1914 & 1915 Birmingham Ledger Endurance Races - Episode #12

May 6, 2013

Updated - November 11, 2015

By: David L. Morrill
@ Deadly Dave's Blog

Sylacauga, Alabama

1914 Indian Poster
Scott Bashaw Collection

Several years ago, my friend Johnny Whitsett sent me some early motorcycling photographs taken in Birmingham, Alabama by Oscar V. Hunt. As a professional photographer, Mr. Hunt documented many sporting events in the early years of Birmingham.  He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, and close friend of the Birmingham Indian Motorcycle dealer, Bob Stubbs. Among that group of photos, were several that featured Harley-Davidson and Indian riders that were taken in downtown Birmingham in 1914. They document some type of endurance motorcycle race, but the information about the race had been lost over the last 100 years.

The Birmingham Ledger newspaper sponsored several early motorcycle events in Birmingham, but I had never seen any information on this event. Recently early motorcycle collector Scott Bashaw shared an Indian Motorcycle Company promotional poster that touts Indian's domination of a Birmingham Ledger Speed and Endurance Run. I figured this might just be the race where these photos were taken and set out to see what I could find.


Scott's poster does not list the year, but one of O.V. Hunt's photos taken in 1914 shows a group of riders in front of the Birmingham Ledger Office at 2027 1st Avenue North.


1914 Birmingham Ledger Southern Championship Endurance Race

Motorcycle endurance runs, which were held on public roadways, were popular throughout the South beginning in the early days of motorcycling. They were often runs made between cities, to establish, or break record run times. In 1910, Birmingham Indian Motorcycle dealer Bob Stubbs set a record riding from Birmingham to Atlanta, Georgia in 7 hours and 5 minutes.



1914 Race Contestants at the Birmingham Ledger Office
O.V. Hunt 1914 - Johnny Whitsett Collection

In June 1914, The Federation of American Motorcyclists announced the three-day Southern Championship Endurance Road Race to be held on July 4th, 5th, and 6th. starting in in Birmingham, Alabama. The race was sponsored by the Birmingham Ledger Newspaper, and took place on public roadways between Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia.

Birmingham's Bob Stubbs would lead the Indian team out of his dealership located at 1805 4th Avenue North in Birmingham. Stubbs was joined by his team riders Gail Joyce, and Gene Walker, and John McHale. All three were from Birmingham. Joyce and Walker were making names for themselves riding Indian racers provided by Stubbs on the one-mile dirt oval at the Alabama State Fairgrounds in Birmingham. They were joined by Atlanta Indian rider Ed Wilcox, who had competed in the grueling 5-hour 1913 Savannah 300 Grand Prize Road Race.

The Harley-Davidson Team included Mooresville, NC. rider Gray Sloop, who had also competed in the 1913 Savannah 300 Road Race. He was joined by Atlanta riders Johnny Aiken, and R.B. Parrish. Aikens had been seriously injured during practice for the 1913 Savannah 300, when he crashed into a tree. Aikens had recovered from his injuries and was fit to ride. They were considered three of the best endurance riders in the country.

Atlanta's Johnny Aiken
O.V. Hunt 1914 - Johnny Whitsett Collection

Birmingham's William F. Specht Jr. rounded out the factory team. Specht, an accomplished racer and Harley-Davidson dealer from New Jersey, had recently moved to Birmingham. He opened his Birmingham dealership in Cliff Howells bicycle shop on 3rd Avenue North.

In mid-June 1914, William Specht and Joe Esdale did a test run of the racecourse for the July 4th race. Both riders arrived in Atlanta on time, and without incident. The next morning, they left Atlanta for the return trip to Birmingham.

They were accompanied by Atlanta Harley-Davidson dealer Johnny Aiken. The return runs of Esdale, and Aiken, were slowed by flat tires. Specht arrived back in Birmingham at 4:00pm. repeating the previous day's perfect run. Esdale and Aiken, were delayed slightly by their tire problems, but arrived back in Birmingham without further incident.

Specht Harley-Davidson Dealership Birmingham, Al.
Johnny Aiken - William F. Specht, Jr. - Gray Sloop
O.V. Hunt 1914 - Johnny Whitsett Collection

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

A total of 31 riders paid the $5.00 entry fee, and drew a number, to determine their start time. There was a $500.00 cash prize for the winning rider. There were also two "splendid" cups, one for the individual winner, and one for the winning team. 

The riders lined up at the Start/Finish line in front of the Birmingham Ledger Office at 4:00 AM on July 4th for the start of the race. The riders were sent out individually at two-minute intervals. The 211-mile course would have control points at Gadsden, Al. and Rome, GA. 

Birmingham, AL. Starting Line
O. V. Hunt 1914 - Birmingham, AL. Public Library Archives 

The only serious incident happened just outside Gadsden, Alabama, when William Specht collided with Gadsden rider Will Alford. Initial reports stated Specht had been disemboweled and probably will die. This was reported in the Birmingham News, a competitor with the Birmingham Ledger, and proved to be a gross exaggeration Specht's injury.

Birmingham News - July 7, 1914

It was left to a Harley-Davidson spokesman to squash the rumor of Specht's impending death. In reality, Specht was not badly hurt, but both bikes were destroyed. Specht, and Alford were unable rejoin the race.

There was a one-hour lunch break at the Rome, Ga. control point.  As the rider's left Rome, headed to Atlanta, they had no idea of the challenges they met. There were three mountains to cross on the way into Atlanta. If that wasn't enough of a challenge, torrential rains began falling as the approached the Altoona pass, with it's three hairpin turns. A total of 21 riders, wet and tired riders, crossed the Atlanta start/finish line in front of Atlanta's Piedmont Hotel. Eighteen riders arrived on time, with three others 10 to 20 minutes late.

At the end of the first leg, eight Harley-Davidson riders had perfect scores. These included Gray Sloop, Johnny Aiken, and Red Parrish. Gray Sloop made the run in 6 hours, breaking the 1910 record set by Bob Stubbs' on his Indian, by over an hour.

Atlanta Constitution - July 5, 1914

They were followed by Indian riders Bob Stubbs, Gene Walker, and Gayle Joyce, who also had perfect scores. Their Indian teammate Brown had been forced out near Carterville by mechanical problems.

On July 5th, the race contestants reversed course returning to Birmingham from Atlanta.

Race Competitors
O. V. Hunt 1914 - Birmingham, AL. Public Library Archives

Upon arrival in Birmingham, the Harley-Davidson Team claimed the Indian Team was followed "by an automobile, with spare parts, and skilled mechanics".  They also claimed one of the Indian riders received help from the mechanics following their team in violation of the event's rules. The Harley-Davidson Team filed a protest with the referee, but the referee ruled against them.

The decision was made that the Harley-Davidson team riders would not compete in Sunday's return to run to Atlanta. Harley-Davidson ran several ads in the Atlanta Constitution, which were picked up by newspapers around the country, to explain their position.

Atlanta Constitution - July 5, 1914

Atlanta Constitution - July 8, 1914

Chicago Daily Tribune - July 26, 1914

Wheels Through Time Museum Collection
Photo by Chris Price of Georgia Motorcycle History

With the withdrawal of the Harley-Davidson Team, the remaining two days of the race were dominated by the Indian riders.  At the end of the 860-mile run, the Birmingham Indian team had dominated the race.

Gail Joyce - Birmingham, AL. 1914 - Indian
O.V. Hunt Collection

Gail Joyce won the race, with his teammates Gene Walker in second, and Johnny McHale in third.  Bob Stubbs was among the six Indian riders that finished the race without mechanical problems.

Robert Stubbs - Gadsden, AL. ca 1914
Robert Scarboro Collection
Gadsden, Alabama Public Library Archives 

Johnny McHale - Birmingham 1914
O.V. Hunt - Birmingham, AL. Public Library Archive
Christine Turner Collection

In response to the ads run by Harley-Davidson in the Atlanta Constitution, the Indian Motocycle Company ran their own ad after the race was completed.

Atlanta Constitution - July 8, 1914

Motorcycle Illustrated - July 9, 1914

The controversy over the race results was settled by a telegram from Birmingham Ledger Editor B. H. Mooney that appeared in the Sports section of the July 8, 1914, Atlanta Constitution Newspaper confirming Indian riders had won the race. Gail Joyce was the winner, followed by Gene Walker in second, and John McHale in third.

Atlanta Constitution - July 9, 1914

1914 Birmingham Ledger Indian Team trophy
T. McClellan Collection

Atlanta Constitution July 12, 1914

1915 Birmingham Ledger Cup Race

Birmingham Ledger - April 3, 1915

Despite the controversy surrounding the results of the 1914 race, another race was scheduled for Easter Sunday, April 4, 1915. The 422 mile Birmingham Ledger Cup Race followed the same route between Birmingham and Atlanta as the 1914 race. Unlike, the 1914 race, that started at 3:00 am, the 1915 race started at the more civilized hour of 10:00 am.  Both Harley-Davidson, and Indian, entered two teams each in the race.

Birmingham Harley-Davidson Team #1:

William Specht, Willard E. DeGroat.

Atlanta Harley-Davidson Team #2:

Johnny Aiken, Wilmer "Tex" Richards, H.P. Buttrick, R. B. Parrish.

Birmingham Indian Team #1:

Bob Stubbs, Ollie Roberts, Robert Horton, John T. McHale.

Atlanta Indian Team #2:

Ed Wilcox, Harry Glenn, Berry Cohen.

On Easter Sunday morning, 24 riders lined up in front of the Birmingham Ledger Office and were again sent out at 2-minute intervals. Remarkably, at the end of the first days run from Birmingham to Atlanta, 22 of the riders arrived in Atlanta with a perfect score.

Atlanta Constitution - April 5, 1915

Atlanta Harley-Davidson rider, Johnny Aiken, was the first rider to arrive at the final check point. Aiken set a new record for the run between Birmingham and Atlanta in 5 hours and 30 minutes. This broke the previous record by half an hour. The only incident was a crash outside Rome, Georgia involving Birmingham Harley-Davidson rider W. E. DeGroat, who was an accomplished local racer, having won the professional sidecar race October held at the Alabama State Fairgrounds Raceway on October 7, 1914.

Willard E. "Big Daddy" DeGroat  of Birmingham, AL.
1915 Birmingham Ledger Race - Gadsden, AL. - 1915
Gadsden Alabama Public Library Archives - Robert Scarboro Collection

Birmingham Ledger - April 10, 1915

At the end second days run from Atlanta, back to Birmingham, W.E. DeGroat appeared to have shaken off his crash the day before. When the scores were tallied, DeGroat was tied with Indian rider D. H. Horton for first place. 

Birmingham ledger - April 7, 1915

The Team Prize was awarded Indian Team #1 consisting of Stubbs, Horton, and Roberts. It was decided the individual race winner was to be decided by the run back to Atlanta starting at 5:30 am. on Tuesday April 6th, but this was later changed to 5:30 am Friday April 9th.

Friday morning, DeGroat lined up at the starting line, but Horton failed to show for the return run. DeGroat filed a protest, asking to be awarded the win, due to a forfeit by Horton. After waiting a reasonable amount of time for Horton to arrive, the event referee declared DeGroat the winner.

Bob Stubbs filed a protest for Horton. Stubbs stated Horton had been instructed by the referee not to show up for the return run, due to DeGroat's protest. It was left to the State Referees, who reviewed both protests.

Birmingham Ledger - April 7, 1915

In a meeting at the Ledger Offices on the evening of April 9th, the judges awarded the individual prize, and the Birmingham Ledger Cup to DeGroat. Upon hearing of the judge's ruling, Horton sent a note to them withdrawing the protest filed on his behalf. He also asked that the individual prize be awarded to DeGroat.

Willard E. DeGroat - 1915
Specht's Harley-Davidson - Birmingham, AL.
Jessica DeGroat Hayes Collection

Birmingham Ledger - April 10, 1915

Atlanta Constitution - April 10, 1915

DeGroat's win  appeared in a Harley-Davidson ad in the Atlanta Constitution.

Atlanta Constitution - April 11, 1915

Stubb's Indian Ad
Birmingham Ledger - April 1915

Atlanta Constitution - April 25, 1915

With the results of the 1915 race decided, the score between Harley-Davidson, and Indian, stood at one individual win, and two team wins for Indian. Harley-Davidson claimed one individual win. The results of both the 1914, and 1915 races were a point of contention between Indian and Harley-Davidson riders, for years to come, as each claimed to have been cheated. As America's involvement in World War 1 approached, the 1915 race was the final running of the Birmingham Ledger Cup Race.

The 1914 and 1915 Birmingham Ledger Cup Races were just two small skirmishes in the ongoing competition between the Indian, and Harley-Davidson companies, for sales dominance in the American motorcycle market. This competition continued on roads, racetracks, and dealerships for years to come. It finally came to an end when Indian closed its doors in 1953.

Epilogue: 

Gray Sloop, was one of two riders, killed in separate accidents during the Savannah 300 Road Race on November 25, 1914.  

Bob Stubbs, closed his Birmingham Indian dealership in 1918, and taking a job in Montgomery, AL. He died of cancer in 1922.

William F. Specht Jr. closed his Birmingham Harley-Davidson dealership, and returned to Atlantic City, NJ. He became a successful hill climb competitor for Harley-Davidson. 

Gail Joyce, the 1914 race winner, continued his successful racing career.  Joyce opened the Joyce Motor Company in Birmingham in 1918. He owned the Birmingham Harley-Davidson dealer until his death in 1934.

Gene Walker , who finished 2nd in the 1914 race, was hired as an Indian factory rider in 1915. Walker became one of the top motorcycle racers in the country. He was killed in a racing accident in 1924.

Johnny Aiken, who competed in both the 1914 and 1915 races, continued to work in Atlanta Harley-Davidson dealer Gus Castle, until he enlisted in the Army at the start of World War 1. He served overseas as a 1st Lieutenant in a Motorcycle Dispatch Company and remained in the Army until 1920. Upon his return to Atlanta after the war, he made the switch to automobile racing, and became one of the top drivers at Atlanta's Lakewood Speedway.

Ed Wilcox, who competed in both the 1914 and 1915 races, was killed in a racing accident at Atlanta's Lakewood Speedway in 1917. He was attempting to take the lead from Gene Walker on the first lap of the race. He lost control and crashed into the fence on the outside of the track.

Willard E. "Big Daddy" DeGroat, winner of the 1915 race, later joined the Birmingham Police Department He attained the rank of Detective and served in the Homicide until he retired in 1945. He passed away in Birmingham in 1965 at age 75.

The Birmingham Ledger was purchased by their competitor The Birmingham News in 1920 and ceased publication later that year. The Birmingham News is Birmingham's newspaper.

Charlotte, NC. Observer - April 18, 1920

Sources:

Ancestry.com

Atlanta Constitution

Birmingham Public Library Archive - O. V. Hunt Collection

Birmingham News

Charlotte, NC. Observer

Chicago Daily Tribune

Chris Price

Gadsden Alabama Public Library Archive - Robert (Bobby) Scarboro Collection

Georgia Motorcycle History

Jessica DeGroat Hayes

Johnny Whitsett Collection

Indianapolis Star

Motorcycle Illustrated

Newspapers.com

Robert (Bobby) Scarboro Collection - Gadsden Public Library Archives

Scott Bashaw Collection

Wheels Through Time Museum Collection

Bob Stubbs, Birmingham's First Racing Champion - Episode #6

October 7, 2012

Updated - February 16, 2017

By: David L. Morrill
@ Deadly Dave's Blog

Sylacauga, Alabama

O.V. Hunt (left) & Bob Stubbs (right)
O. V. Hunt 1914 - Birmingham, AL. Public Library Archives

I came across Robert "Bob" Stubbs story, while I was researching my article on early Birmingham, Alabama racer Gene Walker. As I found out more of his story, I realized Stubbs played a major part in the early Birmingham motorcycling history. Through his friendship with Birmingham photographer and motorcycle enthusiast O.V. Hunt some of that early motorcycling history in Birmingham, Alabama was photographed and preserved. It's time Stubbs' many contributions are shared.

Early Family History

Robert Thomas Stubbs
Bruce Crawford Collection

Robert Thomas Stubbs was born in the town of Dayton, Alabama, which is located in Marengo County in west central Alabama.  His parents, Thomas J. Stubbs and Elizabeth Gilbert-Stubbs had 10 children. Robert was the oldest. By 1900, the family had moved to the East Lake area of Birmingham.

Bob Stubbs Bicycle - Motorcycle Racer

Like many young men, who became early motorcycle racing champions, Bob Stubbs started out as a professional bicycle racer. Bicycle racing was very popular in the late 1800s, and athletic young men across the country took to the bicycle racing velodromes to seek fame and fortune. An October 1898 Atlanta Constitution article on the Birmingham Cycle Club's first professional bicycle race lists Bob Stubbs of Eastlake as one of the race winners.

Atlanta Constitution - October 11, 1898

Beginning in 1907, motorcycle races were held on the 1-mile dirt oval at the Alabama State Fairgrounds Raceway in Birmingham. Stubbs began competing in these early races on an Indian "Motocycle." Several races of varying lengths were held each day of competition, and as he sharpened his racing skill, he often won all the races held each day.

In June 1907, Bob Stubbs was elected President of the newly formed Birmingham Motorcycle Club. President Stubbs issued a statement to the press stating that all members were signing a pledge they would not engage in "road scorching, ungentlemanly behavior, walk by frightened horses or mules, and strictly adhere to speed regulations." The club held hill climb competitions in the Birmingham. They also sanctioned the races at the Alabama State Fairgrounds track.

On July 4, 1907, The Birmingham Motorcycle Club, held it's first series of races at the Alabama State Fairgrounds track. Robert Stubbs won four races of the races that day. Stubbs returned to the track on Labor Day winning three races.

Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review - July 13, 1907

Page 279 of the 1908 edition of Cycle & Automobile Journal featured a short article on Robert Stubbs, winning a 104-mile Alabama endurance race on a new 1908 Indian in 5 hours and 22 minutes.  The date of the race is not listed.

In October 1908, Stubbs won 11 races over 5 days of racing at the Alabama State Fairgrounds Raceway and claimed the "Southern Championship."

In October he won 13 races at the Birmingham track. In December, Stubbs went back to the Fairgrounds Raceway, this time for a 100 lap record attempt. He set a "New Worlds Record" by turning the 100 laps of the 1 mile dirt oval 107 minutes 44 seconds. This record brought Stubbs national recognition, as it was covered by major newspapers across the country.



1908 Indian Racer

For the March 1909 Daytona Beach Speed Trials in Ormond Beach, Florida, Stubbs was hired by the Indian Motocycle Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, as a factory rider.  He was teamed with Brooklyn, New York rider Walter Goerke. They both rode the new 1909 Indians.

The Daytona, FL. Daily News - March 23, 1909

Robert Stubbs - Indian - Ormond Beach, FL.
Indian Motorcycles Club of France - Detroit Public Library Collection

Goerke set new records for 1 kilometer and 1-mile distances. The next day, Stubbs broke Goerke's 1 mile record of 45 seconds by 2 seconds. The new motorcycle speed records received worldwide press coverage.

The Times London, England - March 27, 1909

New York Times - March 26, 1909

Bob Stubbs (2nd from right) Daytona Beach 1909

Indian Motorcycles Club France

David Greenlees - The Old Motor.com

http://theoldmotor.com/

Indian Motocycle Club of France

Stubbs also logged wins at Dallas, Texas, along with Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama. In May Stubs got another mention in the New York Times story about the races held on May 4th at Montgomery, Alabama.

Indian Motocycle Club of France

In August Robert Stubbs traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to compete at the newly opened Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stubbs was one of 31 professional racers from around the country that competed in the event. Trouble with the racing surface, caused several serious accidents, and Stubbs was lucky to return to Birmingham un-scathed. Stubbs Birmingham wins were included in and Indian Motocycle ad, which appeared in newspapers around the country in October 1909.

1909 Indian Motocycle Company Ad 
Chicago, IL. Daily Tribune - October 17, 1909





Stubbs traveled to Waco, Texas, and dominated the professional class races. He also traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, and participated in the ill-fated first races held at the newly completed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

            Russell Walthour & Robert Stubbs - Waco, TX.

Hill climb racing was gaining popularity throughout the country, and Stubbs became an accomplished hill climber. Stubbs won both the 30.5ci and 61ci motorcycle classes at the Lookout Mountain Hill Climb Race held on April 23 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The results were reported in the New York Times.

New York times - April 23, 1909

Competing on the state fair circuit Stubbs won all the motorcycle events held at Montgomery, Alabama, Waco and Dallas, Texas.  Stubbs finished the year with a second-place finish in the 10 Mile Race for professional riders at the newly opened 2-mile Atlanta Speedway in Georgia.

Motorcycle Illustrated - November 15, 1909

Charlotte, NC. Evening Chronicle - November 11, 1909

Bob Stubbs finished the 1909 season with wins at Dallas, Texas.

Indian Motorcycle Company District Agent

Despite his busy racing schedule, Stubbs still managed to work as the Indian Motorcycles Distinct Representative throughout north and central Alabama. When Stubbs wasn't racing, he traveled the northern parts of Alabama by motorcycle contacting potential dealers and selling Indian motorcycles throughout his district.

In April 1910, Motorcycling and Bicycling Magazine reported Stubbs set a new record riding his Indian motorcycle from Birmingham, Alabama to Atlanta, Georgia in 7 hours and 5 minutes. That time broke existing Birmingham to Atlanta records for both cars and motorcycles. On May 24th, the Birmingham News sponsored a hill climb race on a mile and 2 tenths long course up Shades Mountain in Birmingham. Stubbs won both motorcycle classes and his time of 1 minute 51 seconds was 17 seconds faster than the fastest automobile time up the mountain.  In October Stubbs won 5 of 7 races at Birmingham, both races at the Montgomery Fairground, and finished the year with a win in Dallas, Texas.

Stubbs started the 1911 season with second places finishes in the Mardi Gras Speed Carnival at the New Orleans Fairgrounds.

Robert Stubbs - New Orleans 1911
Chris Price@Georgia Motorcycle History

Stubbs crashed in Sunday's race and was struck by his bike after another rider collided with it. The accident was described in a March 1911 article in The Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review.

Atlanta Constitution - February 27, 1911

On July 4th, 1911, Bob Stubbs returned to his hometown of Birmingham, and beat local champ Gail Joyce in the 25 Mile Open Professional Race held in Birmingham.

Chris Price@Archive Motor - Motorcycle Illustrated - July 13, 1911

The 1911 Southern Tour Race Series returned to Birmingham in October with great controversy. National stars from around the country, including Excelsior riders Charles Balke and Jake DeRosier, came to Birmingham to take on local star Bob Stubbs for two consecutive weekends of racing during the Alabama State Fair.  Much had been made in the local press about the matchup between Stubbs and his former Indian teammates Balke and DeRosier. The first weekend, Stubbs held his own securing two second place finishes and one third in the day's races. DeRosier complained about the track officiating, insulting the meet referee, and stating Birmingham was "an Indian Town!" That night things spilled over at a local hotel.


The incident was reported in the October 14, 1911, issue of Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review. Stubbs' wife Barbara Stubbs was alleged to have made "insulting statements" to DeRosier, as DeRosier pushed his Excelsior off the track with a dead motor. That night, DeRosier confronted Stubbs, over Barbara Stubbs' comments, at a local hotel. A scuffle ensued between Stubbs and DeRosier. DeRosier came out the worse for it, with a cut above one eye. DeRosier alleged five of Stubbs' friends jumped in scuffle, and one of them hit DeRosier with "a slap jack or brass knuckles."  DeRosier reported it to the police, and a later issue of the magazine stated, "Stubbs paid a 10 dollar fine in court the next morning."

Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review - October 14, 1911

With the previous weekend's drama, the stands at the Fairgrounds Raceway were packed with fans not wanting to miss another possible confrontation. Stubbs finished 2nd in his first race of the day, which took place without incident. In the next race of the day, Stubbs had a front tire fail, and crashed heavily. Stubbs badly injured one of his eyes, and it was initially feared Stubbs would lose the eye. The eye injury was later determined to be less serious less serious than first thought, but Stubbs was forced to quit competition while he recovered.

When asked later if he would continue racing the magazine reported Stubbs stated," not if Mrs. Stubbs has anything to do with it." It appears Stubbs took his wife's advice and quit solo racing. He did, however, win the sidecar class at the Alabama State Fair in 1913.

Local Indian riders Gail Joyce and Richard Gayle were backed by Stubbs to represent Indian at the next round in Selma, Alabama. Joyce dominated win most of the professional class races with Gayle finishing second.

Motorcycle Illustrated - November 16, 1911

Bob Stubbs finished the 1911 racing series by being chosen one of 17 Speed Kings of 1911 by The Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review.

Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review - December 1911
KMP Motos Parts Collection

Birmingham Indian Dealer

Stubbs Indian Motocycles Ad
Birmingham Ledger - October 10, 1915 

When Bob Stubbs opened his Indian dealership at 1805 4th Avenue North in downtown Birmingham, Alabama is unknown. In May 1910 photos of the shop appeared in Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review Magazine.

Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review - May 14, 1910

In 1913, Stubbs attended an annual meeting of Indian Motocycle Company District Agents in Springfield, Massachusetts.   With the release of Indian's new 15 horsepower model in 1915, Stubbs staged a famous publicity stunt. A dapperly dressed Stubbs rode the new Indian model, which pulled a wagon load passenger through downtown Birmingham. The event was photographed by Mr. Hunt and covered in the local press.

O.V. Hunt 1915 - Johnny Whitsett Collection

In early 1914, William F. Specht Jr., a racer from New Jersey relocated to Birmingham. Specht began selling Harley-Davidson motorcycles from a bicycle shop owned by Clifton Howell. Specht's shop was located just a block away from Stubbs' shop, at 1714 3rd Avenue North. They were rivals for domination of the Birmingham motorcycle market for the next few years.

Gene Walker's Mentor

In 1912, Birmingham native Gene Walker entered and won his first motorcycle race at the Alabama State Fairgrounds Raceway. Walker, who delivered mail on his motorcycle for the Post Office, was soon dominating the local races. Stubbs recognized Walker's talent, and in 1913 he hired Walker. At the time, Stubbs was one of the largest Indian dealers in the country and was very involved in racing.

Stubbs Indian 1805 4th Avenue North Birmingham, AL. 
Gene Walker (right)
Furman Family Collection

Stubbs put Walker on a new Indian 8 valve racer and Walker began to dominate the Birmingham amateur races. Professional riders from around the country came to Birmingham for the fall race series.  Walker was able, with Stubbs assistance, to hone his racing skills competing against some of the best racers in the country.

In July 1914, Bob Stubbs entered a team of riders in an Endurance Run sponsored by the Birmingham Ledger Newspaper. At the end of the three-day 860-mile event, his riders Gail Joyce and Gene Walker, finished first and second respectively.

Gail Joyce
O.V. Hunt 1914 - Johnny Whitsett Collection

Stubbs was also one of only six of the thirty-one race entrants, to complete the full race distance without mechanical issues. All six finishers were riding Indians, and this was featured in an Indian Motorcycle Company promotional ad touting the reliability of their motorcycles.

Robert Stubbs - Gadsden, AL. ca 1914
Robert Scarboro Collection
Gadsden Alabama Public Library Archives

Stubbs also entered a team of riders in the 1915 Birmingham Ledger Cup Race. Stubbs Team won the overall Team Championship.

Birmingham Ledger Endurance Run Competitors
O.V. Hunt 1914 - Johnny Whitsett Collection

Stubbs encouraged Walker to enter his first professional race in October 1914. Early in the race, Walker jumped to the lead setting a new track lap record. Walker ran with the lead pack throughout the race, which was won by new Harley-Davidson racing team member Red Parkhurst. Walker finished third. Stubbs status as a factory rider and dealer opened doors for Walker with the Indian factory. In 1915, Walker was hired by the Indian Factory and spent most of his 10-year racing career as an Indian factory rider. He would win 19 Championship races, set numerous speed records.

Gene Walker - Indian Daytona Beach Record Run - 1920
Don Emde Collection

Even with Gene Walker's departure to Indian in Springfield, Massachusetts, Stubbs other two team riders, Gail Joyce, and Richard Gayle, dominated the Fairgrounds races in October of 1915.

Stubbs Indian Ad - Birmingham Ledger October 1915

As World War 1 approached, much of Indian and Harley-Davidson's motorcycle production went to the military. This put motorcycle dealers throughout the country in a serious bind, as they had few new motorcycles to sell. They were forced to try and survive by selling used bikes, as well as repairs and parts sales. Many shops closed their doors during the war, and never reopened. This may to be the case with Stubbs' Indian shop.

Stubbs took a job with Hobie Motor Car Company in Montgomery, Alabama in 1918. Hobie also sold Harley-Davidson and Cleveland motorcycles, and Their advertising mentions Bob Stubbs was in charge of the motorcycle shop.

Stubbs' racing injuries had forced him retire from the rough and tumble world of the Fairgrounds dirt track racing. He left that to his young protegees like Walker. He did, however, continue to compete in sidecar long distance races on a sidecar equipped Harley-Davidson.

Stubbs final mention in the national motorcycling press, came in 1919. The Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company printed a full-page ad in in the September 10, 1919, edition of Motorcycling and Bicycling Magazine. The ad, which featured a photograph of the 4 Harley riders, who each obtained perfect scores in the Montgomery, Alabama endurance run. Competing on a cross country course described as "a veritable river of mud, with sand, and chuck-holes by way of variation," 

Bob Stubbs rode his sidecar equipped 1919 Harley-Davidson to a perfect score. His younger sister Lucy rode he whole event as a passenger in his sidecar.  During this time, Lucy had taken a position as schoolteacher in a coal mining town in the mountains east of Birmingham. At the end of the school year, Lucy was walking down the dirt road to the train station in her small town. She intended to take a train back to Birmingham for the summer. She was surprised by her oldest brother Bob, the champion motorcycle racer, on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and sidecar. He had ridden from Birmingham to give her a ride back home. The event was captured in this family photo shared by Bruce Crawford.

Robert and Lucy Stubbs - 1919
Bruce Crawford Collection

In January 1920, Earl Morrison became the distributor for Indian Motocycles in Birmingham.  Morrison had worked for Robert Stubbs at his Birmingham Indian dealership, prior to leaving for the service during World War 1. 

Motorcycle Illustrated - January 1920

 Robert Stubbs passed away at his Montgomery, Alabama home surrounded by friends and family. He was just 43 years old and was buried at the East Lake Cemetery in Birmingham. His pallbearers were mostly local motorcycle racers and dealers including Gail Joyce.

Motorcycle Illustrated - June 1, 1922

Two years later, Birmingham was again shocked to learn Gene Walker, the young racer Bob Stubbs had mentored years before, had died from injuries received in a practice crash in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

The photograph below was taken, in front of the Birmingham Ledger Newspaper office at 2027 1st Avenue North in Downtown Birmingham during the 1914 Birmingham Ledger Endurance Run, and features some of the thirty-one competitors, and race officials. The tall fellow standing on the back row on the right side is Bob Stubbs. The shorter fellow, just in front of Stubbs, is Gene Walker. Birmingham photographer O. V. Hunt is seated in the front row holding the newspaper. During their racing careers, Bob Stubbs and Gene Walker, were two of the most famous sports figures in Alabama. They each played a key part in early Birmingham history and brought the city of Birmingham to national attention.



Birmingham Ledger Endurance Run Competitors
Johnny Whitsett Collection - O.V. Hunt 1914

Epilogue:

Recently, reader Dave Hoover, contacted me after reading this story on Robert Stubbs. He stated he had purchased this trophy about twenty-five years ago. It came from an estate sale in Omaha, Nebraska.

David Hoover Collection

The etching on the trophy states: 

10 Mile Handicap

Indian Cup 

Presented by 

Hendee MFG. CO.

Springfield, Mass

Won By

Robt. Stubs 

Time 9M - 8S

The Hendee Manufacturing Company in Springfield, Massachusetts produced Indian Motocycles. The location of the event this trophy was awarded for is unknown. It probably dates from between 1909 to 1911. If anyone has any information on this event, please contact me.

Sidecar Race Trophy - 1913 Alabama State Fair

Sandra Stubbs Collection

Sources:

Bicycling World and Motorcycle Review

Birmingham Ledger

Birmingham News

Birmingham, Alabama Public Library Archives - O.V. Hunt Collection

Bruce Crawford Collection

Chicago Daily Tribune

Chris Price@ArchiveMoto

David Hoover Collection

Don Emde Collection

Furman Family Collection

Gadsden Alabama Public Library Archives - Robert (Bobby) Scarboro Collection

Indian Motorcycles Club of France

Johnny Whitsett Collection

KMP Motos Parts Collection

Motorcycle Illustrated

Newspapers.com

New York Times

Robert (Bobby) Scarboro Collection - Gadsden, AL. Public Library Archives

The Old Motor.com

The Times London, England