Simonson Cycle Co. Records
Collection
Identifier: MSS-1074-BC
Scope and Content
The collection focuses on the business of Simonson Cycle Co., dealers of Indian and other motorcycles, bicycles, sporting goods fishing tackle, and repairs. Indian Motorcycles are highlighted. Catalogs, manuals, promotional materials, ads, articles and several issues of The Indian News are included. The collection also includes meeting minutes of the Indian Motorcycle Club and descriptions of motorcycle trips, which largely took place around New Mexico. A store ledger and motorcycle scrapbook are also included.
Dates
- 1910-2017
- Majority of material found within 1925-1965
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Background Information
Carl and Malena Simonson moved to Albuquerque from Iowa in the mid 1910s. He and his brother-in-law, S. O. Danielson bought Albuquerque Novelty Works on south 2nd Street in approximately 1916. They sold Indian Motorcycles, bicycles, sporting goods, gasoline, and other products. The business changed its name to Simonson & Danielson Indian Motorcycle in circa 1922, and then to Simonson Cycle Co. in approximately 1925. Carl passed away in 1929, leaving the business to Malena and their son, Al.
Al graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1921. The following year, he made a motorcycle trip to the Indian factory in Springfield, MA, on dirt roads until he got to Chicago. Al photo-documented many of his motorcycle trips with friends, around New Mexico (Jemez, La Bajada, Elephant Butte) and to California in the 1920s and 30s. They were members of the Albuquerque Motorcycle Club (Indian Motorcycle Club; Duke City Cyclists) and participated in club-sanctioned rides, races, hill-climbs, and so-called "Gypsy" tours in the Albuquerque area and around New Mexico.
Simonson Cycle Co. (on S. 2nd St. in Albuquerque) sold Indian, Henderson, Excelsior, Cleveland motorcycles as well as Columbia bicycles and a variety of sporting goods in the early years. In the late 1940s, they gave up Indian and took on Triumph. Later, Simonson sold the Triumph dealership to take on Honda. By 1969, Simonson had sold the business, which was then located on San Pedro NE, near the Fairgrounds. Al Simonson died on May 13, 1989.
Al graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1921. The following year, he made a motorcycle trip to the Indian factory in Springfield, MA, on dirt roads until he got to Chicago. Al photo-documented many of his motorcycle trips with friends, around New Mexico (Jemez, La Bajada, Elephant Butte) and to California in the 1920s and 30s. They were members of the Albuquerque Motorcycle Club (Indian Motorcycle Club; Duke City Cyclists) and participated in club-sanctioned rides, races, hill-climbs, and so-called "Gypsy" tours in the Albuquerque area and around New Mexico.
Simonson Cycle Co. (on S. 2nd St. in Albuquerque) sold Indian, Henderson, Excelsior, Cleveland motorcycles as well as Columbia bicycles and a variety of sporting goods in the early years. In the late 1940s, they gave up Indian and took on Triumph. Later, Simonson sold the Triumph dealership to take on Honda. By 1969, Simonson had sold the business, which was then located on San Pedro NE, near the Fairgrounds. Al Simonson died on May 13, 1989.
Extent
2 boxes (.7 cu. ft.)
Abstract
The collection focuses on the business of Simonson Cycle Co., dealers of Indian and other motorcycles, bicycles, sporting goods fishing tackle, and repair shop. Indian Motorcycle Club meeting minutes, including trip descriptions are included.
Separated Material
Photographs have been transferred to Simonson Cycle Co. Photograph Collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the Simonson Cycle Co. Records, 1910-2017
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- B. Silbergleit
- Date
- © 2021
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu