A few years ago my Grandfather, "Grandpa Bob" passed away taking with him a wealth of stories from his days of riding motorcycles across the US and Mexico from the 60s-80s. He had given me his leather jacket with ride pins from Harley owners rallies, Baja rides, and various club events. But I also saved a stack of business cards he kept that stretched back decades, for the shops he frequented. Most if not all of these companies are long since gone, like Dale's Modern Cycles (above) of San Bernardino which has been closed for nearly 25 years. The Dale behind Dale's Modern Cycles was Dale Marschke, a legend in the Southern California motorcycle scene, not only was Dale the owner of a successful Harley Davidson and Yamaha dealership but his name can be found on the roles of Clubs and riders going back to Daytona in the early 1960s. But he might best be known for being the co-founder of the infamous Laughlin River Run which for nearly 40 years has taken over the city on the banks of the Colorado River.
These business cards each tell a story, the art and typography on these cards capture a different era and a time when you had to call someone or even show up in person. These cards were from the vendor's Grandpa Bob used to build and service his own custom motorcycles, sadly we don't have any of his old customs still in the family.
There were dozens of cards in the box, but I pulled out a few of my favorites to share. Obviously, these businesses are defunct or moved so please don't attempt to call the listed numbers searching for vintage chopper parts. I did pull up the addresses and have included what kind of business is currently at the address below each card, as expected all of the chopper and hot rod shops are gone. In the case of Dale's Modern Cycles the original building still stands, but it is currently a bridal dress shop and event center.
Enjoy the cards below:
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