Clubhouses

[Skirted]

I found myself mesmerized with this photo on page 32 of the latest AMCA magazine. My mind started wondering as I looked at each face and how unified and enthusiastic all those members must have been, smiling or not. Such a great view into the time period. Growing up as a farm country boy in the 70s never having been associated with motorcycle "clubs" nor knowing anyone that was, the whole scene is intriguing to me. Perhaps a good subject for a future mag article that digs into the depths of these clubs in the 40s,50s and 60s and how they were born and operated. Like what was the hierarchy? What were the membership dues? Who had access to the clubhouse? What were the house rules? What activities did they have? How would a clubhouse be acquired? How often were meetings? etc.

Appreciate hearing from those in the know.

This brings me to the next question. Are there any AMCA chapters that have their own clubhouse?

We have antique bikes in a modern world. Is it a pipedream to entertain the possibly that a larger chapter could acquire a clubhouse? The old fashioned clubhouse and rules would bring it to a new level of maintaining history. Would it increase membership? Or has society changed too much with countless other distractions to ever recreate this scene today within the AMCA? Maybe so, or not. I know outlaw motorcycle gangs still have clubhouses all over, but how common is it for traditional clubs to have one?

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[RichO]

The Capitol City Motorcycle Club is still a functioning active AMA Charter club to this day. The club house pictured above is still used today and is within 11 blocks west of my house. They have all kinds of traditional rituals and such. They were known as the Harley club in Sacramento. The Fort Sutter Motorcycle Club (1934 to 1972) was the Indian club in Sacramento. The Fort Sutter Chapter AMCA morphed from them in 1982. Their club house was sold in 1972. It still exists today about 12 blocks south of my house. They had their own rituals too and were an AMA chartered club.

[Rubone]

The old Albuquerque Motorcycle Club clubhouse still stands, it is a rental property for the heirs of the long past dealer whose land it was built on next to his home. This was the H-D club, the New Mexico Motorcycle Club was the Indian and other brands club. Neither exists today.
ABQ MCclubhouse.jpgABQ MC Club.jpgABQ MC clubhouse.jpg
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Most clubhouses were on property bought with club or dealer funds, many of the clubhouses themselves were built by members. Many of the clubs began in the early years, Lots of teens and twenties clubs existed and were very active in touring, endurance, timed trials, and racing in those days. Most were sponsored by local or even a group of regional dealers. Clubs did lots of civic events for their communities mostly for good will. During the war years there were scrap and rubber drives sponsored by clubs, auxiliary civil defense units, etc. The AMA recognized clubs with banners, plaques , and trophies for completion of various tasks. A much simpler time!!

[Rubone]

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Some AMA awards as commonly displayed in the clubhouses.

[Rollo]

I don't have any pics but the Reading Motorcycle Club near the Oley swap meet is one of the oldest in the country. They have a club house a music pavallion a drag strip and numerous camper hook ups on their property. Goggle them! They have been going for over 100 years.

Tom (Rollo) Hardy
AMCA #12766

[Spag]

DEA93917-A186-4999-A741-932891EACBD6.jpeg The Sunset Riders Motorcycle Club was established 1950 in Butler Pennsylvania by the folks in the Butler area associated with the Zanotti Harley Davidson dealership. Although the history of this club indicates much of the photo and memorabilia history of the club was lost in a fire, I remember reviewing a few years back a large book of photos of the group, many in full club dress which was traditional riding gear for the time. The Allegheny Mountain Chapter sponsored chapter rides out of the Zanotti dealership until it closed several years ago. Unfortunately, like many old dealerships, the clubs associated with these dealerships faded and ceased to exist where its many members passed away. More at sunsetridersmc. org

[RichO]

Then you have the San Francisco M/C founded in 1904 and became a AMA club in 1924. Dudley Perkins (SF H-D dealer), Hap Jones, Tom Sifton, Ray Eddie,(SF H-D dealer), Pat Spears ( Dudlley Perkins employee and JDH cut-down specialist with his brother Finiggan). The club house was damaged by fire twice but brought back to life twice. The club is still really active to this day. Cool club house with an original 1904 Curtiss hanging from the ceiling.

[ammorest]

The White Rose MC of York, Pennsylvania has a nice clubhouse with a hillclimb track on the grounds. It's where the Chesapeake Chapter used to have their national meet. Also in York. Pa is the York MC, I believe they have a clubhous on Route 30. There is a motorcycle mounted on a tall pole you can see from the road.
Dave

[joe fxs fxr]

The Quaboag Riders in Monson, MA are one of the few remaining motorcycle clubs in New England that own their own property and hold events on their own land. They have been promoting motorcycling and motorcycle racing since 1945, along with holding hillclimbs annually during the summer months.They have run motorcycle scrambles, motocross, and motorcycle hillclimbs.