Name/Title
THE ICE VELOCIPEDEEntry/Object ID
L.2012.260Description
As the 19th century progressed, well-to-do and adventurous young Americans embraced the self-propelled mode of transportation known as the velocipede. Different designs rolled out on different numbers and sizes of wheels, before the two-wheeled bicycle won out as the most efficient and easy to ride. As the text that accompanies this engraving in Harper's proclaims, "the moment any style of locomotion creates general excitement, there appears to be a tendency to put the thing on ice." The account states this invention—the ice velocipede—was first reported near a favorite spot for ice-boating further north, but the most recent siting was in Tarrytown. The contraption, outfitted with a spiked front wheel for grip and two small blades for stability, evidently allowed for a high rate of speed. Nonetheless, it appears that the ice velocipede never caught on the way fair-weather bicycles did. This image may be the only record of a short-lived experiment in ice sports.
Engraving of man on one-wheeled vehicle traveling on ice; bearded man sits at center, pedaling large wheel with spikes; frame extends to two runners at back (like those of ice boat); ice boat at center left in distance; mountain in distance; related paragraph: "THE ICE VELOCIPEDE," at left; at top left printed, "124"; at top center printed, "HARPER'S WEEKLY."; at top right printed, "[FEBRUARY 20, 1869."; additional text and images on page; image at center: "TERRIBLE DISASTER AT DANBURY, CONNECTICUT, JANUARY 31, 1869--RUINS OF THE UPPER DAM."; image at bottom: "SCENE OF THE DISASTER AT DANBURY, CONNECTICUT, JANUARY 31--HEAD OF MAIN STREEET."; text on verso.Made/Created
Artist Information
Artist
UnknownAttribution
ArtistManufacturer
Harper's WeeklyDate made
Feb 20, 1869Dimensions
Dimension Description
OverallHeight
15-15/16 inWidth
11-1/16 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 15 15/16 x 11 1/16 in. (40.5 x 28.1 cm)Condition
Notes
Remarks: Paper is yellowed with multiple creases; ragged right edge where page was removed from journal; diagonal crease through image at top left; diagonal crease at bottom left; tears (2) at center of bottom edge; stains at bottom right; accretion at center of right edge.Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
William DieboldNotes
Former ownerGeneral Notes
Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
This object was accessioned in 2012, but it was acquired earlier [Jessa J. Krick, 4/12/2012].Note Type
General NoteNote
Paragraph states that the ice velocipede was observed on the ice near Tarrytown.Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Administrative Office, Archive Room, Shelf O3, B8Note Type
DepartmentNote
Library