| In the early 1890s, Franklin Munger settled in Indianapolis. He was
a famous bicycle racer and loved everything about bicycle racing. In addition to racing,
he also built and sold bicycles. His nickname was "Birdie." Birdie
Munger started a bicycle business in Indianapolis and hired Major Taylor to work in his
house as a cook, cleaner and errand boy. Since Major Taylor lived in Birdie's house he no
longer had to ride to his parent's farm. Living in Birdie's house gave him the opportunity
to meet many famous cyclists.
His biggest thrill was meeting and dining with Arthur Augustus Zimmerman.
Zimmerman was the most famous bicycle racer in the world. Taylor also met the sprint
champion, Willie Windle, who was very nice to him. It was wonderful for Major Taylor to
meet champions that were not race prejudice. Major Taylor had no role models and looked
upon Birdie, Windle and Zimmerman as father figures. |
