Otto Highwheel Bicycle
Object NameOtto Highwheel Bicycle
Manufacturer
Western Toy Company
(Chicago, IL, founded 1876)
Date1876-1880
MediumWood, metal
Dimensions43 1/2 × 48 in. front wheel to back wheel (110.5 × 121.9 cm)
ClassificationsDolls, Doll Accessories, Toys and Games
Credit LineGift of Mr. & Mrs. Farwell Brown. In the Farm House Museum Collection, Farm House Museum, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Object number78.19.1
Status
On viewCollections
CultureAmerican
Label TextFrom the University Museums Collections Handbook, vol. 2, 2025:
The Otto Highwheel Boys Bicycle, produced by the Western Toy Company, is a charming example of early bicycle design. This vintage bicycle features a distinctive design with a large wooden front wheel and a much smaller wooden rear wheel, complemented by an iron saddle that bears the stamped name “OTTO.” The handlebars, which span an impressive 18 in. from end to end, offer both style and functionality, while the overall height of the bicycle measures around 43 ins. Designed with boys and small men in mind, this model was manufactured between 1879 and 1891, making it a popular option during a time when cycling was emerging as a fashionable pastime. However, as the years progressed, newer models with metal wheels quickly replaced the highwheel design, marking the end of its era.
This particular highwheel bicycle holds a special place in local history as it was the very first of its kind utilized in Ames, Iowa. Originally owned by Gates M. Brown in the 1890s, the bicycle was later passed down to his younger brother, Harry F. Brown. The lineage continued as Harry entrusted the treasured bike to his son, Farwell T. Brown, who rode it in the Iowa State VEISHEA parade of 1934 (picture in the Ames History Museum archives). This passing of the bicycle through generations not only highlights its durability and enduring appeal but also illustrates the sentimental value attached to such historic objects. The Otto Highwheel remains a fascinating object in the collection, representing both innovative design and the cherished memories of those who rode it.
