Bicycle for two — Ruby (Red) Tuesday

I have to confess, this bicycle might not be for two. We found it parked beside our hotel in Levanto, Italy (Link: Mrs. Jim in picture at Levanto). But it reminded me of the bike that my sister and I shared. It was a girl's bike, a pre-WWII Elgin, sold by Sears Roebuck.

Dad ordered it from the catalog. I was really excited when he said I could come with him to go down and get it at the railroad depot. I still remember that and helping to put it together. Ours was blue, not red. But it was a real pretty one. My sister, Lois, still has it in her garage or basement. She is the designated keeper.

I was allowed to ride it to school where I was to be in the first grade. The seat would not adjust down low enough for me to get on so Dad made a lowering seat holder. It was made of a steel rod bent down about six inches and then extended in front like a hook to place the seat onto it.

Since Lois was five years younger than it was, we had to take turns after she was in the second grade. Lois started the first grade when she was four. That was way to young to ride a bike on the roads for a whole mile, up hill and down hill, so she had to walk that first year. Unless I took her on the carrier which I often did.

Added notes:

1. As those commenting noted, people in general were very poor back in those days. I don't know how we managed a new bike, there must have been a very good corn crop that year. I never had a tricycle nor did I have an electric train. Lois and I shared many items. Mom made most of our clothes from feed sacks.

2. If some of you are older and have forgotten how to ride a bicycle, Dr. Jim has addressed the problem of having to relearn this vital skill. Please click here.

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of other interesting RED finds today.
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