Harley-Davidson Auction

Press Release, July 1, 2022

Special Fundraiser:

2007 Harley Used to Create Sculpture Up for Auction

by the Oldham County History Center

In 2021 the Oldham County History Center dedicated its Road Warrior Sculpture depicting WWII Marine Veteran Dr. E. Bruce Heilman (1926-2019) on his Harley-Davidson 2007 Patriot Special Edition motorcycle. The Patriot models were sold only to active U.S. military service men and women, veterans and immediate family members of both those categories. The vivid black motorcycles were accented with red and blue pin striping and the standard U.S. flag, consistent with all military uniform symbols, on the fender. The Patriot Special Edition motorcycles featured a branch-specific fuel tank badge installed at the dealership. The motorcycle model used to create the unique Road Warrior sculpture is now up for auction!!

Kentucky sculptor, Wyatt Gragg created the Road Warrior Sculpture, located on the Oldham County History Center campus.  For accuracy, the Oldham County History Center purchased a 2007 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic Motorcycle. This motorcycle is the same model but was not a military issue as owned by Heilman.

After the sculpture was completed, Kevin Eldridge, owner of the LaGrange Service Center, took the 2007 HD Ultra Classic that was used for the sculpture and made it road worthy to be used as a fundraiser for the Oldham County History Center.

According to Eldridge, “This one-of-a-kind motorcycle has 6-speed fuel injection, with new upholstery, new ignition and new fluids! For a motorcycle enthusiast, this is a very special vehicle!”

“Visitors from all over the United States visit our History Center to take a ride with Bruce,” according to Executive Director of the History Center, Nancy Theiss. “This year the sculpture was chosen as one of the seven sites in Kentucky for the 2022 National Motorcycle Tour of Honor.  The refurbished motorcycle used for the sculpture will be an auction item for the annual Oldham County History Center gala.”

More about Heilman:  Dr. Heilman began riding his special motorcycle across the United States to bring special attention to the sacrifices of WWII Veterans and to honor Gold Star families. He was educated under the GI Bill at Campbellsville College and Vanderbilt University. He served as Chancellor from 1998 until his passing in 2019 for the University of Richmond after serving for 16 years as President and Chief Executive Officer of the University of Richmond. A Marine “once and always,” he was the National Spokesman for the Greatest Generation Foundation.

The motorcycle will be sold at the 2022 Annual Oldham County History Center Gala on July 19, 2022.   The Gala is sold-out but for those interested in placing a bid on this unique motorcycle, they are encouraged to call Barbara Winters at 502.727.7946.  Visit the Facebook page:  Oldham County History Center