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Tacoma motorcycle race film, August 15, 1915
Overview of the Collection
- Title
- Tacoma motorcycle race film
- Dates
- August 15, 1915 (inclusive)19151915
- Quantity
- 1 reel ((nitrate) (150 feet)) : silent, black and white ; 35mm
- Collection Number
- PH0830
- Summary
- Film of the first world championship motorcycle race on a board track held in Tacoma Washington, 1915 showing the end of the motorcycle race, this short film features racers crossing the finish line with racing crew and well-wishers crowding the track.
- Repository
-
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu - Access Restrictions
-
The original films are not accessible due to preservation concerns. A viewing copy is available, arrangements can be made to view the film by contacting the Visual Materials Curator.
- Languages
- English
- Sponsor
- Funding for encoding this finding aid was partially provided through a grant awarded by the University Libraries 21st Century Fund
Historical NoteReturn to Top
On August 15, 1915, the 1st World Championship Motorcycle race on a board track was held at the Tacoma Speedway in Tacoma, Washington. Fourteen of the world's best motorcycle riders, including E.A. Berreth, Otto Walker, Ray Creviston, Red Armstrong and Don Johns, competed for the championship and approximately $1,000 in prizes. The competitors rode Indian, Harley-Davidson, Excelsior and Flying Merkel motorcycles. The winner Erle "Red" Armstrong, riding an 8-valve Indian motorcycle, came in only a wheel-length ahead of the second place motorcyclist. Armstrong set the world record for the 100, 200 and 300-mile distance during that race.
This was the first motorcycle race held in Tacoma, and certainly the first motorcycle race held in the newly completed Tacoma Speedway.
Content DescriptionReturn to Top
Showing the end of the motorcycle race, this short film features racers crossing the finish line with racing crew and well-wishers crowding the track.
Use of the CollectionReturn to Top
Alternative Forms Available
View selection from the collection in digital format
Restrictions on Use
Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact the Special Collections division of the University of Washington Libraries for details.
Administrative InformationReturn to Top
Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top
| Container(s) | Description | Dates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| viewcopy | item | ||
| VC61 | 1 |
Tacoma Motorcycle Race
A racetrack flagger, a photographer, and a group of other men stand by as the contestants of a motorocycle race come across the finish line. Erle "Red" Armstrong comes to a stop and a group comes over and they shake his hand. A young man walks the motorcycle away. Armstrong greets a group of on-lookers and smokes a cigarette. Another motorcyclist is seen smoking and taking off his gloves.
Original
1 reel (nitrate) (150 feet): silent, black and white ; 35mm
|
August 15, 1915 |
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Form or Genre Terms
- Moving Images
Names and SubjectsReturn to Top
Subject Terms
- Moving Image Collections (University of Washington)
