Highland Park Ford Plant

★★★★★ · In 1910... · JayKay49 · 2012-01-13

my grandfather brought my grandmother from Poland to Hamtramck and he began working at that plant as a blacksmith. Later it moved to River Rouge and he took I dont know how many streetcars to get to work. I vaguely remember those smokestacks when heading out to that Sears and Penneys on Woodward, and it was confusing because I thought Fords was in Dearborn. Highland Park was quite the classy place in those days. I dont even wanta mention what its like there today..and you probably wouldnt believe it anyway. Great footage of Detroit in the 50's including the streetcars which were taken out…

★★★★ · Great Ford history · thundrmi · 2009-08-13

I was a tour guide and guide instructor for quite a while at Henry Ford's Fsir Lane Estate, so I was so glad to see this footage. I wonder if the Henry Ford archives has the originals of the 1953 marker dedications? A better-informed Ford historian can identify the Ford grandson speaking at the marker but it is most likely Wm Clay Ford or Benson Ford (brothers). I also noted McNamara, one of the Ford "Whiz-Kids" at the marker dedication (distinguished man in glasses).

★★★ · 10 smokestacks come down! · Spuzz · 2003-09-29

A silent flick which details activities in the Ford plant. The 2 source films could'nt be more different. One looks to be made in the 20's featuring an overview of the plant. The film then goes to a negative for a few seconds and turns into a positive, and a man standing next to a car. We're startled for a second, thinking we're still in the 1920's footage, but actually, this was made in the late 50's it looks like, a man with crutches unveils a plaque that tells the plant is the birthplace of the Model T. After that, there's nothing to do except to tear it down. And to hammer the point down…

extra info · dave_florida · 2009-03-16

Thanks for excellent details. I recognize the "man in the cast" as being one of the Ford brothers. Google the Time mag cover from May 18, 1953. I sense he is a young William Clay Ford, eventual owner of the Lions. Obviously, the old men making speeches would be the mayor of Highland Park, Mich Reps, Ford Execs, etc. Try as I might, I cannot recognize any faces (sorry). I grew up in Dearborn: Edsel Ford HS, Henry Ford CC. I have highest regard for the many things Ford did for my hometown.