The Sheffield Velocipede Car Company was founded at Three Rivers, Michigan in the late 1870’s by George S. Sheffield. The firm’s initial product was a three wheeled track inspection car apparently invented by Sheffield. These cars were powered by a combination of hand and foot levers operated in a push-pull action. At about 140 lbs., they were light enough to be swung off the tracks to make way for trains. One authority says Sheffield received a U.S. patent for a single seat tricycle design in 1879 and for a two seat tricycle design in 1882.
Thanks to Hayes and his website for this information. We were happy to reclaim Heart Pine timbers from the original structure.
