Lillian Farrow

Lilly Farrow: America’s First Female Motorcycle Dealer

Lillian Beatrice Matheny, better known as Lilly Farrow, was a trailblazer in the motorcycle industry. Born in Nelsonville, Ohio, in 1892, she co-founded a Harley-Davidson dealership with her husband, A.D. Farrow, at just 20 years old. Against all odds, the dealership survived the Spanish Flu, two World Wars, and the Great Depression, becoming America's oldest Harley-Davidson dealership.

Recognizing the power of community early on, Lilly founded The Buckeye Motorcycle Club in 1924, the first uniformed motorcycle club in the U.S. She also promoted racing events, including hill climbs, ice races, and flat track competitions. Many of the rides she organized—like the Endurance Ride, first held in 1924—continue today, nearly a century later.

After losing her husband in 1927, Lilly raised four children alone while managing the dealership, becoming the nation’s first female motorcycle dealer. She was also a charter member of The Motor Maids, hosting several of their conventions.

Lilly’s legacy lives on, inspiring women riders with her perseverance, leadership, and passion for motorcycling. She passed away on September 22, 1984, at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of strength and determination.