Arthur Davidson
1998, Industry
Teaming up with boyhood friend William S. Harley, Arthur was the first of the Davidson brothers to join in the production of the original Harley Davidson motorcycle. And as the new Harley-Davidson gained in popularity and production increased, it was Arthur who took charge of sales, covering the country from coast to coast and establishing a sound network of dealers.
Arthur also appreciated the importance of competent mechanics to serve Harley-Davidson owners and the Harley-Davidson Service School is a tribute to his foresight. In the early days of advertising, Arthur was quick to recognize it as a new force I selling and always insisted that the merits of Harley-Davidson products be promoted constantly before the public. When the trend toward installment buying was recognized, the Kilbourn Finance Corporation was organized in 1923 and he served as its president for many years. Additionally he served the last six years of his life as president of the AMA and helped develop many of the policies and programs instituted to enlarge its scope and influence.
During those same years, he was also president of the Motorcycle and Allied Trades Association, an organization of members of the motorcycle industry. Always interest in youth activities, he served in many capacities with the boy Scouts of America and received scouting highest award for distinguished service. He was also a board member of the Milwaukee Boys' Club and active in the YMCA. A great lover of the outdoors, he was a lifetime member of the Izaak Walton League. Because of his keen business and financial insight, Arthur Davidson served as a director for several firms, such as the Koehring Company, the Kellogg Seed Company and the Wisconsin Pharmacal Company.
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