| Abbreviation | BFMC |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1946 |
| Founded at | California, USA |
| Website | http://www.bfmcnatl.com/ |
The Boozefighters Motorcycle Club (common abbreviation 'BFMC') is a motorcycle club, formed in southern California during the summer of 1946, by 'Wino' Willie Forkner. "We are a brotherhood of bikers who join together to promote our love of riding motorcycles and our vision of the American biker lifestyle. We are very patriotic & support the US military. We strive to do our best to continually improve ourselves, our Club, and the communities we live in while celebrating life and living it to the fullest." An article featuring actor Robert Patrick, current charterholder of Boozefighters MC Chapter 101, describes the club as "a nonprofit organization that raises money to help vets, children and the poor".[1]
Original Members
editFounding members were mostly returning veterans of World War II. Early club written records for 1946, if there were any, cannot be found. The following members are considered to be 'The Originals', but may include members that joined during the formative early years.
'Wino' Willie Forkner - Vern Autrey - Jack Lilly - Jim Cameron - J.D. Cameron - George Manker - Bobby Kelton - 'Red Dog' Dahlgren - 'Dink' Burns - Gil Armas - Johnny Roccio - Johnny Davis - 'Fat Boy' Nelson - Lance Tidwell - C.B. Clausen
Early History
editThe Boozefighters Motorcycle Club was formed in 1946 at the All American Bar in Los Angeles (near what is now the town of South Gate). When Wino Willie was kicked out of the 13 Rebels Motorcycle Club because of his excessive drinking habits and roudy behavior, he decided to start his own club with the similar minded friends.
The club got its name from a suggestion by a man who ironically never became a member; Walt Porter. Porter was a regular at the All American. When he heard Willie and the other guys discussing their ideas for a new club and the possibilities of a name, he suggested "The Boozefighters," drunkenly offering that "you might as well name it that because all you ever do is to come in here and fight that booze anyway!"
The Boozefighters MC first gained media attention at the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sanctioned Gypsy Tour motorcycle rally, known afterwards as the Hollister riot in Hollister, California on the holiday weekend of July 3-6, 1947. The event was the inspiration for the movie The Wild One starring Marlon Brando.[citation needed]. Willie Forkner and Jim Cameron were technical advisors (uncredited) for the filming.[2] It is believed that character of Chino, portrayed by Lee Marvin, was based on 'Wino' Willie.
Rebirth
editThe club slipped into inactivity in 1954, but never officially disbanded. During the mid 80's, a resurgence in popularity for motorcycles and the history of the american biker scene became prominent. It was at this time that 'Wino' Willie placed an advertisement in the October 1988 issue of Easy Riders Magazine, hoping to find people who were interested in forming new chapters.
Today
editThe BFMC has chapters across North America with its headquarters currently located in Fort Worth, Texas. The first European Chapter was founded in France during 2006. Other international chapters include Canada, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
Mottoes
edit"The Original Wild Ones" and "A drinking club with a motorcycle problem."
Bottles and Stars
editInsert pictures of various bottle/star designs from early to current
Notes
edit- ^ "Robert Patrick", ABILITY Magazine, retrieved June 17, 2011
- ^ "The Wild One", IMDB Database, retrieved July 21, 2015
References
edit- Hayes, Bill (2005), The Original Wild Ones: Tales of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, MBI Publishing Company, ISBN 978-0-7603-2193-5
- Marlon Brando (star) (1954). The Wild One (Motion Picture).