The Rambler

The Gormully & Jeffery Manufacturing Company of Chicago built their first bicycle in 1878. Created by Thomas Jeffery, the bicycle model was given the name Rambler. Over the years, the Rambler design, remained true to its focus on quality, rather than making cuts in the name of lower prices. Rambler tubing was "flared" at the ends, providing greater strength at the joints. The joints themselves were brazed by being immersed in molten brass.

In time the Gromully & Jeffery Mfg Co became the second largest maker of bicycles in the country, with the Rambler their flagship model. Among the most lasting of Jeffery's inventions was the development of what we today would recognize as a clincher rim to hold the new-fangled pneumatic tires securely.

In 1895 the partners formed the Shelby Cycle Manufacturing Company to produce the "Ideal" model, a cheaper version of the Rambler, and sometimes marketed as the Rambler Ideal. In 1900 Jeffery and Gormully sold their interests in the bicycle company to focus on the manufacture of automobiles. 

Almost none of that has anything to do with the Rambler-inspired kitchen towel that The Mrs. found at Barbara Cheatley Antiques, in Claremont Village, not long ago during the much-loved shops "retirement sale."

Anyway, back in the day, the Los Angeles area had numerous shops dealing in the Rambler model bicycle, including two of the largest - Thomas Varney, and the Burke Brothers.