Going back in time with Tom Janda’s Harley-Davidson scrapbook

A Harley-Davidson^® enthusiast captured his love of his motorcycle through pictures.

Images courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Museum^®

From official event photographers to snapping selfies at a pitstop, there’s no denying that images form a big part of the Harley Owners Group^® experience. Whether you’re seeking to relive the thrills of an action shot, reminisce about an incredible journey, or jog your memory of a meaningful moment that’s personal to you, they’re a way to preserve time.

Today, we share our snaps with friends and throughout social media, the H.O.G. Stories gallery, and carry them with us everywhere on our phones. This hasn’t always been the case, and a recent acquisition by the Harley-Davidson Museum shows that while the format of our images may have changed, the amount of fun to be had with a Harley^® motorcycle certainly hasn’t!

Almost 80 years ago, family man Tom Janda started a scrapbook, filling it with adventures he had with his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Tom lived in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Bobbie, and son, Tom Jr., participated in activities with the Omaha Cavaliers Motorcycle Club, and found work as a carpenter, firefighter, and contractor. Although he had some success in amateur flat-track racing classes, tourist trophies and hill climbs, what really shines through from the moments he captured is sheer enjoyment he got from his motorcycle.

This album gives us a glimpse into the life of an ordinary motorcyclist, his family, friends, and Harley. Here are some highlights…

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