved their standing.
The first hit made by the Camden boys was the capture of a prize at the Dell, and of other trophies at Absecon and Long Branch. Hard prize winning at the Camden bicycle park. The “Washington monument dedication” was another, a wonderful demonstration, not to speak of the so-called bicycle races held at the same time in connection with the marches and plain quadrille executed among for the first time in Camden.
Nor are their laurels of the gay and frolic kind only, as is testified by the century medals, sashes and prizes with which a certain walnut cabinet is laden, in their well-appointed club house, at 635 Clinton street.
They now number over 100 members, one-fourth of whom belong to the L. A. W.
Their officers are John P. Alleborn, president; Thomas J. Clasby, captain, who keeps up the reputation of his predecessor, Captain Robinson, for looking after the ladies’ runs with especial care; Harry Burrough, who has probably done more for the club since its formation than any other member, and holds the post of financial secretary; John Driver, recording secretary and bugler, who is also bugler of the Sixth Regiment.
Carteret Club Disbanded
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The Century Wheelmen
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A. F. Richter, President Century Wheelman, of Camden.
The Century Wheelmen’s club of our sister city across the Delaware owes its existence to Benjamin McNeilly, Thomas Peak, Frank Dumphreys and L. James, who started its organization on June 23, of last year. The first corps of officers were President, Harry Rogers; vice-president, George Armstrong; secretary, George Armstrong; treasurer, I. James; captain, L. James; first lieutenant, Thomas Fisher; second lieutenant, Benjamin McNeilly; color bearers, Frank Dumphreys and Frank Christie.
After the usual migrations common to all young organizations, the C. W. settled down for good at 523 South Fifth street, Camden, where the healing of every member and the proceeds benefited at the Walnut Street Theatre enabled them to outfit their nest in elegant style.
Among their 217 members are to be found several well-known track riders, and the fact of their capturing the first out of town prizes on the recent Kenilworth special and the Keystone special stamps the club at large as a body of hard road riders.
The present officers of the club are: President, A. F. Richter; vice-president, S. McCann; recording secretary, G. F. Mansfield; financial secretary, F. S. Rogers; treasurer, W. Schaeffer. Trustees, J. W. Taylor, Thomas Fisher, F. S. Rogers, F. Dumphreys and L. Frost. House Committee, H. Lawrence, G. F. Mansfield and B. A. Washburne. Captain, B. A. Washburne.
The Crescent Wheelmen
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The Crescent Wheelmen — Edward Holloway — Walter R. Stanton — Sidney P. McCord — Edmund Pike
Samuel Easton — John Hurley — Samuel Hurff — Ulie G. Lee — John H. Scott — A.J. Larkin — Frank S. Albright — Casper Walter — George Petri — Albert Petri — Charles S. Toy — Harry C. Willets — Wilford Wilkinson — Harry Marsh — Joseph Haines — Samuel Ladd — Thomas Wagner — William Holman — William Bowen
The Stockton Wheelmen
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Contractor Frank A. Ward has started the work of macadamizing Cooper avenue from the Moorestown turnpike to the Delaware River, which, when completed, will be the best paved thoroughfare in the town. As soon as the road is completed the Stockton Wheelmen will give a bicycle parade.
The Stockton Wheelmen have nearly completed arrangements for a trip to Boston. The trip will begin on Decoration Day, and it will require about a week’s time. Twenty members have, so far, decided to participate.
John Cullingford has been presented with a handsome gold medal for riding 3000 miles on his wheel.
The League of American Wheelmen
League of American Wheelmen