Hammondsport in Steuben County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
1900 - 1904 Two Wheels on the Ground
The Glenn H. Curtiss Heritage Trail
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, October 27, 2013
1. Two Wheels on the Ground Marker
Bicycle racer and mechanical whiz, Glenn Curtiss, opened his first shop in 1900, directly across the street from where you are now standing. Here Curtiss repaired and sold bicycles, including models that carried his personal brand name, "Hercules."
Curtis soon began to experiment with motorcycles, entering races and developing engines of his own design. By 1904 his expanding business had outgrown this shop, and Glenn relocated to a larger facility on nearby Castle Hill.
The Glenn H. Curtiss Heritage Trail
Beginning as a self-taught bicycle mechanic, Glenn Curtiss went on to achieve national prominence as a pioneer aviator, the found of the American aircraft industry, and the father of U.S. Naval Aviation. The Curtiss Heritage Trail celebrates the pioneering accomplishments of Hammondsport's most famous native son.
Erected 2011 by Glenn H. Curtiss Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.
Location. 42° 24.589′ N, 77° 13.359′ W. Marker is in Hammondsport, New York, in Steuben County
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pulteney Square (a few steps from this marker); Champlin House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Town of Urbana Civil War Monument (about 600 feet away); Mallory Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); B&H R.R. Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); Into the World of Aviation (approx. ¼ mile away); Vertical Flight Heritage Site (approx. 0.4 miles away); 1906 - 1916 Floating and Flying (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hammondsport.
More about this marker. The Glenn H. Curtiss Heritage Trail, which marks historic sites in and around Hammondsport, was completed in 2011. According to a news release from the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, which sponsored the two-year project, the trail features informational plaques at sites of historical significance, all relating to the accomplishments of Curtiss, the Hammondsport native and aviation pioneer.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport, New York
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, October 27, 2013
2. Two Wheels on the Ground Marker
The marker is placed to allow the viewer to make the visual comparison between the photo of the Curtiss Bicycle shop on the marker and the post office across the street, which was, formerly, the bicycle shop.
Additional keywords. Glenn Curtiss
Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, October 27, 2013
3. Two Wheels on the Ground Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
