Technology's Past: Oscar Hedstrom, George Hendee and Their Indian Motorcycle

摘要

The Indian was the most popular motorcycle in the early 20th century and remained in production for over 50 years. Company founders Oscar Hedstrom and George Hendee chose the name to identify it as a completely American product. Both men were avid bicyclists. They met in 1900 at an event held at the bicycle track at New York City's Madison Square Garden. Hedstrom, the second of three children, was born in Sweden in 1871. His family came to America when he was a young boy, and his father worked in the construction field. Hed- strom attended the public schools in Brooklyn before apprenticing with a general engineering firm. He learned the elements of metal forming and how to use machine tools. Hedstrom worked for several firms during his 20s and, like many others, enjoyed bicycling in his spare time. As a sideline, he built racing bicycles for professional cyclists.