Vintage bike brought to motorcycle show
Posted on Wednesday, October 8, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/decatur/Community/2996/
DECATUR ó Eric Wolfeís 1937 Harley Davidson ULH was by far the oldest motorcycle in last weekendís Bulldog Days motorcycle show, and although it has a little rust, the bike has seen quite a bit of history over the years.
The motorcycle has been in Ericís family for nearly 60 years. It was originally purchased by the Joplin Police Department around 1937 or 1938, and after the officer who rode it on patrol retired, he purchased the bike for himself.
When the officer passed away in the early 1950 s, his widow sold the bike to Ericís grandfather, Forrest Eugene Wolfe, Sr., for $ 50. Ericís father, Forrest Eugene Wolfe, Jr., fell in love with the motorcycle and rode it everywhere. Eventually, Forrest, Sr., gave the bike to his son.
In 1960 the bike began to have engine trouble and, because parts were so rare and expensive ó it was 23 years old at that point ó the family parked it in the garage for the next 48 years.
Ericís father died in November of 2007, but in his will he gave the bike to Eric and his sister. They hope to fix it up and ride it to fulfill their fathers dream. While they plan to get the motorcycle in running condition, they are going to leave the body in itís original condition with a patina of a little rust and faded paint.
Eric took the motorcycle to Bikes Blues and Barbecue in Fayetteville several weeks ago and was told his fatherís $ 50 purchase now appraises for $ 45, 000. The bike is very rare because Harley Davidson produced few motorcycles during the late 1930 s before it began producing motorcycles for service in World War II.