1948 ad 2

Claude Salmon Company was a motorcycle dealer at 3039 Myrtle St. from 1931 to at least 1969, run by Claude Salmon and his sons-in-law. They sold new and used motorcycles, primarily Harley-Davidson, but later Kawasaki as well. 3

Salmon had previously been in business in Fresno as part of Salmon and Wilson which sold motorcycles, including some to the state of California. 1 The Salmon family moved to Oakland c.1931 and Claude opened a new dealership at 3039 Myrtle. Pacific Coast hill-climbing champion "Windy" Lindstrom was in charge of the repair department. 12 Lindstrom was a member of the Oakland Motorcycle Club for more than 50 years.

Brothers Clifford Self and Howard Self married two of Salmon's daughters in 1936; the 1940 census lists Howard and Clifford as motorcycle mechanics. A 1953 article describes Howard as the secretary-treasurer. 4

The company provided motorcycles to the Oakland Police Department. 6,7,8,10,11

The company became Coliseum Cycle and Accessory at 3958 E14th (now International) in 1969. 9 Claude Salmon died in 1974.

1967 ad 31966 ad

1951 Sanborn excerpt - fair use

Links and References

vintage cap 5

  1. New Mounts For State Police Fresno Morning Republican March 16, 1930
  2. ad Oakland Tribune April 25, 1948
  3. ads Oakland Tribune November 23, 1967
  4. Along Auto Row Oakland Tribune September 20, 1953
  5. Vintage Harley Davidson Motorcycle dealership Hat AntiqueMystique.com
  6. City Buys 40 Cycles; Asks Engine Bids Oakland Tribune August 22, 1947
  7. Police Dept. Supply Contracts Awarded Oakland Tribune April 28, 1948
  8. council awarded contracts Oakland Tribune September 30, 1949
  9. ad Oakland Tribune January 25, 1970
  10. contract notice Oakland Tribune August 19, 1955
  11. contract notice Oakland Tribune January 3, 1962
  12. Claude Salmon opens Oakland Tribune March 15, 1931