Boston’s Cycling Craze, 1880-1900

For Immediate Release
Contact: Henry Ferrini – 978-281-2355

Gloucester Writers Center and the RAPHA SUPER CROSS GLOUCESTER sponsor presentation by author Lorenz J. Finison on “Boston’s Cycling Craze, 1880-1900.
September 27th, 2014, 7:30 PM
Cultural Center of Rocky Neck, 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester

There will be a presentation and book signing by Lorenz J. Finison, founding member of Cycling through History and author of Boston’s Cycling Craze, 1880-1900 on Saturday evening at 7:30 at the Cultural Center of Rocky Neck. The event will follow the Pro Cyclocross Race held Saturday at Stage Fort Park. Finison explores the rise of Boston Cycling through the lives of several participants, including Kittie Knox, a bi-racial twenty year-old seamstress: Mary Sargent Hopkins, publisher of the Wheelwoman; and Abbot Bassett, a vocal cycling advocate for forty years. Finison reveals the challenges facing these riders in a time of segregation, increased immigration, and debates about the rights of women.

From 1877 to 1896, the popularity of bicycles increased exponentially, and Boston was in on it from the start. The Boston Bicycle Club was the first in the nation and the city’s cyclists formed the nucleus of a new national organization the League of American Wheelmen. Massachusetts had the largest per capital membership in the league in the 1890s and the largest percentage of women members.

There will be a suggested donation of $10.00,. $5.00 for students with proceeds benefitting GWC community education programs. As always at GWC events no one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information go to gloucesterwriters.org.

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office: 978-281-2355
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