Motorcycle Memories

To coincide with the 2021 Steel Horse Rally, the Fort Smith Museum of History will display “Motorcycle Memories”, an exhibition designed to explore the “motorcycle culture” of our local and regional areas. The exhibit will be in place on May 1, 2021 at the Fort Smith Museum of History.

The exhibition, which was first presented in 2008, features vintage motorcycles and photographs exploring the “art of the motorcycle” in Fort Smith and the region from the 1940’s through present day. Fort Smith has an historical association with motorcycle culture. Learn about the people and places that places that put the region on the map for motorcyclists.

Quin Winters Bike shop on Towson Avenue was the nexus of motorcycle culture in Fort Smith from 1939 until 1975. His sons, Leroy and Robert Winters, gained national fame for their accomplishments in the field of motorcycle racing. In 1940, Fort Smithians Ercie Gann, Kathryn Johnson and Jean Fivekiller became charter members of the “Motor Maids,” a national organization of female motorcyclists. The annual “Razorback Run,” a one hundred fifty mile round trip ride from Fort Smith to White Rock Mountain near Mulberry, Arkansas drew motorcycle enthusiasts from a regional area from 1952 to 1955. Otis Spiker played a vital role in the area cycling culture. As one of the few manufacturers of Henderson motorcycle parts, Spiker gained national recognition as well as becoming a local motorcycle legend. Fort Smith native Danny Hammond raced motorcycles professionally from 1959-1969. After retirement, Hammond raced in the Vintage Dirt Track Racing Association winning the National championships 2004-2007.

These stories and more come to life with the Motorcycle Memories exhibition.

Motorcycle Memories is designed to unite the “art of the motorcycle” with the generation of Americans that enjoy a lifestyle peculiar to the American mainstream. The exhibit will strive to educate future generations about a fascinating spectrum of Americana. Admission to this exhibit is included with your purchase of an entry ticket to the Fort Smith Museum of History.

The Fort Smith Museum of History is a selected charity of The Steel Horse Rally scheduled for May 7 and 8, 2021 in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas.