The Quest for the Original HD Work Shed
One man's quest to find the exact spot where the first Motor Company workshop once stood.
Shed Spot
The only remnant of the Motor Company's first workshop is this stained photograph at the HD Museum. Buried in the back pages of Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson's blog, is a story of one man's quest to photograph his Road King on the exact spot where the 'shed' once stood. What began as a simple mission, took some concentrated sleuthing and three years to complete.
Shed Folklore
The original shed is long gone, but not intentionally. There are a number of versions, but folklore has it that an ill-informed employee accidentally disposed of the dismantled shed at some point during the 1970s. Now the site of the Miller Brewing Company, the Motor Company's first workshop was located behind the Davidson's family home on 37th Street, and Highland Boulevard in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Shed Footprint
The humble, yet iconic structure only retained its 10'x15' footprint for one year. In 1904, it was expanded. The original shed saw the production of Serial Number One — the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle ever produced. With guidance from outboard motor pioneer Ole Evinrude, the loop-frame design moved the fledgling company out of the motorized bicycle category and marked the path of future motorcycle designs.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Shed Move
In 1906, William S. Harley and the three Davidson brothers built their first factory on Chestnut Street — later Juneau Avenue. The expansion was rapid, and within a decade numerous multi-story brick buildings had replaced the wooden structure. Details are murky, but the original shed remained behind the Davidson's house until the mid-teens, at which point it was moved to the Juneau factory location.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Shed Replica
Over the years a number of 'shed' reproductions have been built by dedicated individuals. The 'official' replica was built by the Harley-Davidson Museum using what little archival photographs were available. Officially opened in 2016, in its current location just outside the museum, the shed serves as a rallying point for tours — not to mention photo-ops for Motor Company enthusiasts.
Photo courtesy of WUWM 89.7 FM.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Authentic Celebration
Not content with facsimiles, Randy Wilson wanted some authenticity on his Milwaukee-bound trip to participate in Harley-Davidson's 100th Anniversary celebrations. He wrote in the Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson blog, “I wanted to find out where the original 1903 Harley-Davidson 10'x15' shed was located, place my Road King in that exact spot, and snap a photo.” Three years later Wilson got his wish.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Library Help
On Wilson's first attempt to locate the shed he asked local residents but got different answers every time. Turning to the Milwaukee Public Library, he studied old census records, city directories, and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps. Wilson's studies took him well into the evening. With the light failing, he navigated his way to 37th and Highland, only to realize his photo-op was not going to succeed.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
Coveted Photograph
With his friends waiting and a riding schedule pressing, Wilson bookmarked the location. It took until June of 2011 to make the return trip from Indiana and take the coveted photograph. Wilson's dedication to his goal is emblematic of Harley-Davidson's vision and persistence over the last century. It is also a small reminder of the enigmatic lure of motorcycling, and a business that understands the attraction.
Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Southside Harley-Davidson.
>>Join the conversation about the original HD workshop shed right here in the Harley-Davidson Forum!
