Boyhood Cottage of Harley-Davidson's Founder SAVED!

A humble cottage that birthed the American dream of Harley-Davidson narrowly escaped the wrecking ball, thanks to dedicated bikers. 🌐 #News #MilwaukeeWI #Wisconsin #HeartwarmingNews

MILWAUKEE, WI — Deep in the rolling hills of Scotland’s Angus village stands a modest cottage that changed the course of American transportation forever. This unassuming home, where the Davidson family story began, nearly met its end under the blade of developers’ bulldozers. But sometimes, the most American stories start somewhere else entirely.

The Birth of a Legend

Before chrome pipes and leather jackets, there was William C. Davidson, who left his Scottish home in 1857 for the promise of America. His children – Arthur, Walter, and William – would later team up with a young mechanical whiz named William Harley to create what would become an American icon.

From Ruin to Restoration

The Davidson family cottage didn’t fare well over the years. It sat neglected until passionate motorcycle enthusiasts took matters into their own hands, meticulously bringing the building back to its 1850s glory. But their work almost came undone when the property landed back on the market, catching the eye of developers eager to replace history with new construction.

Racing Against Time

The Davidson Legacy Preservation Group sprang into action, securing matching funds from the UK government’s Community Ownership Fund. But they still needed to raise more than £300,000 to save the historic site. For three years, they rallied support from around the world, but the finish line seemed just out of reach – until Harley-Davidson itself roared in with the final push of funding needed.

The American Dream Takes Shape

The tale of Harley-Davidson itself reads like a classic American success story. In 1901, young William Harley sketched out plans for a motorized bicycle. He and Arthur Davidson tinkered away in a Milwaukee, Wisconsin machine shop, joined by Arthur’s brother Walter. The oldest Davidson brother, William, contributed his expertise from the West Milwaukee rail shops.

From Backyard to Global Brand

Their dream found its first real home in 1906 on Milwaukee’s Juneau Avenue – the very spot where Harley-Davidson’s headquarters stands today. That first factory produced just 50 motorcycles. But by 1920, this backyard operation had exploded into the largest motorcycle manufacturer on Earth, selling bikes in 67 countries.

Looking ahead to 2025, the preservation group has big plans for the restored cottage. And now, thanks to the determination of motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide and the company that bears the Davidson name, this piece of motorcycling heritage will continue to tell the story of how a Scottish immigrant’s humble home gave birth to an American legend.

Real Stats:

Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, by William S. Harley and brothers Arthur, Walter, and William C. Davidson. (Source: Harley-Davidson Archives)
Scotland is home to over 60,000 registered motorcycle riders as of 2023. (Source: UK Department for Transport)
The Davidson family emigrated from Scotland to the U.S. in 1858. (Source: VisitScotland.com)

A Moment for Reflection

It’s easy to forget that every big legacy begins in a small place. The story of this little cottage and the riders who saved it reminds us how honoring the past keeps our sense of purpose alive. Whether in motorcycles or in life, remembering where we come from helps guide where we’re going.

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RELATED TOPICS: History | United Kingdom | Wisconsin