Jerry Wells, Don Nokes, Vern Ratcliff, Corey Jorgensen, and Gerald Huisman, from left, are ready to start the 36th Doodle Bug Club of America’s reunion in Webster City this week. They are pictured in front of the Harmony School at Wilson Brewer Park, which was the site of the first Doodle Bug reunion.

Back in 1946, Harry Mertz filed a patent for a motor scooter he called the H.J. Mertz Motor Scooter.

“Be it known that I, Harry J. Mertz, a citizen of the United States, residing at Webster City, in the county of Hamilton and State of Iowa, have invented a new, original, and ornamental Design for Motor Scooter, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawing, forming part thereof, in which Fig. 1 is a side perspective view of a motor scooter showing my new design.”

It was the beginning of the Doodle Bug.

This week, collectors and enthusiasts will converge on that little scooter’s birthplace to talk everything Doodle Bug — and ride.

Not only does the event bring people to Webster City, but it brings with it gratitude.

“People think Webster City is a great town and they love the trail,” said Gerald Huisman, a rider and organizer. “And they love being welcomed by the community.”

This will be the Doodle Bug Club of America’s 36th reunion in Webster City.

At its first reunion, it began to rain. The six Doodle Bug riders who had gathered were allowed to take refuge in the Harmony School House at Wilson Brewer Park, Huisman said. That’s why every year, just prior to the club’s reunion week, a photo is taken in front of Harmony School.

After Mertz’s invention, the Doodle Bug motor scooter was built from 1946 to 1948 by the Beam Manufacturing Company in Webster City. They were sold through Gambles Stores for as little as $69.95, according to Doodle Bug Club of America information. Now prized by collectors, club members estimate there may be fewer than 1,000 left.

This week, expect to see riders on little red scooters. Webster City Police have asked the scooter enthusiasts to ride in packs of five or six for safety reasons. Typically, these scooters are not licensed, so they are not allowed on city streets. This week will be an exception. Though most of their driving time will likely be on Webster City’s extensive paved trails, the scooters may occasionally be encountered on city streets. Drive with care.

Here’s a look at the Doodle Bug week ahead:

Tuesday is a set up day at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds, 10 a.m.; then there is a noon lunch; in the afternoon, there will be a trail ride on the Briggs Woods trail.

Wednesday, the day starts at 8 a.m. at the Ed Prince Building at fairgrounds; at 9 a.m. there is another trail ride; at noon, the Doodle Bugs will ride from fairgrounds to Grid Iron for lunch; there is an afternoon trail ride. That evening, the group is heading to Pickles in Kamrar, or the restaurant of their choice. No, they are not riding Doodle Bugs to Kamrar.

Thursday, there’s a trail ride at 9:30 a.m., but the location is yet to be determined, according to Huisman. At noon, the Doodle Bugs will ride to the First State Bank parking lot downtown, park and eat at the restaurant of their choice; after lunch, they will return to fairgrounds. They may ride to the Webster City Municipal Airport in the afternoon, but that is yet to be confirmed, Husiman said. That evening is ladies night out, meaning the ladies will pick where they want to eat. Huisman said they will break up into two or three groups so they don’t swamp any one restaurant.

Friday there’s a 10 a.m. coffee at Wilson Brewer Park. The group will also tour the buildings; at noon, everyone is on their own for lunch; at 2 p.m., they gather for the Webster City Homecoming Parade, which starts at 2:30 p.m.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, Webster City FFA will serve a pork burger meal at the fairgrounds. This is open to the public. The meal is a pork burger, potato salad, baked beans and a beverage for $5. This is from 5-6 p.m. at the Ed Prince Building

On Saturday, there will be a group Doodle Bug ride in the morning, the route to be announced.

At 2 p.m. there is a private club meeting; at 5:30 p.m., a private banquet at the Ed Prince Building will be catered by Leon’s.

The club tears down Saturday night.

On Sunday morning, anyone who is still in town will meet at Hy-Vee for breakfast.

Anyone who has questions should call Gerald Huisman at 515-835-9315.