The onset of the 1950s brought changes that would shape the future of the Tour of Somerville. The original multi-lap circuit, which was 2.8 miles each lap and partly was run on a state highway, was shortened and brought entirely into town. Shorter laps, more of a criterium-like course, and added spectator viewing were all a plus as crowds continued to grow and enjoy the 50-mile race. Also, as event expenses grew, race organizer Fred “Pop” Kugler had no choice but to take out IOUs from cycling clubs throughout the nation to help cover a $1,800 budget shortfall in 1952. He paid back every penny to each lender within a few years.
As far as the competition, a broader net of riders entered with ties to foreign nations, namely Francois Mertens in 1950 (Belgium) and Patrick Murphy of Toronto in 1955. There was yet room on the podium for locals as Jersey riders Hugh Starrs, Olympian Jack Heid, and Somerville High School senior John Chiselko were victorious in the mid-1950s. Women’s events at Somerville started to grow in stature during the decade. Noteworthy was the win by three-time national champion Nancy Nieman Baranet of Detroit in 1955. Since many cyclists of the time were also competitive speed skaters, two names stand out. Both Arnold Uhrlass of Yonkers, NY (1957) and Art Longsjo of Fitchburg, Mass. (1958) won Somerville and were Olympians in both sports.
1950s newspaper article about the Tour of Somerville1950, Richard Cortright wins the race.Richard Cortright of Buffalo crosses the finish line solo with encouragement to set a new Somerville 50-mile record time1950 Tour of Somerville event flyerOlympian Jack Heid won the race in 1956The pace car was also awarded to the race winner in the 1950s. The riders would literally chase their prize for 50 miles. Pop Kulger handing over the keys to Hugh Starr in 1953 for winning the Kugler-Anderson Memorial Classic. Photo contributed by the Starr family.1951 Frank Mertens receives the winners trophy1951 Frank Mertens in the center as the winner of the Tour. Fred “Pop” Kugler is on the left of the picture. 1951 winning race photo1952 race winner Ernie SeubertOn the invitation of race director Fred Pop Kugler, the Japanese national team lines up for the start of the 1953 race.In 1953, the Japanese Cycling Team attended the Tour of Somerville, an important moment of international diplomacy after WWII.1953 Mexican National Team, invited by Pop Kugler1953 Race start1953 Winner Hugh Starrs and his family with the winners trophy. Photo contributed by the Starr family.1953 Pop with the Hugh Starr and others. Photo contributed by the Starr family.This photo, taken in 1953 from behind the podium, is described on the back as “After the Rains.” Hugh Starrs of Cranford, NJ won the race.1954 John Chiselko, a Somerville resident, wins the Tour.1954 Race winning photo1955 race photo finish where Pat Murphy of Canada won.1955 Pat Murphy receives the winners trophyNancy Neiman Baranet won the 1955 women’s race. A young Art Longsjo receives the “Sprint” trophy of the 25 mile race in 1955. He would later win the 50-mile pro race in 1958. 1956 photo of Olympian Jack Heid winningPhoto listed as the finish from 1958, the year Art Longsjo won.
