Major Taylor

by Conrad Kerber

  221. “that part of the world hadn’t seen such fanaticism since the tulip craze” Author Interview: Cycling Hall of Famer Jack Visceo January 2006.

  221. “he didn’t care to make his defeats too apparent” Cycle Age: May 1901.

  221. “He’s the most marvelous racing man I have ever seen…” Cycle Age: May 1901.

  221. “Groggy”: The Referee, June 5, 1901.

  221. Major Taylor will have to ride faster than he ever did” Boston Globe: January 13, 1901.

  222. “Taylor, was awaited like the messiah” Le Velo: January 27, 1901.

  222. “civil” La Vie au Grand Air: May 4, 1901.

  222. marble monument of the much-revered French hero Cassignard: Zimmerman Abroad and Points of Training Interest by J. M. Erwin and A. A Zimmerman p. 114.

  222. “Neither the living or the dead could take exception to taking residence in Bordeaux” Ibid: p. 116.

  222. Largest crowd ever seen in Bordeaux: Cycle Age: May 20, 1901.

  222. “democratic” Zimmerman Abroad and Points of Training Interest by J. M. Erwin and A. A Zimmerman p. 115.

  223. “flying Negro Volant” La Vie au Grand Air: November 1, 1898.

  223. Riot in the stands Bordeaux France: New York Times: May 4, 1901: Naugatuck Daily News: May 4, 1901: Boston Globe: May 4, 1901.

  223. “A French crowd is the most amiable thing extent, up to the point where it becomes convinced that an imposition is being practiced” Zimmerman Abroad and Points of Training Interest by J. M. Erwin and A. A Zimmerman p. 83.

  223. “deplorable fiasco” Cycle Age: May 1901.

  223. Ferrari and 333 meters in 20:1/5 second: Cycle Age: May 20, 1901.

  224. “Besides five or six days that were passable, it rained constantly” La Vie au Grand Air: Life Outdoors My Tour in Europe” May 4, 1901 by Major Taylor.

  224. Strummed the mandolin: La Vie au Grand Air: May 4, 1901.

  224. “I’m an African not a European” Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer; No source listed.

  224. “spectator trains” Unidentified French article, in file.

  224. “He is as much talked about as the premier”: Cycle Age, May 1901.

  225. “What would I have to do to convince these half dozen stubborn journalist” Unidentified French article.

  225. “Now they were going to unearth a Negro?” Ibid.

  225. “He will have to undergo a miraculous change in form if he expects to defeat Major Taylor” Cycle Age: May 1901.

  225. Major Taylor as spectator to Ellegaard race: Cycle Age: June 20, 1901.

  225. Taylor 5-1 odds: Cycle Age: May 12, 1901.

  225. Taylor wriggles into grandstand to watch Jacquelin Ellegaard match Nantes France: Cycling News: June 4, 1901.

  225. Tire tape: Fort Worth Register, January 6, 1901.

  225. “You will eat that American up next Thursday” Ibid.

  225. Could not be had at even money” Ibid.

  225. “If you think this darkey scares me”: UASP.

  225. Interminable calculations: Unidentified French clipping.

  225. Muscles of Taylor and Jacquelin examined: UASP.

  226. “The French populace had gone practically crazy over the coming meets” Boston Globe: April 28, 1901.

  226. “Those who are familiar with Jacqueline and understand the pedestal pose” The Sun: May 16th, 1901.

  226. Taylor keeping scrapbook of newspaper articles: Ibid.

  226. Tickets selling at twenty times face value: Cycle Age; May 1901; The Daily Northwestern: April 25, 1901.

  Chapter 16

  227. Dull and threatening weather: Cycler’s News, May 25, 1901.

  227. Most anticipated sporting event in history: Unidentified French article: Cycle Age: May 1901.

  228. “Major Taylor is having little trouble to trim the riders on the other side of the ocean” Naugatuck Daily News: May 14, 1901.

  228. “all interest in cycling await the result with the keenest of interest . . .” New York Sun: May 16, 1901.

  228. “Taylor is already more popular than Zimmerman was. Should he defeat Jacquelin I cannot venture to predict to what length people will go” Cycle Age: May 20, 1901: The Daily Northwestern: April 25, 1901.

  228. People began gathering at the gates as early as six-o’clock in the morning: Cycle Age, May 1901.

  228. Special trains: Ibid.

  228. Sojourns over dusty roads: Cycle Age: May 27, 1901.

  228. Ten access gates to Velodrome: Unidentified French Article.

  228. Booth cost $16.00: Cycle Age: May 27, 1901.

  228. infield seats $20: Ibid.

  228. Vanderbilt’s and other wealthy bettors: Boston Globe: May 19, 1901.

  229. Twelve Paris dailies, six with money on Taylor six on Jacquelin: Cycle Age May 27, 1901.

  229. Track manager Desgrange hollering “No more” Ibid.

  229. “Twenty eight thousand people” New York Times: May 17, 1901; Brooklyn Daily Eagle: May 16-17, 1901; The Portsmouth Herald: May 20, 1901; Chicago Tribune May17, 1901.

  229. Five thousand fans outside: UASP.

  229. Race start time Three-thirty p.m.: Chicago Tribune, May 16, 1901.

  229. Jacquelin superstition about entering track first: Unidentified French article.

  229. Picture Jacquelin eyes glaring down, chin up: La Vie Illustree, May 24, 1901, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris.

  229. “I do remember getting a kick out of seeing my adversary…” Unidentified French article.

  230. “The silence was sublime” Cycle Age: Sport and Pastime: May 1901.

  230. Jacquelin fell flat on his side: Ibid.

  231. metal from his monster machine began bending: Unidentified French article.

  231. Jacquelin 104 inch gear; Cycle Age: April 4, 1901.

  231. Taylor 92-inch gear; Major Taylor autobiography p. 78.

  232. masses waving hats, handkerchiefs, canes and umbrella’s: Cycle Age: May 1901.

  232. Jacquelin defeats Taylor: New York Times, May 17, 1901; The Town and Country, July 6 and 13, 1901; Table Talk, June 27, 1901.

  232. Jacquelin crossing the line a length in front: Cycle Age: May 1901.

  232. “a scene which beggars description”: Cycler’s News, June 5, 1901.

  232. tore after “prince of sprinters” with the force of a tidal wave: Unidentified French article.

  232. Fans knocking over railings: UASP.

  232. “acted as thou crazy” Cycle Age: May 1901.

  232. fans could not utter a single word: Ibid.

  232. “There is no way to describe it, it was as if some strong electric battery…” Cycle Age: Sport and Pastime, May 1901.

  232. Band-playing Marseilles: Ibid.

  233. “Villainous grimace” Ibid.

  233. “Down with Taylor” Ibid.

  233. Picture of Taylor leaving track in abject dejection: Cycler’s News, June 4, 1901: Titled “The Nigger, Major Taylor after his defeat by Jacquelin”.

  233. Taylor sobbing: Cycle Age: May 1901.

  233. “The turmoil had no precedence” Cycle Age: May 1901.

  233. Picture Jacquelin after race: Cycler’s News, June 4, 1901.

  233. “The flying Negro beaten”: La Vie Illustree, May 24, 1901.

  233. “It was the most perfect speed event in the history of cycle racing” Cycle Age: Sport and Pastime May 1901.

  233. “Jacquelin thumbed his nose at me”: Le Velo, May 18, 1901 Major Taylor autobiography p 176.

  233. “was a warm day” Major Taylor autobiography p. 175.

  Chapter 17

  235. “I thought I had beaten Taylor so convincingly there would be no question of a revenge match. But if he wants one I am at his disposal whenever and wherever he wishes.” Le Velo, May 18, 1901.

  236. “There was no more likable athlete than Major Taylor and he did not deserve that kind of treatment.” Journalist Maurice Martin, La Vie Illustree, May 24, 1901.

  236. “The French prom
oters calculate that if Jacquelin should defeat Taylor” New York Sun: May 16, 1901.

  236. “pretty” French actresses present at race: Cycle Age: May 1901.

  236. largest throng to attend single day sporting event: Ibid.

  236. “If they had them at the time, the whole continent would have had their ears pressed against a noisy vacuum tube radio, listening” Author Interview, Jack Visceo Cycling Hall of Fame; January 2006.

  236. Taylor having met President Teddy Roosevelt: “Major Taylor, The Forgotten Champion” by Ted Carol, Our Sports Magazine, August 1953; Autobiography p 422.

  236. Brady preparing Grand Prix races modeled after events Paris: Cycle Age: May 15, 1901.

  237. “It is believed on this side of the Atlantic, he can ride the legs off anyone who has ever sat on a bicycle saddle” The Sun: May 19, 1901.

  237. “the cycling athletes of this country still have faith” Ibid.

  237. Be strong and courageous: www.myscriptures.com Deuteronomy Chapter 31:6. Exact bible reading at the time unknown: It is general knowledge Taylor kept a bible with him at all times.

  237. Picture Taylor a study of quiet confidence: Parc des Princes: May 27, 1901 Jules Beau collection, Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris.

  238. Taylor snapping pictures of Jacquelin with brownie camera: Le Velo, May 29, 1901.

  238. “The Frenchman had the same arrogant smile as he mounted his wheel.” Major Taylor Autobiography p. 177.

  238. “For the first time in his life someone had to wipe that big smirk of his Gallic face.” Author Interview: Jack Visceo Cycling Hall of Famer, January 2006.

  238. Euro riders loafing: Fort Wayne Gazette, August 25, 1901.

  239. “There is something mysterious about his power, and that mystery is itself a potent force.” Interview with Paul Hamelle by Robert Coquille, Le Velo, March 16, 1901.

  240. First time Jacquelin cut to pieces: The Referee, July 24, 1901.

  240. Daisy writing letters: scrapbook, Indiana Museum.

  240. Taylor defeats Jacquelin: Los Angeles Times, May 28, 1901; New York Times, May 28, 1901; The Referee, July 1901; Table Talk, July 11, 1901.

  240. Taylor being covered in bouquet of roses: Major Taylor autobiography p. 180.

  240. “The redoubtable Jacquelin has been vanquished…” Lincoln Evening News: November 16, 1901.

  241. Delancey Ward silver loving cup: Cycle Age: June 13, 1901.

  241. 625,000 copies sold: Le Velo, June 13, 1901.

  241. “New York Times circulation of just around 100,000 at the time.” Madison Square Garden 100 Years of History: Joseph Durso p. 93; Hennepin County Library: April 5, 2007.

  241. Paris gendarme waiving off Taylor speeding ticket Le Champione; Worcester Telegram: December 18, 1926.

  241. Knights of the track: Table Talk, June 27, 1901.

  242. “Do the honor of sharing a drink with me”: Le Velo, May 29, 1901.

  242. “Abstinence gives him spiritual pleasures”: La Vie au Grand Air, March 10, 1901.

  242. “Considering the thrashing he just received Jacquelin probably finished the bottle himself” Author Interview: Jack Visceo Cycling Hall of Famer, January 2006.

  242. long tasteful poem dedicated to Taylor: Cycle Age: April 11, 1901.

  243. Taylor nearly broke down as he discussed his past treatment in the south: Cycle Age: March 28, 1901.

  243. “whetted knives” Naugatuck Daily News: May 14, 1901.

  243. Brady leasing Manhattan Beach track, making offer to foreign riders: Cycle Age: May 15, 1901.

  243. Taylor defeats Jacquelin in open race: The Daily Northwester, July 18, 1901; The Referee, July 1901; Table Talk, July 18, 1901.

  243. Taylor wired home cable to Brady he would head home June 28, 1901. Lincoln Evening News: June 21, 1901: Brooklyn Daily Eagle June 15, 1901. New York Times June 22, 1901.

  243. “I received enough flags to tapestry my bedroom”: Chicago Tribune: June 29, 1901.

  244. One of the world’s richest men went unnoticed: Ibid.

  244. “Hullo my Baby”: La Vie au Grand Air, “My Tour in Europe” by Major Taylor, May 4, 1901.

  244. “Remarkable singing voice” Ibid.

  244. “messiah” Le Velo January 27, 1901.

  Chapter 18

  245. “Deutschland ship leaving France to New York” Le Velo: June 29, 1901.

  245. Taylor arrives New York goes direct to Manhattan Beach track July 4, 1901: Naugatuck Daily News: July 4, 1901.

  245. “Brady always does things on a big scale” Trenton Times: July 26, 1901.

  245. “Wretched sailor”: UASP.

  246. Taylor rides exhibition spin: New York Times: July 5, 1901.

  246. Band plays way down Dixie: Andrew Ritchie: The Extraordinary Career of a Bicycle Rider: p.187.

  246. Taylor Dr. Comey vaccination: Naugatuck Daily News: July 12, 1901.

  246. “Rest and hydrate or face the possibility of a more serious illness” Worcester Telegram. August 2, 1901.

  246. “shake hands without a look of agony on his face” Bearings: June 24, 1897.

  246. “sick or not, tell him he must ride at once or he will be blacklisted” Cycle Age: July 18, 1901; Trenton Times: July 11, 1901; The Portsmouth Herald: July 11, 1901.

  247. “when Zimmerman returned from overseas in similar condition a few years before no one dared to even question the returning superstar.” Cycle Age: July 18, 1901.

  247. “public sympathy seems to be with the rider and not the National Cycling Association” Brooklyn Daily Eagle: July 15, 1901.

  247. Taylor threatens to quit racing on American tracks: Naugutuk Daily News: July 12, 1901.

  247. “You can put this down”: Daily News, July 12, 1901.

  247. “Taylor was just being arrogant and pigheaded” Brooklyn Daily Eagle: July 15, 1901.

  247. “A champion has got to put up with such things” Ibid: July 15, 1901.

  247. Taylor so ill he can’t leave his house: Boston Globe: July 11, 1901.

  247. Taylor appearance Hotel Hueblein with Batchelder until 1:30 in the morning: The Colored American Magazine, September 1902, p. 337. Boston Globe: July 16, 1901.

  248. “You have the alternative of being kicked out or walking out quietly, incident Vanderbilt Hotel” Brooklyn Daily Eagle August 2, 1901; Worcester Telegram: August 2, 1901.

  248. “What are you doing at that desk, get out of here” Ibid.

  248. “I guess you don’t know who I am” Ibid.

  248. Taylor switches to Yates Hotel, inflated price: Ibid.

  248. “take his meals in his room” Atlanta Constitution: August 1, 1901.

  249. “In all my travels over this country and Europe I have never been hurt more personally” Worcester Telegram: August 2, 1901.

  249. Taylor threatens to sue hotel through his attorney Sam Packard: Ibid.

  249. “Black whirlwind, white flyer” Major Taylor autobiography p. 34.

  249. Buffalo Exposition crowd size, Taylor handicap win over Lawson: The Anaconda Standard: August 16, 1901. The Washington Post: August 16 & 18, 1901.

  249. As Taylor train sped out of Buffalo, President McKinley last breath sighed into Buffalo. New York Times: September 15, 1901.

  250. “Trim the nigger” Major Taylor autobiography p. 188.

  250. “Many times the toss of a coin would decide which one would bring me down.” Ibid: p. 187.

  250. “None of the track owners were satisfied with the way Kramer had acted and did not believe the riders had given him a fair shake.” The Colored American Magazine, September 1902, p. 339.

  250. “perceptible limp” Atlanta Constitution: September 8, 1901.

  250. “Whetted Knives” Naugatuck Daily News: May 14, 1901.

  250. Taylor renting rooms away from track to avoid listening to bad language: The Colored American Magazine, September 1902, p. 338.

  251. Taylor toe-clip broke: Ibid: p.337.

  251. “hard luck” Naugatuk Daily News: September 29, 1901.

&
nbsp; 251. “The track promoters do not believe that the man lives that can defeat Taylor in an honest match race” Hartford Times: Quoted in The Colored American Magazine, Sept. 1902, p. 341.

  251. “there was ill will between Kramer and myself.” Major Taylor autobiography p. 201.

  251. Brady match race offers: Brooklyn Eagle, July 14, 1901; Taylor’s autobiography, p. 201.

  251. “Trial of the century causing 100,000 rise in circulation New York Times” Madison Square Garden 100 Years of History Simon and Schuster p. 93.

  251. It’s the one ambition of Kramer’s life”: Trenton Times, July 26, 1901.

  252. “Taylor had blood in his eyes” Booklet: Major Taylor, the King of the Cycle, his Appearance and Career” By Paul Hamelle and Robert Coquelle, Major Taylor autobiography p 314.

  252. One thousand five hundred watts of power possibility: Bob Williams, Director of National Sports Center Velodrome: Blaine MN; April 11, 2007.

  252. “Whenever his knees began to wobble I knew he was in trouble” Ibid: p. 222.

  252. Taylor defeats Kramer: Los Angeles Times, September 27, 1901.

  252. “The spectator were obliged to admit, the real champion was not the one to hold the title” Booklet: Major Taylor, the King of Cycle, his Appearance and Career” By Paul Hamelle and Robert Coquille Major Taylor autobiography p. 314.

  253. “my good friend, William Brady the present theatrical producer in New York always stood ready to make good on his offers.” Ibid: p. 201.

  253. “demanded the presence of Major Taylor” Ibid: p. 204. Quoting Victor Breyer: Interview by sport writer of unidentified New York daily.

  253. Announcement Taylor to leave for Europe racing: Trenton Times: December 20, 1901.

  253. “I consider Major Taylor the greatest racer and drawing card of them all” Ibid: p. 204.

  253. “I am delighted to sign him up again . . .” Ibid: p. 204.

  253. Description Taylor marriage, Reverend Taylor: The Colored American Magazine, September 1902.

  254. “The world’s fastest man” Reference Iver Johnson promoting bikes: The Cycle Age and Trade Review: October 25th, 1900; Fitchburg Sentinel: April 5, 1901.

  254. Iver Johnson informs agents: Taylor’s autobiography, p. 155.

  254. “I am absolutely convinced that his riding our wheel was a most profitable advertising investment” Cycle Age: July 22, 1901.