Workhorses of Commerce
Harley-Davidson Delivery Vehicles is a new exhibition at the Milwaukee County Historical Society that explores an interesting but little known facet of the company’s motorcycle production; i.e., vehicles used for civic or commercial purposes. It features four vintage delivery vehicles on loan from Harley-Davidson.
Through rare vintage photographs from the Society’s own collection and that of Harley-Davidson, the exhibition focuses on motorcycles and delivery vehicles used from 1903 through the 1920s by government agencies as diverse as the U.S. Postal Service and local police departments. Thomas C. Bolfer, director of  Archives for Harley-Davidson Motor Company, will present an illustrated lecture on the 100-year history of the company on Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Historical Center, 910 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee. Bolfert is the author of “The Big Book of Harley-Davidson.”

Visitors to the 1910 Wisconsin State Fair watched a parade along the main street into the fairgrounds. The wooded grove ran along what is now Greenfield Avenue and the Education Hall pictured on the right is where the new Wisconsin Exposition Hall stands today. The tradition continues during the run of the fair with a daily parade following the same route that is pictured.

Lincoln Beachey flew his Curtis Craft airplane into the Wisconsin State Fair grounds for the 1911 State Fair which ran from Sept. 12-16. On the first day of the fair, Beachey flew over the City of Milwaukee, circling city hall, and returning to the fair grounds. During the fair, Beachey would take off and land on the race track for spectators and have scheduled 'races' with a race car on the track.

Glimpses of the Milwaukee Fire Department’s past can be found at the Fire and Education Center/ Museum, located at 615 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee. The museum is open the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. The site, formerly Engine No. 23, was in active service from 1927 to 1996. It features four pieces of vintage fire apparatus, including a hand-drawn pumper, hose reel and two units constructed by the MFD Shops. Other items on display include fire alarm equipment, photographers, fire safety exhibits and other fire service artifacts. Admission is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. For information call (414) 286-8970.

The Milwaukee Fire Historical Society Limited will present the 10th Annual Milwaukee Muster on Saturday, September 20 at the Milwaukee Safety Academy, 6680 N. Teutonia Ave. This family activity will showcase over 20 historic vehicles, competitions, trophies and a flea market. For information call (414) 286-5272.