Ted is right on the money (as usual). The bike indeed came from Gene Portuesi's shop. Jimmy Doone, the original owner was a friend of Gene's and would buy a bike in Detroit and then ride it back east, or so the legend goes. Jimmy lived with Ernest St. Pierre. They were janitors at New Britain General Hospital. Ernie had some sweet bikes too. I coveted this Rochet he sold to this irritating girl... but I digress. Jimmy was the bike equivalent to Johnny Appleseed. I can also remember him turning on young riders to some Bobet's...copper colored with hammered fenders..... Paul LeMaire knew both of them well, and has tales of sitting around drinking warm Ballentine Ale.....
BTW, if anyone has any leads on a Left crank arm for my bike, please let me know.
Mark Hoffman
New Britain, CT
USA