On June 24, Tramontin Harley-Davidson held its 2nd Annual Vintage Motorcycle Day at the Hope dealership located at 482 Hope Blairstown Road. It was a study of motorcycles in all their roaring glory. In addition to enjoying many antique and vintage motorcycles on display (along with newer models), visitors could vote for their favorite, talk shop with the owners, check out the swap meet, listen to The Atlanta Cafe Band, and if so moved, step into the Tramontin showroom and purchase a new motorcycle!

A concise history: Tramontin Harley-Davidson celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2015. Founded in 1915 by Ernest “Red” Tramontin, the Lexington Cycle Shop (original name) was located in Clifton, NJ. His widow Pierina took over in 1928, with son Arthur (Bub) and daughter Gloria. Bub ultimately took over the business and in 1947, the Clifton shop was christened Tramontin H-D. In 1973, Bub opened the H-D dealership in Hope, run by his son Bobby, while Bub maintained the Clifton site, which closed in 1995. In 2018, going strong after 103 years, Tramontin Harley-Davidson/Honda, has earned the title of “destination dealership,” with 3rd generation Bobby Tramontin at the helm, selling and servicing a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, along with many other H-D branded goodies!

In this photograph, (L) Bob Benz, from Lebanon talks with Bobby Tramontin about Mr. Benz’s 1967 Harley-Davidson XL 8, which boasts original paint, original seat, original owner, and, located on the battery case, a original yellow label indicating the motorcycle had been purchased from Tramontin H-D in Clifton 51 years ago!

Cathy Miller, an award-winning photographer who has been capturing the faces of Warren County for many years, has had her work appear in numerous publications, local, statewide, and beyond.  To contact Cathy Miller, email camille723@earthlink.net.