THE FOUNDER OF FORD: THE HENRY FORD STORY
Henry Ford changed many people's lives with his affordable and practical cars. The development of the moving assembly line and mass production techniques set a worldwide standard in the first half of the 20th century.
The story begins in Springwells Township, Wayne County, Michigan on July 30, 1863. Young Henry shows an early interest in mechanics from an early age. At the age of 12 he spent most of his free time in a spare parts shop, at 15 he built his first steam engine and at 16 he became an apprentice machinist.
In his youth he held various jobs until in 1891 he joined the Edison Illuminating Company of Detroit. After just two years, he was promoted to chief engineer. Thomas Edison himself becomes his lifelong mentor and friend.
During this period, Ford experimented with automobiles and internal combustion engines, both at work and at home. In 1893, the first Ford engine came to life on a wooden table in the family home at 58 Bagley Avenue in Detroit. Soon after, he builds his first car.
Ford made way for Edison in 1899 and founded the Ford Motor Company a few years later. This gave him the freedom to explore his innovative ideas.
When owning a car was a privilege reserved for the few, Henry Ford's goal was to "put the world on wheels" and produce an affordable vehicle for the general public. In 1908 he achieved this goal with the Model T.
The crowning achievement of Henry Ford's genius and practicality, the Model T was quick to assemble, easy to operate and simple to maneuver on all surfaces. Above all, its low cost has made it accessible to ordinary people. A new era had begun in the passenger transport sector.
Ford was a natural innovator. Not only did he create the world's first mass-market car. He created the future. The production lines that defined the industry in the early 20th century and the 40-hour workweek were introduced to the Ford plant along with the Model Ts.
Henry wanted to produce as many cars, of the simplest design, at the lowest possible cost. In Highland Park, Model T production hits record levels, with a complete car rolling off the line every 10 seconds of every working day.
Henry remained at the helm of Ford Motor Company throughout his life, sharing duties with his son Edsel. On his 83rd birthday, over 50,000 people celebrate him at an exclusive party in Dearborn.
Henry Ford died at his home in Fairlane, Dearborn on April 7, 1947 at 11.40pm. He was 83 years old. At the time of his death, the Rouge River overflows causing a blackout. With kerosene lamps and candles lit, the scene must have recalled his birth 83 years earlier.