'Bicycle' Club Is Closed By Court

September 8, 1916

Judge Pool fines Harry Schaeffer $500 and Ten Days on Liquor Charge

__

“Bicycle” club was dealt a crushing blow yesterday when a jury of the county court assessed a $500 fine and ten days against Harry Schaeffer on a charge of unlawfully selling liquor. The defendant gave notice of appeal when his motion for a new trial was overruled by Judge Adrian Pool. He was released on a $1,000 bond pending action of the appeal.

The club complained of was located in Lynchville and according to the defense was operating under a charter that had been granted by the state to Amos Williams, former city hall janitor, John F. Ross and L.F. English in 1910 for the purpose of organizing a bicycle club. The charter, the defense said, had been obtained by transfer when the club for soldiers was organized.

George Murphy, a soldier, said that he had been elected treasurer of the club and there had hardly been time to make proper improvements when the place was closed. The dues, he said, were 50 cents a year. The club rooms boasted three or four tables and a piano.

“We organized to make it pleasant for the soldiers,” he said. “I sang for them.” He never knew it was a bicycle club. He always thought that it was an athletic club. Yes, the members played pinochle, but not for drinks. He had never seen any beer sold to anyone who was not a member. He has handled the beer trade in the capacity of an assistant, he said.

Arthur Danielson said he paid 50 cents to join the club and had bought beer and paid Schaeffer for it. He also declared there was a piano in the place.

“If it had not been for the beer and piano, you would not have joined would you?” County Attorney C.W. Croom asked.

“No, sir,” replied the witness.

Judge James J. Murphy stated that he had gone to the place and saw beer there. Deputy Constable J.W. Brown corroborated that.

The defense maintained it had a right to operate by virtue of the charter granted by the state.

Comments

[David Middlecamp]

Let that be a lesson, beer and bicycles are a bad combination.