The Forgotten Genius
I write about things that interest me, and I ran across a story I never heard before. Henry Ford’s only child Edsel was president of the Ford motor Company, from 1919 until his death in 1943, but Henry made his life miserable. Henry was involved in the operations and when his son did something he didn’t approve of he let it be known.
The model T was built from 1908 to 1927, and sales were being overtaken by other car manufacturers. People were desiring more stylish cars, faster cars, roads were getting better. The automobile was no longer a luxury. Henry Ford resisted this change. Edsel designed the model A which came out in December of 1927 and was an immediate success.
Henry resisted the change but Edsel insisted and closed the factories for several weeks to begin production of the model A. It was the first affordable V8. 40 horsepower, twice the power of the model T, top speed of 65 mph, and came in five colors. No longer just black. The car was longer, lower, and more stylish.
The operation was completely different than a model T. It had a clutch and brake and accelerator that we still use today and a four on the floor shifter. Rear view mirror, and a safety glass windshield. It had mechanical brakes, but Ford introduced hydraulic brakes in 1939.
Despite all of Edsels successes, he got no praise from his father. All the accolades went to his father. The stress was so great that Edsel died at the age of 49, while he was still the president of a very prosperous company. Edsel was truly a visionary unsung hero. He introduced the Mercury, the Lincoln, hydraulic brakes, rear view mirrors and many things we enjoy today.
The first car I remember my dad driving was a 1939 Ford. It was probably 10 years or more old. I remember riding in the front center, and shifting gears when my dad drove. One of my most vivid memories is coming home from church one night and it was so foggy you could not see the road.
In this car the windshield opened up, so I remember the windshield open and straining to see where the road was. Another vivid memory was on butchering day we jacked up a rear tire, and with a flat belt ran a sausage grinder. I remember The ’39 Ford being quite a reliable car. We went to Fort Wayne offen and also took some trips.
I’ve always wished to have some type of antique car or pickup truck. Some years ago I stumbled upon the model A museum in the Kruse Complex, west of 69 in Auburn. It is quite a nice museum, and they always kept a couple of reconditioned model A’s for sale. That day I could have walked out with a model A for $5,000.
Reading today’s West Bend, Someone get Miss Penny a mess of dandelions. They are the first things to come up in the spring and you need to watch closely because they flower very soon then you will need to make wine. A hot bacon dressing, with hard boiled eggs and you’re in business.
—James Neuhouser