It was recently brought to our attention that the bicycle pictured below was mistakenly identified and posted on our website as an Indiana bicycle.
After diligent research by our officers and help from an Indianapolis bicycle historian we believe that the pictured bicycle was likely sold by Strawbridge & Clothier (Pennsylvania) Department Store. We have documentation that a Waverly (no E) bicycle appeared in their advertisements between 1913 & 1918.
Furthermore, we believe that the Don Adams book Collecting and Restoring Antique Bicycles has inaccurately attributed a "Waverly" bicycle (no E) to the Indiana Bicycle Company along side the Indiana Bicycle Company's "Waverley" bicycle (with an E).
The Indiana Bicycle Company launched its premier line of Waverley (with an E) bicycles in 1893. Though mistakenly misspelled in many newspapers, the Indiana company never mistakenly misspelled their premier product.
It was surely an honest mistake which can be attributed to the plethora of Waverly bicycles manufactured over time. Our research shows multiple manufacturers, over decades, producing a Waverly bicycle. We hope this clears up any confusion, and always welcome documentation that will update any mistakes as they are found.