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Thomas Kelsey Quadricycle

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Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday
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1867 St Laurent Blvd, Ottawa, ON
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Thomas Kelsey Quadricycle

Thomas Kelsey Quadricycle

Current location:

Collection Storage Facility

Provenance:

This quadricycle was part of a large collection of objects and literature the Museum acquired from collector Lorne Shields in 1982. The collection bears the name Shields.

Technical history:

In the mid-nineteenth century, many builders tried their hand at making a commercially viable cycle. The challenge was to create a vehicle that was sturdy yet light enough for a person to propel. Willard Sawyer of Dover, England, used his fine carpentry skills to craft multi-wheeled vehicles that stood the test of time and use. He constructed his machines entirely of hardwood with forged steel support. For propulsion, he used a treadle and crank system.

History:

Willard Sawyer built and sold various models of quadricycles in the 1840s, 1850s, and 1860s. This quadricycle was made by his brother-in-law, Thomas Kelsey, who may have been trained by Sawyer. Kelsey operated a velocipede company in Margate, England, between 1867 and 1874. On this model, he used front-wheel drive with rear-wheel steering, to prevent the cyclist’s legs from interfering with the wheels during turns.

CSTMC/SMSTC 1981.0203

CSTMC/SMSTC 1981.0203

SCITECH
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Artifact No.
1981.0203
Manufacturer
Thomas Kelsey
Manufacturer Location
Margate, England
Manufacture Date
Circa 1852
Acquisition Date
1981
  • View all the collection highlights at the Canada Science and Technology Museum
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About Canada Science and Technology Museum

Canada Science and Technology Museum
The Canada Science and Technology Museum tells Canada's innovation story in an immersive, educational, and fun way.
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Canada Science and Technology Museum
1867 St Laurent Blvd
Ottawa ON K1G 5A3
Canada

613-991-3044
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  • Plan Your Visit
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    • Spaces and Studios
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    • Venue Rentals
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    • Virtual Field Trips
    • Group Visits
  • Educational Programs
    • School Programs
    • Virtual Field Trips
    • Program Location
      • At the Museum
      • At Your School
      • Online
      • Browse all Educational Programs
    • Popular Links
      • 3D Educational Resources
      • Digital Learning Kits
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      • Online Resources for Science at Home
      • Tell Me About
      • Try This Out
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      • Collection Highlights
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