Featured Photo: Market Street, Frederick, MD circa 1915

Lewis Reed taking photograph (from left: Lewis Reed’s motorcycle, Edgar Reed, unknown person, Bernard Hanshaw, unknown child, unknown man) in front of Greenawalt Drug Store on Market Street in Frederick, MD circa 1915

Things look pretty quiet in front of Greenawalt Drug Store on Market Street in Frederick, Maryland on this day some 100 years ago. Lewis Reed was not only passionate about automobiles, he also enjoyed riding motorcycles and photography.

In the early days, motorcycles were a staple of transportation, and both Lewis and Edgar Reed rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Motorcyclists in the 1900s were more likely to wear a tie and sporty little cap than the leather of today.

Not Just a Car Guy

The activities of Lewis Reed outside of his main occupation as a car dealer has always been of interest to me.  Social activities, pastimes, and hobbies often help define a person and sometimes those activities can be found in later generations.

Lewis Reed was not only passionate about automobiles, he also enjoyed riding motorcycles and photography. With photography for a hobby, one that began even before automobiles were around, he amassed a large library of photographs of many scenic locations from touring on his motorcycle all over the country. All I know is, as I look at these photos and try to make out the details, my grandfather was ready for adventure. (click images to enlarge)

Lewis Reed sitting on his Harley Davidson motorcycle circa 1915 somewhere outside Frederick MD

Lewis Reed taking photograph (from left: Lewis Reed’s motorcycle, Edgar Reed, unknown person, Bernard Hanshew, unknown child, unknown man) in front of Greenawalt Drug Store on Market Street in Frederick, MD circa 1915

Lewis Reed repairing his motorcycle

Lewis Reed (far left)

Lewis Reed (far right)

Lewis Reed patching up Uncle Bernie Hanshew after he fell off motorcycle

1912 – Second from left are Edgar Reed (sitting on motorcycle) and Lewis Reed standing behind him.

Lewis Reed (back) & Edgar