b'Historic ScugogBY J. PETER HVIDSTENPort Perry By-law bans use of Velocipedes Before bicycles became the rage throughout Ontario, there were Velocipedes, an early version of a bicycle which became popular beginning in the 1860s.The earliest Velocipedes were constructed of wood and iron, and were propelled by peddling a crank attached to the front wheel. This crude vehicle, with its lack of springs, quickly earned the nickname, the bone shaker.Exactly when the first Velocipedes made their way into Reach Image courtesy Encycolpaedia Britannica.Township and Port Perry is not known, although the first mention of them is found in an April 1869 front page story of Prince Alberts Ontario Observer newspaper.In that issue, Wes Faint tells of making his way to the Town Hall with his newly acquired Velocipede, where instructions on riding this new mode of transportation were being provided. He relates that he climbed on, and fell off of the cycle at least 40 times during his two days of instruction.This kind of violent exercise is rough on a fellows wardrobe, especially the pants, he lamented.Afterwards, analyzing his experience he provided a synopsis of his experience, to prepare and warn anyone contemplating purchasing a Velocipede of its hazards.He listed the following consequences from his brief experience: Foursprainedankles Threepairofdemoralizedpants Severallumpsonmyforeheadthatwouldmakenicedoor-knobs.Mr. Faint ended his report with the following assessmentAs a Velocipedestrian I didnt flourish, but as a tumbler, I wore the belt. TheReach&ScugogAgricultureSocietysSpringShowfeaturedan exhibition of Velocipedes in April 1869 and during Dominion Day celebrations at Prince Albert on July 1, 1869, for the first time a Velocipede race was held. The race was run over a distance of 40 rods (about 500 ft.) with a prize of $3 for first place.No reference to these cycles can be found again until May 1876 whenPortPerrycouncilintroducedaby-lawprohibitingtheridingofImage courtesy The Vintage NewsVelocipedesonanyofthestreetswithinthecorporation.Inthesameby-law they prohibited the use of Iron Hoops along Queen, Perry, Lilla and WaterStreets. Thepenaltyfornotcomplyingwiththeby-lawwas$1to$5foreachoffence, and if the fine was not paid, eight days in the common jail.Iron Hoops , or Hoop & Stick was a game played by young children. The object of the game was to keep the hoop rolling along the street as long as possible. The game often became a competition betweenPlease turn to page ??several children to see who could roll the hoop the farthest.32FOCUS - FEBRUARY 2023'