Automobile I: The Life and Times of Henry Ford

Birth

Jul 30, 1863

Henry Ford's birth to William and Mary Ford in Township, Michigan marked the coming of a new age of innovation.

Leaving the Farm

Dec 17, 1879

Around this time Henry Ford left the farm that his parents owned and went to work in the city, his first job under the Flowers Brother Machine Shop, he earned $2.53 a week.

Henry Ford's Marriage

Apr 11, 1888

Henry Ford married Clara Bryant on her 22nd birthday

First Automobile

Jun 4, 1896

Through dedication and many hours of working Henry Ford finally finished his first automobile the Quadricycle.

First Company

Aug 5, 1899

After receiving financial backing, Henry Ford started the Detroit Automobile Company.

First Widespread Success

Oct 14, 1908

After many models that met varying degrees of moderate success, he produced the Model T. It was met with acclamation and was the most ordered car at the time.

New Means of Production

Dec 1, 1913

In 1913 Henry Ford integrated his new assembly line which provided a much faster automobile building time.

New Wages

Jan 5, 1914

In revolutionary move in the workforce, Henry Ford introduces a $5/a eight-hour workday.

Resignation

Dec 30, 1918

Henry Ford resigned from the presidency of the company because of pressure form the stockholders, his son, Edsel Ford on January 1, 1919 is announced the president of the company.

Return to Company

Mar 5, 1919

After a plot which resulted in the stockholders selling all of their stocks, which the Ford family bought, resulted in Henry Ford being put once again in a position of power, meanwhile Edsel Ford was still President.