October 28, 2005
Sturgis, SD - On 10 November, Pearl Hoel, the First Lady of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, would have celebrated her 100th birthday. In honor of one of motorcycling’s most beloved personalities, and in recognition of her support, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame will host its annual Open House, waiving admission fees for the entire day.
“The Board of Directors was looking for a way to celebrate the life of this incredible woman,” said Pepper Massey-Swan, Museum Director. “While we miss her, we didn’t want her birthday to be a sad occasion. We wanted to remind people how much this gentle soul impacted our community and motorcycling, allowing them to learn more about something Pearl was passionate about, and the legacy she helped create.”
When the Museum opened its doors in 2001, Pearl Hoel was one of the first to step forward, loaning memorabilia and historic photos, helping to ensure the Museum’s success. As the wife of Pappy Hoel (the person credited with founding the Sturgis Rally), Pearl had a vast collection of vintage clothing, rare race programs, Indian Motorcycle memorabilia and photos that document the Rally’s humble beginnings and rise to one of the largest, and most famous, motorcycle events in the world.
When Pearl passed last February, one of the ways her son Jack chose to keep her memory alive was to allow the Hoel collection to remain at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, even adding to it. “We feel Pearl is here with us still because so much of her life, and her family’s life, is documented and displayed here,” continued Massey-Swan. “I encourage people who have not yet had the opportunity to take some time during the day and wander through the Museum. The community has a great asset here, and an incredible legacy, all because Pappy and Pearl hosted that little race 65 years ago.”
The history of motorcycling, and how it relates to Sturgis and the Sturgis Rally, is rich and diverse. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is proud to share the story.
