History and Culture by Bicycle Part 191; History of a Bicycle Part 1: Hiawatha: Update 1

I have more information from my research on the Hiawatha I inherited. It was manufactured by Clevelnad Manufacturing Company sometime in 1946/47. The chainguard is not the correct one for this bike. It either never had one to begin with and this one was added or the original was damaged and this one replaced it. The box on the frame is a battery box for a headlamp, but the lamp is missing. The battery box was an after market accessory. The speedometer is also not original to the bike and was added as an after market accessory. The button on the tank is either for a horn or a headlamp, I will not know for sure until I disassemble the bike to inspect and clean it up to refurbish it.

History and Culture by Bicycle Part 189; History of a Bicycle Part 1: Hiawatha

This post is about a model of bicycle called the Hiawatha. I was unaware of such a model of bike until I met my in laws over 20 years ago. After my father in laws recent passing I have inherited his old bike.

Here is what I know about Hiawatha's:
1. They were built by Cleveland Welding Company and Shelby Manufacturing Company, with a few models made by Murray of Ohio and Huffman Mfg.
2. They were largely sold by Gambles Hardware stores.
3. There are several models of Hiawatha, some more sought after then others.

Beyond this I know little about them. I am trying to track down the type of model my father in laws bike who manufactured it, what year etc. I will post more when I find out more through my research.

I know I am going to at least clean up and refurbish the Hiawatha I inherited so it can be ridden. I do not know if I'll fully restore it or not.

Web site:
Hiawatha Bicycles

Here are photo's of the Hiawatha I inherited from him: