Going back in time with Tom Jandaâs Harley-Davidson scrapbook

A Harley-Davidson^Â® enthusiast captured his love of the open road through photographs.

Images courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Museum^â¢

From professional event photographers to quick snapshots at a roadside stop, images have long been part of the Harley Owners Group^â¢ experience. They help riders relive the thrill of the moment, reflect on unforgettable journeys, and preserve memories that are deeply personal.

Today, photos are shared instantly through social media, the HOG^Â® Stories gallery, and mobile devices we carry everywhere. That hasnât always been the case. A recent acquisition by the Harley-Davidson Museum^â¢ is a reminder that while the way we capture images has changed, the joy of riding a Harley^Â® motorcycle has not.

Nearly 80 years ago, Tom Janda began documenting his life on two wheels in a scrapbook filled with photographs of his Harley-Davidson adventures. Living in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife Bobbie and their son Tom Jr., Janda balanced family life with work as a carpenter, firefighter, and contractor. He was also an active member of the Omaha Cavaliers Motorcycle Club.

Janda participated in amateur flat-track racing, hill climbs, and tourist events, earning trophies along the way. Yet what stands out most in his carefully preserved photographs is not competition, but the pure enjoyment he found in riding and sharing that passion with family and friends.

The scrapbook (below) offers a glimpse into the life of an everyday motorcyclistâone defined by connection, camaraderie, and time spent on the open road with a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.