Drum Major Nalene Im leads the Webster City High School Lynx Imperial Marching Band in the 2022 Homecoming parade Friday.

A large number of Doodlebug owners who were in Webster City for the Doodlebug reunion last week participate in the Webster City High School Homecoming parade.

Thanks to hard work by Doodlebug Club of America volunteers, the 36th Annual Doodlebug Reunion wrapped up last weekend.

As Gerald Huisman, chairman of this year’s event explained, “the key word here is reunion. We all share an interest in Webster City’s famous ‘little red scooters,’ but we’re also friends gathering to renew and share fellowship and friendship.”

Ask an expert “Doodlebugologist” about the bike’s history, and you’ll be impressed by how much there is to know.

Harry Mertz, an engineer at Beam Manufacturing Inc, Webster City, designed the scooter as a response to the post-World War II interest in scooters caused, in part, by rationing of automobiles, tires and batteries. With a 1.5 hp engine, compact size, and top speed of 25 mph, the scooters were intended to provide local transportation.

Gamble-Skogmo, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, owned the Gambles chain of retail stores, and also had an interest in Beam Industries. Introduced by Gambles in 1946 under the Hiawatha brand name, the scooter quickly became known by its nickname “the little red doodlebug.”

The reunion is a four-day event with several organized rides ending with a banquet Saturday evening.

Friday afternoon attendees returned to Wilson Brewer Park to see the restored, historic buildings, and take a traditional group photo in front of Mulberry Center Church.

The event is sponsored by the Doodlebug Club of America, which has over 220 members, including at least one international member, in France.

Membership costs only $15 a year. To join, send a check or money order to Jerry Wells, 856 Division St., Webster City IA 50595. Members receive the club’s email newsletter, and dues help support the reunion events.