Title Panel
Arthur “Art” Roth was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, in 1886, and resided there until his death in 1968. Roth delivered packages for the American Railway Express Agency as well as for the US Post Office, often using a motorcycle as his preferred method of transportation. In addition to being an early motorcycling enthusiast in the early 1900s, he was also an accomplished motorcycle mechanic. This photograph collection is unique as it captures Roth’s life as a mail carrier, a motorcycle racer and recreationist, and a cross-country traveler. Some of the images contained within follow Roth’s journey from Wisconsin to Niagara Falls in 1912, with stops in Chicago, Cleveland, Toronto, and Buffalo. This collection is comprised of original acetate negatives, glass plate negatives, photographic prints, and real photo postcards. This exhibit was made possible by the Murphy Library Endowment Fund.
Motorcycle Race (Image 1)
Motorcycle Race, c. 1913
Image Description: A black and white print showing two unidentified men wearing their paper boy hats backwards with goggles, long white sleeve shirts, denim pants, and leather riding boots covering their shins. Both men are riding next to each other on their own motorcycles, while leaning to the right of the dirt track. The man on the right is riding a Model 7D Harley-Davidson motorcycle while the man on the left is riding a 1913 Indian Twin. A plume of dust forms behind them, while in the background is a group of spectators watches as the men race.
Group of Motorcyclists (Image 2)
Group of Motorcyclists, c. 1913
Image Description: A black and white print featuring thirteen men and boys roughly between the ages of 12 and 30 years. Three boys are standing behind the other ten men, who are sitting on the grass. Of those seated, the individual third from the left has been identified as Arthur Roth. All are wearing suit coats, and pants with vests and ties. Many of the men are holding fedora-type hats and smoking cigarettes. At least ten visible motorcycles can be seen behind the group, of which appear to be a mix of 1913 Indian Twin and Model 7D Harley-Davidson motorcycles. A dilapidated brick building and a two- or three-story home are visible in the background.
Motorcycle on a Boulder (Image 3)
Motorcycle on a Boulder, date unknown
Image Description: A black and white print featuring an unidentified man wearing a suit coat, a white button-down shirt with a tie, and a pair of slacks that are tucked into knee height leather riding boots. He is standing astride a motorcycle with his right arm in the air, holding aloft a hat. The motorcycle he is standing on is parked on top of a large rock.
Roth Delivering Packages on Indian Motorcycle (Image 4)
Roth Delivering Packages on Indian Motorcycle, date unknown
Image Description: A black and white print showing Arthur Roth, estimated between 30 to 40 years of age, wearing a black beanie hat, a heavy wool coat, and a leather messenger bag filled to the brim with mail. Positioned on the side of a dirt road, Roth stands next to a parked motorcycle with a sidecar attached. Both the sidecar and back of the motorcycle are weighed down with packages and large mail bags. Visible in the background are houses with fenced-in yards and store fronts.
Motorcyclists Lined Up for Race (Image 5)
Motorcyclists Lined Up for Race, c. 1912-1916?
Image Description: A black and white print showing nine men each seated on a 1913 Indian Twin motorcycle. The men, approximately 20 to 40 years of age, are pictured wearing paper-boy hats, warm jackets, and denim pants. The individuals and motorcycles are lined up next to one another, while looking to the left at the camera. The third from the right has been identified as Arthur Roth.
