What’s online?
The entire collection is scanned and online.
What’s in the entire collection?
The scrapbooks document, through newsclippings from American and foreign presses, the climate of racial opinion in America and abroad as well as Taylor's reactions along with providing more factual information about professional cycling as a national and international sport. "Major" Taylor's autobiography, The Fastest Bicycle Racer in the World, was published in 1928, four years before his death. An article in The Pittsburgh Press from April 29, 1984 includes an interview with Mrs. Sydney Taylor Brown, of Pittsburgh, Taylor's only child.
About Marshall W. ("Major") Taylor
Marshall W. ("Major") Taylor, a professional African-American bicycle racer, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on November 26, 1878. He started racing in Indianapolis and was eventually barred from competition. Around 1895, Taylor moved with his trainer, Louis D. ("Birdie") Munger to Worcester, Massachusetts. Taylor further developed his talent which led to three consecutive American sprint points championships, from 1898-1900, and a world championship in the mile sprint in Montreal on August 12, 1899. "Major" Taylor then embarked on competitive tours of Europe and Australia. As a black athlete in a characteristically all-white profession, Taylor attracted attention and commentary and faced unusual challenges and pressures.