Albert “Shrimp” Burns (1898-1921)

On the corner of Stanley Boulevard and California Avenue is a paintbox tribute to Albert “Shrimp” Burns. One side of the utility box shows an unfinished image of a young man who was inducted to the American Motorcycle Association’s Hall of Fame in 1998, 100 years after his birth. He died on August 14, 1921, two days after his 23^rd birthday. His unfinished life and brilliant and fearless career was cut short by a fatal accident in Toledo, Ohio.

Albert Williams Burns was fascinated with speed and motorcycles.  Born in Oakdale, California and later moving to Oakland, California, at an early age he was hanging around motorcycle shops and learning mechanic skills. He was just 14 years old when he built himself an Indian racing bike from spare parts. In 1915,he raced against seasoned riders in three events at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds 1 mile horse racing track. The dirt track required strong cornering skills and an engine with solid torque out of the turns. He earned the respect of his competitors who dubbed him “Shrimp” because of his height and light size. By 1919, “Shrimp” became part of the Harley-Davidson Wrecking Crew. In 1920 he switched to the Indian factory team.

Known for his tenacity, he was rarely seen without a grin. At the 25 mile National Championship at Ascot Park he crashed at 107 miles per hour, filling his hands with splinters from the wooden board track.  Undeterred, he borrowed a teammate’s Indian for the next 50 mile race, using the high banks of the course to win in the final lap with an average speed of 102 mph.

The AMA Motorcycle Association in Pickering, Ohio,  Hall of Fame reads:

Albert “Shrimp” Burns
Inducted: 1998
Class: 1910s–’20s Class A Racing Champion

Shrimp Burns was one of the top dirt‑ and board‑track racers of his era. Riding for Harley‑Davidson and later Indian, he claimed the 100‑mile national championship in 1919, became a national star with the Indian factory team in 1920, and lost his life during a race in Toledo, Ohio, in August 1921. Known for riding through serious injuries, he exemplified grit and determination.

Tony Bailey received this commission in 2015 under the Civics Arts Paint Box project.

Jan Coleman-Knight