Shelby Cycle Historical Society

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Shelby Cycle Historical Society Shelby, Ohio has a rich history in the production of bicycles, but it all began with a sewing machine salesman. in what was a crossroads of rural Ohio.

Jonas Feighner persuaded Shelby businessmen and his boss to establish the first seamless tube factory in the U.S. The rest of the story is a testament to human perseverance in the face of the changing role of the bicycle, the Great Depression and World War II. The Shelby Cycle Historical Society is dedicated to collecting and preserving the memory of the companies that comprised a vital part of Shelby’s significant source of commerce in the 20th Century.

09/18/2026

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 688 volunteers to help bring Shelby’s 1872 Engine House back to life, organizers announce

09/04/2026

Welcome to the first Throwback Thursday! Each Thursday, we’ll be taking a look at a historical item from Shelby and sharing the story behind it. For our first feature, we’re looking at this vintage advertising measuring tape from the Ohio Seamless Tube Division of Copperweld Steel Company, better known to generations of Shelby residents simply as “Tuby.” The history of the Shelby tube industry goes back more than a century, and Ohio Seamless Tube became part of Copperweld Steel Company in 1952. This small tape measure is believed to have been made by Barlow, a company known for producing promotional measuring tapes, and based on its design and the Copperweld branding, we estimate this particular example dates to around the 1950s or 1960s. While it may seem like a simple little advertising item, pieces like this give us a glimpse into the everyday history of the people and businesses that helped build Shelby. And the story of Tuby is far from over the plant is still operating today and remains an important part of Shelby’s industrial history, now operating under ArcelorMittal. It’s amazing to think that an object small enough to fit in your pocket can connect us to such a large part of Shelby’s past and present.

Do you remember Tuby? Did you, a family member, or someone you know work there? Do you remember what the plant was like years ago? Do you have any Tuby memorabilia or photographs tucked away? And what other pieces of Shelby history would you like to see featured in a future Throwback Thursday?

🏭 Honor their hard work. Preserve their legacy.The Shelby Steel & Wheel Museum is creating a new online directory honori...
09/01/2026

🏭 Honor their hard work. Preserve their legacy.

The Shelby Steel & Wheel Museum is creating a new online directory honoring the men and women who worked at the Tube Works (Tuby).

You can help by sponsoring a worker — past or present — for $100 each. Your sponsorship supports the Museum and ensures these stories of skill, pride, and innovation live on for future generations.

đź’¬ Know someone who worked there?
🖼️ Have a photo to share?
Visit https://www.shelbycyclehistory.org/faces-of-the-factory-the-tube-works/ to sponsor an employee or learn more.

Every name tells a story. Every sponsorship helps keep Shelby’s history rolling. 🚲⚙️

FROM FIREHOUSE TO MUSEUM!Stop at Shelby’s historic 1872 Engine House during Ohio Open Doors and discover plans for its e...
08/30/2026

FROM FIREHOUSE TO MUSEUM!

Stop at Shelby’s historic 1872 Engine House during Ohio Open Doors and discover plans for its exciting transformation into the future Shelby Steel & Wheel Museum!

📅 September 13 | 2–4 p.m.
đź“Ť 1872 Engine House, 10 E. Main St.
🎟️ Free admission

Explore the building, hear stories from its past, see restoration plans, and learn how we’re preserving Shelby’s remarkable bicycle and seamless steel tube heritage for future generations.

Plus, help us celebrate 10 years of the Shelby Cycle Historical Society! 🎉

Come see the past—and help us build the future!

08/10/2026

Join us for the Shelby Cycle Historical Society’s 10th Anniversary with our Heritage Ride! This historical tour will take riders through Shelby with stops at several locations connected to the Shelby Cycle Company, where we’ll share their importance and role in Shelby’s bicycle history. All bikes are welcome, and dressing up is encouraged! Come dressed in vintage-inspired clothing from the 1920s–1950s and help us step back into Shelby’s golden age of cycling!! 🚲❤️🩶

Nimble Neffs
Shelby Cycle Historical Society

New exhibit features Shelby bicycles. Some of the company's best years were during the Great Depression.
08/03/2026

New exhibit features Shelby bicycles. Some of the company's best years were during the Great Depression.

07/26/2026

Michele Black Abrams

07/26/2026

Help write the next chapter!

It's a great day for a ride! Twenty people showed up for the Shelby Steel & Wheel Tour, riding everything from classic S...
07/11/2026

It's a great day for a ride! Twenty people showed up for the Shelby Steel & Wheel Tour, riding everything from classic Shelbys, ebikes, in child carriers and in automobiles! Thanks for coming along to hear about our wonderful Shelby history! Shelby Bicycle Days

07/10/2026

Just 2 more days until our favorite day here in Shelby, Bicycle Days! Don’t forget, the first 35 people to join Nimble Neffs and the Shelby Cycle Historical Society by riding in the parade will receive one of these limited-edition Shelby Cycle Co./America 250 commemorative pins! We can’t wait to see everyone there! 🇺🇸🚲

Address

31 Mack Avenue
Shelby, OH
44875

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