Albert A. Bouton
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Albert A. Bouton 1856 - 1893/06/16
AKA
"Whiskers"
Clubs
R. S. Coxhead and A. A. Bouton of Oakland took a trip to Mt. Hamilton on their bicycles a few days ago. They left Oakland Saturday at 2:15 P. M. and reached San Jose via Washington Corner at 6:25 P. M.
They remained at San Jose all night, and at 7:30 o'clock the next morning started for Mt. Hamilton on their wheels. A half hour's ride brought them to the junction.
From this place the road road is in excellent condition, but the grade is so heavy that the enthusiastic wheelmen found it impossible to pedal more than half the time. At 10 o'clock Grand View or the first summit was reached, a distance of twelve miles. The bikers took a rest at this spot and at noon made for Smiths creek, which was reached in a short time, where dinner was had. The most difficult part of the trip was then commenced. The observatory was then seven miles away by the road and only two by the trail. The cyclists decided to take the trail and again started on their journey. The young men found this the hardest part of the trip, as they had to carry their wheels a great part of the way. In three hours and a half they found themselves at the observatory and had the pleasure of riding around the building, on their wheels, the first to perform this feat. After remaining there for about an hour the return trip was made. An hour's careful coasting brought the bikers back to Smith's creek, where they remained for the night. At 3:30 P. M. the next day they arrived in San Jose and made the return trip to Oakland in a short time. The young men are the first who have ever ventured to the top of Mount Hamilton on a wheel, and they feel quite proud of their achievement.
Ralph Coxhead, an amateur rider, can manage a bicycle very well, but when it comes to a tricycle, he is not at home. A few nights ago while passing Eighth and Washington streets on a tricycle, he took a header and gracefully swept the earth.
...
Miss Edith Coxhead, her brother, and A. A. Bouton took an early start the other morning, and climbed the mountains leading to Jack Hays's canyon. The young lady rode a light club tricycle, and did not find it difficult work. The party returned by way of Piedmont hills and Lake Merritt, riding in all about sixteen miles over mountain roads.
THE WHEELMEN. - The Rise and Fall of the Ariel Bicycle Club. - Oakland Tribune, 18 Apr 1888
Bouton's Return.
A. A. Bouton, the wheelman who left this city at 3 o'clock yesterday morning for a trip to Mount Hamilton to establish the record, returned last night at 10:50 o'clock, having made the trip in less than twenty hours. The following is his time card:
Going - Left City Hall at 3 A. M.. reached Centerville at 5:45 A. M., San Jose 7:56 A. M., Smith's Creek 11:15 A.M., Lick Observatory 1:50 P. M. He remained there ten minutes, and on the return reached Smith's Creek 3:11 P. M., San Jose Junction 5:45 P. M., Centerville 7:37 P. M., Haywards 9:17 P. M., and City Hall at 10:50 P. M. On the road he stopped four times for meals.
Bouton's Return. - Oakland Tribune, 03 Oct 1888
The number of lady riders in Oakland is increasing. A. A. Bouton has a number of pupils whom he is instructing on ladies' safeties.
Bay City Wheelmen's picnic run to Lake Honda, April 13, 1890, San Francisco
Tricycles, safeties, and Tandems.
For hire and for sale; new and second hand machines. Rates, tricycles and safeties 60c. per hour, 30c, each succeeding hour; six hours $2. Tandems $1 per hour, 50c, each succeeding hour. OAKLAND CYCLE Co., 407 8th st. A. A. Bouton, Manager. C. D. Haven Jr., Sec.
Whiskers Bouton of the Oakland wheelmen made quite a showing in the two-mile safety handicap. He was running behind when the crowd began to yell "Go it, whiskers," "Wake up, Wind Blew!" Thus encouraged Bouton made a spurt, passed the leaders and won the heat. A cheer went up for whiskers. But he lost the race.
WHIRLING WHEELS! The Greatest Racing Meet Ever Held on the Coast. - Alameda Daily Argus, 31 May 1892
