A town in north-central Iowa is preparing for an invasion of “Doodlebugs,” but there’s no reason to put on insect repellant. Vern Ratcliff is helping organize the Doodlebug Reunion in Webster City, honoring the small, motorized bikes that were built there several decades ago.
They were only made for three years — 1946-48 — and about 40,000 of the machines were made at Beam Manufacturing Company. Beam later became Electrolux Home Products which closed its Webster City plant in 2011. Ratcliff estimates at least 1,000 of the 40,000 motor bikes made in Webster City are still running today.
Many will be in town for the three-day reunion, which opens today. The Doodlebug Reunion will be held at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds on Thursday and Friday from 8 A.M. until 9 P.M. and on Saturday from 8 to 3.
(Reporting by Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City)