Historical information on the Edward’s Motorcycle Co. at 706 Twiggs St. shop is scarce. What is clear from the picture is that they were an authorized Indian Motorcycle repair shop. They also sold and serviced bicycles. Most, if not all, of the motorcycles shown here are the Indian brand. It’s hard not to wonder what the value of those 18 bikes might be today. Edward’s changed names by 1938 to Edward’s Motor Co. and began selling Evinrude boat motors. They moved to Zack St. in 1939.

As gas engines developed several motorcycle companies appeared. Bikes were seen as a more economical mode of transportation than cars. Ace Motorcycle Company started in 1920 but went bankrupt in 1924. Henderson-Excelsior began in 1929 but only lasted a couple of years. There was a fierce rivalry between Indian and Harley Davidson that goes back over 100 years. By 1934, when this photo was taken, they were the only two American motorcycle manufacturers left. Indian went bankrupt in 1953. They have since reemerged. In the mid-1970s, the new Federal Building opened to provide office space and service areas for the courts.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved