This Columbia bicycle was built in 1955 by the Westfield Manufacturing Company and is an excellent example of a 1950s balloon-tired bicycle. Columbia branded bicycles were first produced by the Pope Manufacturing Company. The company was founded in 1878 by Albert A. Pope (1843–1909), in Boston, Massachusetts, and was originally an importer of high wheel bicycles from England. After the introduction of the safety bicycle in 1885, the company transitioned to creating their own line of Columbia branded safety bicycles. In 1897, the Pope Manufacturing Company and other bicycles manufacturers merged to form the American Bicycle Company which lasted until 1904. In 1916, the company was reorganized and renamed the Westfield Manufacturing Company and was advertised in catalogues as the successor to the Pope Manufacturing Company. 

Throughout the bankruptcies and name changes, the company continued to be a leading producer of bicycles in America. Columbia branded bicycles never ceased production for long periods of time and the Columbia Bicycle company that exists today is a direct descendant of the original Pope Manufacturing Company. This bicycle is an excellent example of a 1950s bicycle. Bicycles of the 1950s and early 1960s are often referred to as balloon-tired bicycles because they have large and wide pneumatic tires which made bicycles more comfortable. At the same time, bicycle manufacturers and aftermarket companies were producing bicycle accessories. This bicycle sports many popular bicycle accessories such as an operating headlamp, luggage rack, spring loaded seat, spring loaded front suspension, and two-toned paint. It has been fully restored, and all the original parts were used the restoration, except the headlamp which was recreated. This bicycle has been refinished in the original colors of maroon and cream and has an accurately restored leather seat, original Columbia decals, and a restored chrome finish.