True Arizona Biker Established 1948 "Morris"

I met Morris just about two years ago. He strolled in with another friend of mine, Jim, who told him about me and the little shop. Since the day I met him he has always been so genuine.  Another real man from an era I wish I could have experienced. He has always been willing to tell me about his adventures in life and motorcycles. He was born and raised in Phoenix and has seen the city grow and grow.  He remembers when Phoenix was all desert, north of McDowell Road and cattle ranches had more population than the city itself.  It was a time when the salt river ran free through downtown.

He showed me a couple of pics that first time.  I was amazed and shared them on the blog. About two weeks ago, he finally dug out the rest of his pictures and shared them with me.  I was speechless.  Morris really has some killer history in this state. He got his first 1938 knucklehead at the ripe old age of 16 in 1949. He used to run around all over Arizona, from Prescott to Nogales, Mexico, with a small gang of friends who had Indians and Harley's.  I couldn't imagine what it must have been like. Dirt roads and trails, truly amazing I bet for sure.

Morris sold his 1938 in 1952 for $200 bucks when he married his wife Virginia, so they could get a new refrigerator. That same year he was drafted into the Army and went to Korea.  He served his time as a Vehicle mechanic. When he came back from Korea he had two children and got back into motorcycles.  Later on down the road his son got the bug for bikes and they shared that relationship together.  In 1995 Morris tracked down a basket case 1938 and rebuilt the bike of his youth with his son. His son sadly passed eight years ago.

He has a beautiful collection of old Indians and Harley's, and still love building them.  At 78, Morris is still going strong.  His sweet wife Virginia is alive and well.  He is a true piece of history in Arizona.  He is a man from a time when men were men.
Thanks so much, Morris.
Love your friend Jeremiah


                                                         Morris age 16

                                      Black Canyon city 1949 morris far right

Korea

                                                        Nogales, Mexico 1950

                                    Apache Junction Arizona 1949 Morris far left

                                                            Morris and Virginia

                                                            Morris on his 1938

                                                              Virginia

Local drag car 1949

                                                                  New paint

                                                       True Love

                                                             Pure Style

Indians and Harleys

First bike

Japan

Korea

Young Love Nogales Mexico