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Advertising is a key component to a successful business. This is true today and was true through the past 130 years. Albert Pope knew this and advertised his Columbia’s in print to almost unprecedented levels. Several of these adds can be seen on another page of this site. Paper was not the only way to get the public familiar with Columbia bicycles. During and after Col. Popes life a wide and sometimes strange variety of materials were used to get the message across. On this page are some of the items I have collected pertaining to the Columbia bicycle. ___________________________
Jewelry. There were many buttons, lapel pins and other items to wear on ones clothing
to show brand loyalty.
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Many people collect spoons and still do. This Sterling plate spoon from early in the 20th
century promotes Columbia Bicycles.
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Every desk had a paperweight. Both a young Albert Pope and one from later years describe
his importance to both the bicycle industry as well as automobiles and better roads.
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Card games were popular in victorian times. Game counters were used to keep score. This
one would remind everyone playing that Columbia bicycles were the ones to buy.
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Below is another style game counter, this one made of cardboard.
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There was a lot of cigar smoking during that card game. Even when you put your smoke down you would be reminded of Columbia bicycles. _____________________________________________________
In the Westfield Mfg. Co. era bicycle manufacturing emphasis had shifted to kids bikes and so did the promotions. In 1948 adds in cartoon form were in the back of comic books. You could send away for a free catalog or for a few cents a realy neat whistle. _____________________________________________________
Also from 1948 is this Rules of the Road card meant to teach bicycle safety to kids. A Columbia bike is featured. _____________________________________________________
For the 75th Anniversary in 1952 employees received either a tie tack or bracelet. The tie tack pictured was given to my father at the time he worked there.
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In 1974 belt buckles were given to the management at Columbia Bicycles. Some of the first
issued had an interesting mistake and said "Westfield Conn." on the back instead of "Westfield Mass".
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A coffee mug from the 1960's. _____________________________________________________
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An ashray above and soap dish below from the late 19th century.
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Desk blotters from the early 1920's
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The Columbia "Wings" ornament was standard on all models from 1929 - 1931.
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More trade cards from the 1880's.
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