Throwback Thursday: August 22

News from around Johnson County as reported on Aug. 22 in the pages of the Daily Journal and the Franklin Evening Star from the last 112 years.

On this day in 2003, one of the stories on the front page of the Daily Journal was about Southside Harley-Davidson celebrating 100 years of the “all-American” motorcycle.

More than 8,000 bikers arrived in the Indianapolis area for a pit stop to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Southside Harley-Davidson in Southport was chosen by the company to be the dealer to host the Indy stop, the planning of which was not an easy task, said Kathy Schulteti, general manager of Southside-Harley Davidson.

It was a privilege to be chosen, said Sandy Kite Hunt, event planner for the dealership. Food vendors, a live band, a magician and more were planned for the event, which saw motorcycle riders from as far away as Texas, Missouri, the Carolinas and Florida.

Three points-of-interest tours were planned for visiting bike lovers. One went to Indianapolis Raceway Park; another tour provided a close-up view of North Meridian Street and the third ride was to downtown Indianapolis.

Hosting a public pre-birthday party for the oldest motorcycle in history was an opportunity to share experiences with the public, Hunt said.

“And the joy and freedom of motorcycling,” Hunt said.

Once all-day events ended, the motorcyclists traveled to Milwaukee, the home of Harley-Davidson. It was planned to be the biggest birthday bash, where more than 750,000 bikers would gather, Schulteti said.

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Other memorable Johnson County stories from this day

2015

A $10 million new fieldhouse was approved for Center Grove High School.

1994

Franklin residents were voicing opposition to a rezone for a new Walmart on the city’s far north side.

1984

Two employees involved with a Greenwood modeling firm were charged with prostitution.