Alton’s 1913 Indian Motorcycle Became A National Curiosity
Before squad cars, Alton officers faced motorists who knew the department had no fast way to catch them. A $250 motorcycle became the city’s ambitious answer.
Tom House, For Riverbender.com
Alton, Illinois’ First Police MotorcycleALTON - In 1912, Alton police chief Joseph Lachance was frustrated by speeders endangering the public. Drivers knew the police had no vehicles other than an ambulance. One man even sped up passing city hall as a frustrated patrolman ordered him to stop. The chief considered borrowing the East St. Louis motorcycle cop for a few days as a “moral deterrent.”In February 1913, the city council approved the purchase of an Hendee Manufacturing I...
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