A Tribute to American Ingenuity.

The motorcycle powerplant has contributed to the utilization of innovative equipment for the past 100 years.  Emerging from an era of horse-drawn buggies and steam-powered locomotion, America citizens began utilizing the development of gasoline-powered engines not only for transporation, but for other purposes as well.  Whether for agriculture, industry, or recreation, this American ingenuity was the result of an American dream -- a dream that has lived in the hearts and souls of Americans now for over a century.

        "Necessity is the
              mother of all invention."

-Albert Einstein      

It comes as no surprise that the motorcycle engine became a popular choice among inventors and self-taught engineers.  Reliable and relatively lightweight, these small engines were used in a variety of applications aside from motorcycles, and provided enough power to perform even the toughest of tasks. 

The "Home-made in America" exhibit at Wheels Through Time is a tribute to the men and women who, through their resourcefulness and creativity, helped to make life back then a little easier, and maybe even a little more fun.  The exhibit is comprised of over two dozen machines, each in "as found" condition.  This exhibit was built with the generous support of museum visitors through our 6th Annual Raffle.

1915 Harley-Davidson Powered Ice Saw
The Davis Motor Mine Cart
Early Mototillers
"The First Jet-Ski"
Heath-Henderson Powered Ice Sled
The Eliason Motor Toboggan
Harley-Davidson Powered Airplane