In 1866 Daniel Stover of Freeport, Illinois, manufactured various machinery under the name "Stover Experimental Works," incorporating "Stover Manufacturing Co." in 1879. The company held sixteen patents. In addition to bicycles, Stover manufactured steam and gas engines, coal chutes, barbed wire, hinges, pulleys, and windmills.
From 1888 to 1892, Stover produced accessories for ordinaries (highwheel bicycles). In 1891 the Stover hard-tire safety appeared. The first version of the Iroquois may have been fitted with hard tires, followed within a year or two by the pneumatic model you see here.
This original early pneumatic Stover Iroquois of 1892-93 features a solid bar at the top for the gentleman rider. The bar is easily removed to convert the bicycle to a ladies' model. This Iroquois was purchased from a descendant of the original owner, who lived in Freeport. At some point in time the Iroquois lost its mudguards and brake hardware. The bike is currently fitted with a period candle lamp.
From 1888 to 1892, Stover produced accessories for ordinaries (highwheel bicycles). In 1891 the Stover hard-tire safety appeared. The first version of the Iroquois may have been fitted with hard tires, followed within a year or two by the pneumatic model you see here.
This original early pneumatic Stover Iroquois of 1892-93 features a solid bar at the top for the gentleman rider. The bar is easily removed to convert the bicycle to a ladies' model. This Iroquois was purchased from a descendant of the original owner, who lived in Freeport. At some point in time the Iroquois lost its mudguards and brake hardware. The bike is currently fitted with a period candle lamp.
1892-93 Stover "Iroquois" Early Pneumatic Convertibles ©Daniel Dahlquist