Old Fort Motorcycle Club celebrates 100th anniversary and is looking for new members

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. (WANE) – From moving to hosting a variety of charity events, the Old Fort Motorcycle Club has seen several changes since its founding 100 years ago.

As the name suggests, the club was founded in Fort Wayne in July 1924 after a local Harley-Davidson dealer named Herman “Pop” Daler formed the club along with friends and family to promote safe riding and camaraderie, according to the Old Fort Motorcycle Club.

In the 1960s, the club moved to its current location at 4863 E. Lincolnway in eastern Whitley County. Old Fort Motorcycle Club President Richard France said the club had 66 members and more than 200 associate members at the time.

The Old Fort Motorcycle Club participates in charity events throughout the year that raise money for local organizations such as Dare to Dream Youth Ranch and the Huntington County Youth Services Bureau’s Safe Spaces program.

“It was fun,” France said of his time at the club. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

The organization is also one of 16 motorcycle clubs in Indiana that are official members of the American Motorcyclist Association.

However, membership has fallen from hundreds in the 1960s to just eight in 2024.

France said many factors contributed to the decline in membership, including the increasing number of clubs, less interest among younger generations in joining the club and the fact that the Old Fort Motorcycle Club is an alcohol-free organization.

Despite the club’s problems, France said it was incredible to see the organization survive for 100 years.

“It means a lot to us. The last few years have not been easy… but it is something we can be proud of. Really,” France said.

France has been a member of the organization since 2005 and hopes to find new, younger members who can keep the club afloat when he is too old to lead it.

“It’s hard to get younger guys in, (but) we’d like to get some younger guys in because none of us are getting any younger and I want to keep this going,” France said.

The Old Fort Motorcycle Club will host a public celebration at its clubhouse with food and live music on Saturday, July 20th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.