This early Model T predates the assembly line and the mandatory – because it dried fast – black paint.
An economic development group wants people to make a $5 donation so it can buy two historic Model T buildings in Highland Park, MI. The plant complex is the former site where Henry Ford’s moving assembly line was born 100 years ago. There are plans to transform the landmark structures into an automotive welcome center.
The Woodward Avenue Action Association, aka WA3, has bid $550,000 to buy two of the buildings at the once famous Ford manufacturing site: the Administration Building, which fronts Woodward and an adjacent 8,000-square-foot executive garage.
The majority of funds are in place, including a $400,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, another $15,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and $10,000 from the WA3’s reserves. The non-profit still needs to raise matching funds of $125,000 by September 19 to close the deal.
In 1913, Henry Ford introduced the first moving assembly line for cars. Within 18 months, the amount of time needed to build a Model T was reduced from 12.5 man-hours to 1.5 man-hours. To reduce high turnover rates among workers, Ford more than doubled their pay in 1914, from $2.34 for a nine-hour day to $5 for an eight-hour day. The Wall Street Journal opined it was the end of civilization. (Read AutoInformed on Ford’s Original Model T Piquette Plant now Open to Public and Renault 4 Anniversary – World’s Most Popular Car after Beetle and Model T)
The Henry Ford Plant was the place where workers made a wage of $5 per day – giving birth to the middle class,” said Deborah Schutt, interim director of WA3. “This online “Five Dollar a Day” fundraising campaign will play a pivotal role in helping us meet our goal and realize our vision of creating an auto heritage attraction. (Donate at http://www.crowdrise.com/5aday/fundraiser/woodwardavenueaction)
