Maine Memory Network

Start of Bicycle Race, Fairfield, 1887

Contributed by: Skowhegan History House Date: 1887 Location: Fairfield Media: Photographic print

Bicycle race, Fairfield, 1888

Contributed by: Skowhegan History House Date: 1888 Location: Fairfield Media: Photographic print

A Craze for Cycling

Success at riding a bike mirrored success in life. Bicycling could bring families together. Bicycling was good for one's health. Bicycling was fun. Bicycles could go fast. Such were some of the arguments made to induce many thousands of people around Maine and the nation to take up the new pastime at the end of the nineteenth century.

"We are growing to be somewhat cosmopolitan..." Waterville, 1911

Between 1870 and 1911, Waterville more than doubled in size, becoming a center of manufacturing, transportation, and the retail trade and offering a variety of entertainments for its residents.

Dan Gagne: The story behind Biddeford’s legendary speed skater
by Biddeford Cultural & Heritage Center

Stories from a competitive athlete with countless awards and contributions to his community