110th Anniversary Look Back

110th Anniversary Look Back - Day 2

Continuing with #365DaysofKegelHD in on honor of our 110th year...

In 1895 when our grandfather - Joseph Kegel - was 5 years old, his father died. He had to quit school and go to work shortly after, becoming a mechanics apprentice for a man named Joe Redlinger. Mr. Redlinger owned a bicycle store located in Freeport, Illinois. Back at the turn of the century there were very few mass produced bicycles and the people who wanted bicycles back then went to a store and the store clerks or owner would measure you up for one. The store would build the frame and fit the wheels and seats depending on your size, much like a tailor would fit you for a suit.

In 1909 Mr. Redlinger wanted to retire and for our grandfather to take over the business, so they worked out a deal that would allow Joe Kegel to buy on contract. Shortly after Harley-Davidson® came around and asked Joe if he would like to be a dealer for Harley-Davidson® and so Grandpa Joe took on Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

Here he is pictured with brother Julius in front of the original Freeport shop at 44 S Galena Ave way back in 1909.

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