Henry Ford was Born on this Day in 1863..

csv8 · 30-07-2012, 09:04 AM

Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He is credited with "Fordism": mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout most of North America and in major cities on six continents. Ford left most of his vast wealth to the Ford Foundation but arranged for his family to control the company permanently.

Moby Vic · 30-07-2012, 10:33 AM

Ford, we are twelve; oh, make us one,
Like drops within the Social River;
Oh, make us now together run
As swiftly as thy shining Flivver.

**Polyal** · 30-07-2012, 10:51 AM

Yeap its an amazing story. I read an article in Octane the other day about a Edsel and his Dad, their relationship and how they were different.

Can anyone suggest a book about Henry Ford and his family that doesnt sugar coat everything? Ive noted there are some rather controversial books written by Henry himself..

98fex · 30-07-2012, 10:56 AM

http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/hf/

Bucknaked · 30-07-2012, 11:04 AM

You know what I think would be cool is to see on the main page under today's birthdays the names of those who have made ford what it is today and their age. Like it appears now for members. For example, Henry Ford, Carol Shelby and Geoff Polites (Geoffs contribution locally for ford is a significant one, and we remember him fondly). Anyway, just an idea.

Moby Vic · 30-07-2012, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Yeap its an amazing story. I read an article in Octane the other day about a Edsel and his Dad, their relationship and how they were different.

Can anyone suggest a book about Henry Ford and his family that doesnt sugar coat everything? Ive noted there are some rather controversial books written by Henry himself..

I don't know if it's still in print, but Robert Lacey's Ford: The Men and the Machine is a comprehensive, fascinating story of Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company, and the Ford family.

He wrote it in the '80s. It begins with Henry's birth and runs through Henry Ford II's retirement.

It's the best book I've read about Ford, and I've read many.

**DJR-351** · 30-07-2012, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Can anyone suggest a book about Henry Ford and his family that doesnt sugar coat everything? Ive noted there are some rather controversial books written by Henry himself..

A very good book, warts an all....

http://www.amazon.com/The-Peoples-Ty.../dp/0375407359

....and this one doesn't mince words....

http://www.amazon.com/Henry-Ford-Jew.../dp/1891620525

I have both of the above, and while i was familiar with old Henry's past these two opened my eyes a little more (not recommended for the head in the sand types)
Interestingly i am currently reading another book about WW2 and Henry crops up two or three times, not very flatteringly i might add...

Or you could have a browse through here....

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...ripbooks%2C526

Moby Vic: http://www.amazon.com/FORD-The-Machi.../dp/0316511668

Kieron · 30-07-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Vic

I don't know if it's still in print, but Robert Lacey's Ford: The Men and the Machine is a comprehensive, fascinating story of Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company, and the Ford family.

He wrote it in the '80s. It begins with Henry's birth and runs through Henry Ford II's retirement.

It's the best book I've read about Ford, and I've read many.

I second this, i've got the book and read it twice. Will pull it out and read it again shortly.

**TUF_302** · 30-07-2012, 01:11 PM

Here's to the big cheese himself!!

**Kingsley** · 30-07-2012, 01:14 PM

Happy Birthday Henry!!!

And I third the motion on Robert Lacey's book. Well worth the read.

Geez Louise · 30-07-2012, 01:19 PM

Yes if Henry were alive today he would be 149yrs old. He may not be with us, but thankfully his cars are!

BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU MR FORD! May your brand and name live on!!

dave351cid · 30-07-2012, 07:02 PM

101 years and 7 days older then myself.

have to wonder what the world would be like if Henry hadn`t done what he did.

Franco Cozzo · 30-07-2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dave351cid

101 years and 7 days older then myself.

have to wonder what the world would be like if Henry hadn`t done what he did.

Less negativity on behalf everyone here and the media, 2016 would just be some year in the future to everyone.

gtxb67 · 30-07-2012, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polyal

Can anyone suggest a book about Henry Ford and his family that doesnt sugar coat everything? Ive noted there are some rather controversial books written by Henry himself..

ford, the man and the machine by robert lacey
it was written in the mid 80's and doesn't seem to sugar coat

not sure if it can still be purchased new, but it is a good book

looks like i should have continued reading the posts, instead of just hitting quote

csv8 · 30-07-2012, 07:12 PM

I wonder what Henry would think of his cars today ???

**DJM83** · 30-07-2012, 07:29 PM

Thanks MR Ford, for everything.

RASER · 31-07-2012, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csv8

Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. As owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He is credited with "Fordism": mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout most of North America and in major cities on six continents. Ford left most of his vast wealth to the Ford Foundation but arranged for his family to control the company permanently.

And he lived at Fair Lane Farm [yes, farm]!, and could if he wanted take a boat to work!

Kieron · 31-07-2012, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RASER

And he lived at Fair Lane Farm [yes, farm]!, and could if he wanted take a boat to work!

and IIRC, the name Fair Lane actually came from the name of the street his father lived on back in Ireland.

Pretty sure this was mentioned in Laceys book, along with the origins of the Ford script.