Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
Copy of OrgLot1003_F2_004, Group Outside Storefront of Joe's Bicycle Repair Shop, 266 Southwest Taylor
Date(s)
- 1916 - 1917 (Creation)
Extent
black-and-white prints (photographs); 5 x 7 in
Name of creator
Biographical history
Joseph Stephen Brown (1889-1960) was born in Minnesota to German immigrants and came to Portland, Oregon in 1912. He started work as a machinist and bike repairman for F. W. Keenan at 190 Fourth Avenue. In 1913, he opened his own bicycle and motorcycle repair shop at 274 Taylor St., near Fourth Avenue. He soon relocated to 266 Taylor St. and eventually expanded into the neighboring lot in order to meet growing demand, focusing solely on bicycle repair and retail sales. Brown married Mary Ellen in 1916, and they had three children: Ellen, Virginia, and Joseph. In 1918, the city fire marshal condemned the building at 266 Taylor St. and Brown moved the shop to 204 Fourth Avenue, between Taylor and Salmon streets. In 1921, the repair shop relocated for the final time, to 209 Fourth Avenue, and used extra space to sell fishing and sporting goods.
At its height, Brown's repair shop was one of the largest bicycle shops (not just repair shops) on the West Coast. "Joe's Heavy Service" bicycles were especially popular among the bike messengers in the city, because these were built to withstand more weight than the average bicycle. In 1922, Brown patented a leather toe clip for rubber pedals, which protected the foot from slipping during long rides or hill climbing. By 1925, Brown was a generous sponsor and active participant in the Cycle Trades Field Day celebrations, which were sometimes held at Holladay School. The Depression was particularly difficult for Brown, however, and he lost his shop and most of his money in 1930. In 1932, Multnomah County sold the shop to Brown's business partner, Henry Kissler. Until 1937, Brown was listed as a bicycle repairman, operating out of his own home at 3637 SE Rhine St.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
This photograph is a copy of OrgLot1003_F2_004, depicting a group posing outside the storefront of Joe's Bicycle Repair Shop, located at 266 Southwest Taylor in Portland, Oregon. The owner, Joseph Brown, stands to the left of the group. A note on the photograph mentions this image was featured in the 4/10/24 issue of Motorcycle & Bicycle Illustrated.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
No Copyright - United States http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-US/1.0/
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Joe's Bicycle Repair Shop photographs, Org. Lot 1003, Folder 2, Image 003