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Bicycles were still relatively expensive in America. In Europe they were
more used by adults. World War I was underway in Europe. Inly in
America was steel and rubber being used for children's bicycles. Good
Housekeeping (November 1916) had an ad for Little Hummer Bikes
showing a boy in a sailor suit riding one.
This ad appered in Good Housekeeping Magazine (November, 1916, p.
150.). It's an ad for boys' and girls' bicycles, aimed at parents and the approaching Christmas shopping season. Good Housekeeping first appeared May 2, 1885. It was one of of several popular women's magazines established suring the 1880s and 1890s. The magazine provided information about running a home and raising children. This the modern Good Housekeeping conytinues today. The Good Housekeeping seal of approval was developed to assure housewives of a product's value. Letters from readers were an important facet. The early magazine, however, also included a broad range of literary offerings. Good Housekeeping was founded by journalist-businessman Clark W. Bryan in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The magazine moved to Springfield, but by 1911 the circulation was only 0.3 million. This changed when it was purchased by the William Randolph Hearst and moved to New York. The citculation was soon in the millions of copies. Many well known writers have contributed to Good Housekeeping, including Somerset Maugham, Edwin Markham, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Frances Parkinson Keyes, and Evelyn Waugh. Following the death of President Calvin Coolidge his widow, Grace Goodhue Coolidge, memorialized him in its pages. In an efforts to stay close to its audience, Good Housekeeping accepts articles by ordinary readers who are not professional writers. No one individual is more associated with Good Housekeeping than famed American children's illustrator Jesie Wilcox Smith. Over two decades, Good Housekeeping brought her work into millions of Americans homes every month (1917-33). In all she did more than 200 covers for the magazine.
The bicycles are made by T.B. Laycock, Son & Co. of Indianapolis. We know nothing about the company at this time except that it was located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Except for the lack of front and back fenders, a chain guard, and a kickstand, this bike looks very much likethe Schwin I got in 1950. The bike here was only availavle in one coloe--maroon. My bike was red.
This bike was meant for children 4-8 years old. I wonder though how many 4 years old could ride it. It seems to me that kids don't develop the necessaru moto skkills until about 5 or more commonly 6 years of age.
The bikes were were sold in 1916 for $9.75 each. That was a considerable amount of money in 1916. Bicycles were still relatively expensive in America. In Europe they were more used by adults.
World War I was underway in Europe. Only in America was steel and rubber being used for children's bicycles. There was no rtioning at the time.
The ad is also interesting for the clothing of the boy illustrated. He wears a knee pants sailor suit of light color (perhaps light grey or light blue), a middy blouse with dark neckerchief, long black stockings, and hightop shoes.
The copy reads: "The Little Hummer. $9.75. For Boys & Girls from 4 to 8 years old. Bright Maroon frame. Motorbike Handlebars. Full leather saddle. Ball bearing wheels.
Cushion rubber tires. Height--27 inches. Bicycling develops health, grace
and self reliance in little folks. Most department stores, hardware and
furniture dealers have LITTLE HUMMERS. If yours hasn't yet, write us,
enclosing remittance. The LITTLE HUMMER will come promptly (freight prepaid
east of Missouri river). T.B. Laycock, Son & Co. Dept. C., Indianapolis,
Indiana."
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