Tricycle Bliss
Here is a happy little girl riding her new tricycle on a cold morning. The photo is dated to the late 1920s - 1930s in Alberta, Canada. What I find most intriguing about the picture, other than the obvious joy on the child’s face, is the tricycle. The iconic childhood toy looks like a Red Radio Flyer tricycle. The historian in me instantly goes to the history of tricycles, Radio Flyers specifically. When did the trike make its first appearance?
Tricycles, or contraptions with three wheels, date back to the 17th century. A disabled German man by the name of Stephan Farffler did not want his disability to hinder his mobility. So, like any good innovator he went about creating the first tri-wheeled vehicle. It had hand peddles for crank power.
Over a hundred years later in 1789, two French men invented a three-wheeled contraption that used peddle power. They called it a Tricycle.
But how about trikes for kids? When did they come on the scene? Children’s bikes and trikes were available by the 1880s.
Radio Flyer Company, come to find out, just celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2017. The story of Radio Flyer is the story of America. It is a classic tale of a dream, innovation, hard work and success that only could happen in America.
According to the Radio Flyer website, the company was founded by Antonio Pasin. He immigrated from Venice, Italy when he was only 16 years old looking for a better life. He began building wooden wagons in 1917. By 1920, Pasin had a few employees. The company grew from there to included toys such as wagons, tricycles, scooters and more.
Now, the iconic company (in so many ways) is a household name. It has become a rite of toddlerhood to ride a tricycle. Blazing three-wheeled trails down the sidewalk with the wind blowing through your hair is an exhilarating experience. The proof is in the little girl’s face.
Sources:
Thank you for reading.
Jenny Findsen