Exploring ABANDONED HISTORIC Highland Park FORD Plant! (Henry Ford's office)

[@Perry3377]

Cool stuff... I'm a third generation Ford employee. My late grandfather worked at the Highland Park plant. My Father worked at the Rouge Plant and I had the privilege to work for Ford at the Livonia Plant. Thanks Derek

[@judyshannon1215]

My grandfather started working on the docs of the highland park plant in 1911. He worked his way up and ended up in San Franciso as Traffic Manager. He retired in 1958 after 47 years. At that time he was the longest term employee in the company.

[@geesss8675]

Still building shit

[@bigchevy350boy]

Amazing stories

[@muckle8]

@judy Shannon did your grandfather get anything when he retired? A new thunderbird etc?

[@muckle8]

@TRUMP2024 maybe just a brochure of a ‘58 thunderbird eh? 🤔

[@tkdy218]

It’s sad to see something like this left to rot. Something like this should’ve been preserved and turned into a museum

[@danbandito]

I’m a Chevy guy and still think this should have been saved and preserved

[@balconi89]

They saved the Piquette Plant as a museum, which predates this plant.

[@katbot2190]

@@danbandito Same here. So many businesses left to rot after they all moved to china

[@Oden-Heinrich]

@@katbot2190 Sadly, yes. We all need to start practicing our mandarin.

[@ravenheart6six6]

I my self found this to be heart breaking to see it in such shambles its not just automotive history it is American history and should have been treated as such

[@ATLcentury334]

My grandfather was a plant manager at Highland Park his entire career. We lived in Ferndale, and I recall him stopping by after work every so often to visit my mom and me. He was a tall gentleman who always wore a suit and tie, and overcoat, and a hat with some kind of small feather in the band. He always drove a new Continental. My father worked at the plant too and dressed almost exactly like his father in law. In the 1940’s, my grandfather bought a house in Ferndale, but in the 60’s, lived in a large apartment in Dearborn. When Highland Park had “family day”, my dad would take me down to meet grandpa, see his office, meet his secretary, and somebody who worked for him would hoist me up on his shoulders and give me a tour of the plant, pointing everything of interest out to me. My grandfather even let me sit on one of the tractors. It was always a fun day. I remember one year, my grandfather came by to pick me up and drive me somewhere. He wasn’t driving his Lincoln. He had a new, bright red Mustang with white interior. I loved the car so much that the following Christmas, he came by our house with his Christmas gift for me. It was a shiny, new Mustang pedal car. He didn’t last too long driving the Mustang. He never got used to how the Mustang drove comparing it to his Lincoln. One year he came by to pick my dad and I up for a special treat. He had company box seats at Tiger Stadium and picked us up, and drove us downtown for my first Tiger game. I always enjoyed the special perks that came from my grandpa and father working at Ford, especially the yellow Ford pencils I had the start of every school year. My grandpa retired in 1976. That year he was driving a fully loaded, dark green, Thunderbird. I had always admired a small trophy he had on his desk. It was a Continental hood ornament, standing on a square of black marble. He gave it to me the next time I saw him after he retired. I know I still have it, but it’s in a box somewhere after 2 moves, and settling here in Atlanta. I’m sad to say my husband and I no longer drive Ford vehicles. We did for over 20 years until Ford stopped building cars. Now we have a Mazda and a VW. It’s a little sad. Somewhat like that shag carpeting you couldn’t have paid me to walk on.

[@judyshannon1215]

When was your grandfather working there.

[@brianreber8842]

Great memories! Thanks for sharing! I live in Toledo, Ohio, and as a truck driver I go through the Detroit area quite a bit. Things have changed. I wish some wealthy person or persons would come in, step up and restore this plant!

[@jasonw6688]

That's an awesome story. Thank you for sharing your memories. 😊

[@3ZN357]

I’ll bet that thunderbird was something else. Thank you for your storytelling. Ford makes me bothered now too.

[@leardi58]

Love hearing stories like yours much appreciated

[@MicahB98]

This truly breaks my heart to see this not a museum, it’s just frustrating that we don’t appreciate the beauty of our history and it’s buildings.

[@iwanaGoFast2010]

It's junk, out with the old in with the new.

[@kennethsouthard6042]

I think Ford still owns it and while it is in a decrepit state and has been for years, it has never been torn down and I think there is a reason for that. This place is also under guard, as I tried getting in here myself about 15 years ago and did not get too far.

[@MicahB98]

@@goysb4jays566 Exactly, the new stuff today is built with no passion and care

[@HonestOtter]

The Ford Piquette plant was turned into a museum. Ford moved around so much during the early days that there are buildings littered all over the Detroit area that have incredible history. Hard to save them all.

[@connormeechan5784]

You said it!

[@norwolf4765]

I lived in Detroit in the 50's as a boy. My father was an engineer for GM from 1927 to 1960. Detroit was a great place then and it is truly sad to see how far the city and area has fallen.

[@user-qt5eh9wb7g]

Detroit is actually on the up. Downtown is beautiful and safe now, and parts of the city proper are making restorative comebacks as well. Hopefully it continues!

[@silverranger302]

​@@user-qt5eh9wb7g don't get me wrong. I'd love for that to be true. But sadly only the rich live in the good areas

[@chevrolet355]

Drugs and Democrats are to blame for that

[@bmh67wa]

It's too bad that place was allowed to fall into such disrepair. Even though it was for industrial purposes some of the architecture was beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us Derek.

[@GunnerAsch1]

Its really hard to keep those buildings in decent shape over 100 yrs. Michigan has temperature extremes and lots of rain and snow. From 100F to 30 below zero in that part of Michigan. Snow in the Detroit area is not huge, but it accumulates pretty well with the wind off the Great Lakes. Go farther north of course and many winters 280" of snow (24 feet) will fall in a year. Im from the very most northern part of Michigan. Im a Yooper (google it) so the flatlands in tropic Detroit is almost balmy... chuckle.

[@nv3217]

They should of kept it as a museum or used it in some way.

[@sintruder]

It looks just like the surrounding city, destroyed by bad government not weather

[@pmccoy8924]

@@GunnerAsch1 I live in Metro Detroit. It has nothing to do with the weather at all. It's now over a half a century of bad leadership. That building didn't close until 1981. It is a National Historic Landmark ffs. That building he is touring helped win WW2 making Shermans, M7 gun directors or components. It's a disgrace by not only the United States but Michigan and Ford as a whole. You're telling me we have money to piss all over Europe and the Middle East but can't preserve our own history?

[@Hanzyscure]

@@sintruder The riots in the 60s had something to do with the blight.

[@usmclee65]

I was born in Dearborn in 1946 and my Dad graduated from Henry Ford Trade school in 1938, My Gradfather was a tool maker for Ford from 1913 and lived a block from where the Ford Rotunda used to be. And it is a shame that all of this that made Detroit Great at one time is all lost, what a great thing that you guys got to see, thanks for sharing it, thank you, you made my Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@downloadmusic4free1]

I also was born in 1946. Lived near Oxford and Telegraph. My Grandfather also was a toolmaker. My dad, mother and myself all retired from Ford's.

[@usmclee65]

Yes most of my family did slao, my Dad graduated from Henry Ford trade school class of 1938 and younger brother had 35 years at Fords, we used to go to Camp Dearborn every summer, things were great back then, I left Michigan in 1975 and went to work in aero space in San Diego Ca and ended up on the space shuttle program here at Matchal space fight center here in Alabama, love it down here, you can afford to retire here and still have enough money to eat! Thanks for the memories!@@downloadmusic4free1

[@Dierwolf2000]

for what its worth tool and die making is a trade that never died. It is as indispensable today as it was in their time. and although its pretty automated now, it will ALWAYS be important. No matter what. And he will always be a part of its history

[@philguthe6604]

My grandmother was a playmate of Edsel Ford. Her parents were good friends with the Ford family. My great grandfather owned the brick company and supplied brick for the factories to be built. Very cool... 🤙.... perfect

[@toledojeeper2932]

I worked at Toledo South Assembly Plant in the oldest auto plant still operating until it was closed in 2006 . It began operations in 1910 and Willys-Overland at one time was the 2nd largest car maker in the USA . I miss the old plant when I watch this video , lot of hard work and sweat happened in these plants .

[@spaceghost8995]

They saved the smokestack at the Willys complex but that's all.

[@toledojeeper2932]

@@spaceghost8995 …Yep . I have a brick from one of the stacks they took down .

[@ericargo9157]

Currently owning and building 3 vintage Ford trucks, an F1, F3 and a 70 F250 I found this video to be a real gem to view. Well done D. More like this please.

[@jasonunderwood1510]

I got some parts for those hit me up

[@truckin5some]

@@jasonunderwood1510 what parts you got? 48-50 f1? Whole trucks? 51-52?

[@jasonunderwood1510]

@@truckin5some let me get a list and I will get back with ya I am out of the shop rite now

[@95Civictuner]

Getting to explore abandoned building in general is super cool but the original Ford office complex… 🤯😎 Thanks Derek for bringing us all along for the experience of a lifetime!!

[@terra2805]

The feeling of history in that building must be awesome. You try to imagine what it was like with all the people there walking around doing their various jobs. Walking in places where you know Henry Ford and Edsel Ford walked. That's crazy. I envy you Derek!

[@MuscatelTom]

As someone who loves history, id be absolutely speechless being there. What a treat to have a video walk through.

[@iwanaGoFast2010]

It's just a old building, it needs to be torn down and forgotten.

[@willcopejr]

For being the ceo room we could have at least got better light in there, lame video

[@dboboc]

Ford a legend? Yeah, at anti semitism….

[@redsion23]

So much history in one building, enough to make a grown man shed a tear. So many goosebumps watching.

[@robertbrady6927]

I had the opportunity to tour the Firestone building in Akron a few years back…stood in Harvey Firestones office ….the thought of what had transpired there years ago was quite an experience

[@Mikegastaldo]

In the 70's my father took me on a trip to Argentina we flew to Buenos Aires then drove for hours to a small town in the mountains to my grandparents house an entire German community in the middle of nowhere...I have an Italian name but was told I am German..I never quite got it? when I met my Opa /Oma... I understood yes I am German alright...he changed his name when he fled Germany in 1945 threw Italy with a fake passport...he was a high ranking SS officer...if this video made you cry...I imagine I shit my pants...

[@Willppyro]

its sad when you realize the people who used to work there must have thought those factories would be running forever and now they are an abandoned wasteland decades later

[@djsandvig1]

I worked in Highland Park for years. I’ve been looking at that old ruin for over 50 years. Why FoMoCo decided to abandon this symbol of their mighty history is beyond my comprehension. They have poured millions into an old train station downtown and ignored their own legacy. Highland Park is an urban ruin and has no money to save this treasure. Crazy old Henry put the world on wheels, largely from this plant. I weep for all the old places that once defined Detroit and are now lost. This place could be saved. Sadly no one will find the cash to do it and another link to our heritage will be lost. My home town ain’t what it used to be.

[@frankmeiser8287]

Yeah its just not right not to clean and keep this history intact . this is sad shame on the great grandchildren not doing better!

[@here_for_the]

Its complicated. Ford hadn't owned the building when it was finally shut down. Had FoMoCo still owned it, then perhaps it be different today. Accuse New Holland Tractor Manufacturing, if you must find a 'bad guy' to cast blame upon for the building being no longer needed & abandoned. Yes, its terrible & sad.

[@cumulus1234]

Wonder what the reason is that they stopped making vehicles there?

[@runner3033]

@@cumulus1234 To a company selling products they themselves manufacture, they look at these assets (land, buildings, equipment) like you and I look at a mobile phone, laptop, a tin opener, a daily driver-type car or a house. You buy it, you use it... when it starts to get old and slow, more trouble in repairs than it's worth or your needs change, you dispose of it and upgrade. Sometimes it's easier for a car company that is making a big change to just buy a greenfield and slap up a massive new barn than try to reconfigure/work within the constraints of an old building. Automotive assembly line design/tech changed a lot in the 20th century, and those multi-floor, compact inner-city type factories just weren't the most efficient any more. I suspect taxation and corruption may have also played a role. I worked for a company that had a facility like this, and it ran into similar problems. Our whole year's production could be done in about 6 weeks in a sprawling megafactory in the rural southeast. It was tough to make major changes in the constraints of our footprint and existing buildings. The city was actively trying to push us out, NIMBY neighbours didn't want to deal with having an active factory in their back yards. We also had a hard time with labour, jobs on the line paid well, (they did so to keep the unions out) but city dwellers don't seem to want manufacturing jobs so we had people driving long distances to come to work, which being in a big city with really bad traffic and also winters, would really narrow your pool of people wanting to work there.

[@michaelshannon3589]

@@here_for_the I've got a pretty good idea on tractor history, and FoMoCo Tractor Division was long-gone from this facility when New Holland came into the picture. Ford assembled tractors at Highland Park until 1965, when the "world tractor" was introduced. At that point, most major components were produced in Europe, and U.S. production tractors were assembled at the new Romeo Tractor Plant. I don't believe there was any manufacturing at Highland Park after 1965, certainly not tractors. Shortly after Ford Motor acquired New Holland in the late 1980s, tractor production at Romeo ceased and the Romeo plant was converted to automotive engine production.

[@jeepoguy292]

2 videos of Derek in 1 day??? What a time to be alive! Love the content Derek!

[@jrkbgk1111]

It was 3 for me! I didn't get the notification for the dirt biking one so I got an extra special treat today 😍🤣

[@iamjjking]

Yes sir . Just came from watching Derek be the BEST dad 🙂

[@caroled5734]

I love it when I see a VGG or VGL pop up!

[@SteezeCartel]

It's completely mind bottlling

[@garyseavolt7990]

Check out Paul Schinn's video of you wanna catch another perspective of the same tour plus spread the love to a terrific A specialist. And Derek, a feller just came from watching you be the best Dad in the world to your little humans. Keep up the excellent work, love all the channels, just don't know where a fella gets a break! Never mind, just watched a dirt biking mudslinging fest...

[@valleyquail1790]

I’m listening to Henry Ford autobiography on audiobook, on my commute to work in a Ford truck. I’ve listened to this at least 3 times over. All controversies aside, Henry Ford was an extremely intelligent, fascinating individual. Thanks for making this!

[@terra2805]

I think it's common knowledge now that he supported the nazi's and was anti semitic.

[@Suddenlyits1960]

Great video Derek! A guy gets teary eyed thinking of all the history and life that once took place in that building,and to see it fall into such disrepair is sad. Too bad you couldn’t take that locker and some of the light fixtures to preserve them.

[@danmoon4661]

​So nice to see the history of America's manufacturing. Also anyone who has been and are in the military Thank you for your Service

[@HailinBlue]

One thought that crossed my mind when you mentioned think about all the people working was how most or maybe all of them have passed on by now, and this building still standing has some weird kind of way of keeping their memory and hard work alive. Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@kaladinslight]

I had the privelage of exploring two abandoned industrial office buildings from the 1930-1940 decade. The experience is eerie and fascinating. Both buildings looked like the workers just left - there were dirty coffee mugs on the desks, papers in the filing cabinets. I think its amazing that Derek got a chance to do this!

[@rockandroll4689]

I love Ford, their history and their vehicles. We have five right now and love them all. Thanks Henry ! you were amazing and I appreciate you every day!

[@randalkeller4845]

I worked 15 years on a Ford assembly line and loved every minute of it and this breaks my heart to see how dilapidated this historic building has become.We at Edison assembly plant we built the 49 mercy and Lincolns the Falcons,Mustangs,Pinto’s,Escorts,And finally the Ranger and Mazda B series trucks. Greatest American success story of all.Thanks for this video.Great channel also.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@caseyjones1950]

Derek: Too cool! My Grandpa worked there twice! First in 1925, in the interior shop making seats, until he got laid off during the Depression. Then later, got rehired when Ford had it's own "Fire Dept." On the plant grounds. Then got laid off in 1958, when they phased that out. Thanks for doing this video. I'm 72 now, but still have photos of me sitting in the driver's seat of an old ladder truck, that Grandpa used to drive, he took. Thanks, Joe Bliss, Plymouth, Mi

[@jeffreykurth2703]

Recent newbie here. I'm so glad my brother turned me on to a guy. This feller's channel so wholesome, humorous, and educational. A guy's channel is not even close to reality tv. More like REAL TV. Only in videos. I really enjoyed this video as usual. I am a retired Ford parts man of 41 years. Thanks there feller.

[@MrSmokepole54]

Cool stuff Derek. My great-grandfather, Desire Van Hove, worked in that building. He was an inventor/engineer at Ford. He had 65 patents at Ford, including the sun visor, movable seat tracks, and the stitching in seats to hold the stuffing in place. I emailed the link of this video to my dad, who then shared the following with me. Yes, Grandpa (Desire) was in there. In fact, he had an office there, for several years. He was employed at L.A Young Spring and Wire and they supplied LOTS of stuff to Ford. So he actually had an office right there in the plant where he would work with the Ford Engineers on Seat Cushion Designs and the like. Later on, he told me, they came to him and asked for the keys to his car. He asked why, and they said if he was going to be selling stuff to Ford, he had better be driving a Ford product. At the time, he was very much a Studebacker owner. They took his keys, and when he left the plant that day, there was a Lincoln in the assigned parking place. Derek, thanks for letting me see a video of where my family used to work! Very special to me. Greg Van Hove

[@mistered9435]

That’s an awesome story. It’s special to see the building that your GGF walked the floors in.

[@kerrylewis2581]

This needs to be pinned on top. Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing

[@MrSmokepole54]

@@mistered9435 It was really cool. I had to go back and rewatch the video after getting the extra details from my dad. Thanks

[@MrSmokepole54]

@@kerrylewis2581 Thanks! I love automotive history. And even cooler when I can connect a family member directly to it.

[@Kuessemir]

Wow! Thanks for taking the time to show us this legendary plant. You guys are the best!

[@ViceGripLodge]

You bet!

[@paulbruno8327]

That was incredible to see!!! So much history! Thank you to you and your crew for taking us through this piece of Ford history! 🏆

[@maryellenshock]

Wish you would have had a light with you,some of the rooms were allfully dark.too bad you didn't know more history before you started.

[@JamieSmith-fz2mz]

I ride my bike past that facility at least once a month (in fact, two weeks ago about when you shot this) and I always wonder what it’s like inside, what it would’ve been like to work there, and why the hell it hasn’t been restored and repurposed. If Detroit is truly the motor city, then it should have a way to tell the story. Thank again the people who granted permission to go through that. It’s hard to tell which decay is from which era, but now I can stop wondering what’s in there.

[@lateefcarrere1649]

From putting together Chevelles in a cold Midwestern garage to walking through Henry Ford's office, Derek has really done some awesome stuff. When I was younger, I used to pull up and wander through abandoned industrial buildings, though permission was optional, lol. What a trip through time.👍

[@GunnerAsch1]

Id have loved to see the basement level(s)

[@wafflesandcream9010]

Being in the same office that henry ford spent every day in would be the most overwhelming and amazing experience that I can imagine.

[@ericsparks]

More than a blowjob from a supermodel?

[@scottsnyder7909]

His main office and the last office he used is completely unchanged and perserved in the Triple E building on Oakland Blvd in Dearborn Michigan

[@brucemcgee2281]

I remember those big stand-alone office air conditioners, and the overhead ductwork. The heat was from those great steam radiators. Thank you for making this available for us to see. I've got examples of those 1940's fluorescent light fixtures that are seen overhead.

[@kenstorm4591]

My great grandfather worked at that plant in the 1920s. I am a 4th generation Detroit auto worker. (Product designer at General Motors)

[@chuckkottke]

One cannot overestimate the value of good roofs. Neat to see it even in rough shape. The area I'm from, a farming area, was littered with the remains of Model T's probably cranked out of the Highland Park plant. One potato farmer has a T from 1909, probably from the Piquette Plant, actually NOS because electric lights came out in the newer T's so the car sat at the dealership in town and never sold! It runs good, he starts it up from time to time, but it does wiggle a lot when running. Henry Ford, despite all of his flaws, did bring all of the right elements together at the right time, and one could imagine him perched high above in that office, conducting business. Thank you for the tour, it was a pleasure to see the actual building and office where he worked, hopefully in better shape in the future. 🚗 🌄😊

[@woodyg75]

Derek, next time you get up to the Detroit area, take a trip to The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village in Dearborn Michigan. Ford built that in the 1920s as a tribute to American innovation and industrialization. Acres of original memorabilia. Great place to take the family too. I worked there way back in the day while in school. You can also take the Rouge factory tour where they build F series trucks amongst others.

[@dd7890]

Yes what pupp1 said . the Henry ford greenfield village and museum, along with the ford river rouge plant tour is a must see . You will be blown away by the amount of history from the best preservation of the 19th and 20th century. Also the Yankee air force in willow run still has part of the org bomber plant that Henry ford built in the war. Ford was an amazing visionary that no job was unattainable. Amazing time to be alive back then.

[@GunnerAsch1]

Absolutely! Greenfield Village is a 2 day event! Derek HAS to go visit it. Bring the family! I was there many times from the late 1950s as a child through the late 1960s.

[@jeff1176]

I'm a current Ford employee at Kentucky Truck Plant. It's great seeing where it all started. Great content Derek.

[@randallboley3113]

Me too. Suv paint millwright.

[@OneEyeBlinkn]

For me the best part of this vid was at minute 50 bringing the Model T home to where it was born gave me a lump in the throat very nice touch the present day merging with the past and how it fades into the shadows like it was going back into time ....well done and thank you

[@tbuddy3005]

Raises the hair on the back of my neck watching as you went into Henry Fords office, All of the History, memories and industrial achievements as a Nation that took place in this building is beyond comprehension.

[@zanewyman3423]

My company did a job down the road from there (sketchy area). The main plant was super cool to see from the road. We ate lunch every day at the coney shop across the road from the plant. The coney shop was there from the start of the plant being open. They had pictures from the plant workers walking over to get food. Pretty cool history in that area.

[@NoNo_Notlikethat]

I've spent quite a fair bit of time running 911 calls in Highland Park, but never had the opportunity to check out the plant. Now, I'm "retired" from EMS and working as a contract employee for Ford. I'm excited to see this video and see a guy I admire walking around my "stomping grounds". Thank you Derek!

[@danlevesque5437]

It's always nice to get a official ok and a tour guide for the building vs the creeping around trying not to get cought videos and possibly a actual definition for spicific areas like that photo comparison of Henry's offices

[@JayMoney313]

I was raised on Ford St off Woodward Ave... So dope that ur stopping thru... I'm a big fan

[@Steamxgeiger]

I've made lots of deliveries to the buildings next to that a bunch. I've always wanted to see inside. Thanks for letting me take a look around ❤️

[@timboslice9570]

Exploring a place like that is an overwhelming experience. You can just feel the history hit you in the face. Thanks for sharing the tour with us.

[@RealGuy-kt8wj]

So cool you were in the birthplace of the automobile mass production for the people. Thanks for taking us along for the ride Mr Vice Grip.

[@joewalters2259]

After an 80 hour work week a new VG video is the perfect way to end the week

[@ViceGripLodge]

You're the best!

[@dangol6848]

80 hrs! Dang. How are you typing that message?

[@davejiannuzzi4160]

@@ViceGripLodge Cool video, to bad I heard Henry Ford was a real SOB to work for!

[@jamescameron6819]

@@davejiannuzzi4160 unfortunately you can't become king without cutting off a few heads

[@kerrylewis2581]

I look forward to Friday nights with VGG. I also work 60-plus hours, so sometimes I have to wait until Saturday morning to watch them.

[@dougg1075]

Think of the lives this place supported. Sending kids to college , baseball games. Dreams. That and it changed the world.

[@ravenheart6six6]

Thank you for taking us through this part of history. I wouldn't have been able to see it otherwise.

[@paulboone44444]

Mr. DEREK... what is all young males should aspire to be. An absolutely amazing Family man and human being..

[@pdrphil8159]

My grandfather was a WW2 vet who was responsible for transporting high level German POW's from the war zone to the U.S. Many years later I was born & since grandpa started working for Ford Mo Co in the 30's , he went back to Ford after the war . This was in Michigan. After he retired , he would take me to Fords River Rouge plant & we watched them build cars. Its closed now, but this was from the late 60's to mid 70's . That plant produced its own electricity , steel, glass , & everything that went into a vehicle at one time , but after WW2 several other plants were built as parts of the plant were idled or sold to other co. My favorite part was the engine plant & vehicle assembley... It was amazing how many vehicles were made in a day . Once built , they were loaded on trains & trucks & shipped to the dealers ... I've been to several Ford & GM plants thanks to grandpa , so I hope my memory serves me.. The Rouge was enormous at its peak & it was there that my grandpa was working for the war effort when he was drafted ... He always said , that he could've been exempted from serving because he was working a war plant job & he had 3 children at home..(married men with children who worked a war job rarely were called up) But he didnt say anything and went off to bootcamp older than most ...he felt it was his duty . While transporting a group of prisoners by truck in Belgium (I think it was Belgium) his vehicle was hit with artillary . The driver was killed as were several prisoners & American security . He was knocked unconscious & ejected out of the truck.. He woke up in a field hospital with a broken hip & leg along with multiple shrapnel wounds . After a year he was released from a stateside rehab facility . He went back to work at Ford in 1946 or 47 where his job was to monitor paint mixing & pumping it to the paint departments throughout the plant . Eventually his war wounds made it difficult for him to walk & he retired .. He lived to the age of 83 . I'll always remember the adventures he took me on... Another favorite was Greenfield Village in Dearborn Mi.. If you havent been , I recommend it..

[@ehr400]

Rouge isnt closed.... Thats where one of the F150 plants are, stamping is still there, engine plant is still there, the battery production for F150 is there (new), also Tool and Die for stampings, and the chassis building makes alot of parts for F150/ Super Duty. Actually every building is utilized and been added onto, the steel division was sold years ago and still producing steel as well.

[@pdrphil8159]

@@ehr400 Thats the newer part... The old section has been idle since 2004. They Mustang was the last auto built there.

[@ehr400]

@@pdrphil8159 No, I am there alot. The old mustang plant was torn down to build the new dearborn truck plant. Part of the old Mustang plant, the paint department, is still there and where the trucks get painted. I guess to get into semantics, yes last "car" was built there in 2004. But everything is alive and running still.

[@pdrphil8159]

@@ehr400 Ok

[@franksmith6875]

Now this is great content, you need to be nominated for an award, much much better then any thing on tv, worked in Detroit area since mid 80s, very rich in history you could put together many hours at Rouge complex R&D Center so many others. Hey, good job Mr. D.

[@mariozermeno2649]

Dude that was just awesome I bet you could almost hear the people working and all the machinery running truly a privilege to be able to explore that old plant .

[@patriciaharsen7542]

My mom started Ford Highland Park in 1953. She started in the basement in the gear and axel department. She said she worked in the pits. Leaving at end of shift she would come up the staircase . After working all day greasing gears and axels..she would be totally oiled down! Tired.. and filthy. Mom would see women coming down the stairs...I believe she said from the third floor. ...They looked like they were just coming to work!! Not leaving. Ha she asked Joe Peter's what those women did. ...Trim they were sewing machine operators! Well that was not to hard to figure out...she retired at Utica trim as an amazing industrial sewer! 1986! So many stores she would tell me. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I did follow in her footsteps..Utica trim..to Chesterfield 1972-2002

[@balcorn9211]

I was honestly very surprised at how emotional this made me. I was in my Ford Fiesta ST about a month ago when I got t-boned. My car was destroyed, but the last things it did were save my life and even call 911 for me. I know everybody's got their favorite brands, but that Ford will always have a very special place in my heart. Rest in peace, buddy, you were amazing.

[@JoE_Songs]

this is so awesome. hard to fathom how that can just be in a state like this and this isn't a museum yet. That is the one of the cradles of modern civilization. Thanks for the tour. so cool. And nice music choice in the beginning, always like your taste, no matter if it's metal, country or other.

[@sbenn6917]

Yeah I was thinking the same thing. It's such a great piece of American history.

[@gwaddles]

Asbestos is expensive to remove

[@rexjolles]

They turned another plant into a museum. At the end of the day it's just another old factory

[@commonsense7924]

Derek great video. My grandmother worked for John Dodge when he was on the board member and later for Henry Ford at the piquette plant before they built the Highland Park plant. She was one of Fords secretarys. I have a ton of pictures she had wish I could have sent some of them. They show the highland plant in its glory days pics of Ford and her when they had xmas parties new ears eve ect. She work at ford for over 38 years. She started at the Piquette plant when she was 17 years old.

[@MiHiHemi]

Crazy how things have changed just in our lifetime. I’m currently on the hunt for a ’33 or ’34 Ford hot rod so this is pretty cool to see. Lots of asbestos and lead paint in that building.

[@tylerbuhite5432]

As always a great time with the vice grip family! DEREK for president!!!

[@stephenmellentine]

MAFIA Make America Fix It Again

[@63jeepj20]

And i aint kiddin ya!

[@jonallen1985]

I’d vote for him

[@kevinsellsit5584]

Oh, I don't know? lol

[@TPAK-tb6gr]

A friend i have about 91 years old lives in Canton tells me her Dad was 2 offices down from Henry Fords in that building was always at the House in Dearborn along the river for all the parties, tons of stories. She talks about it like it was no big deal. Love it!

[@kevincollins8014]

This was actually pretty cool. I imagine it wouldn't take much research to find out who's offices were connected to Ford's office. Thanks for sharing the videos with us all.

[@paulym5814]

Love these educational vlogs. Such a historic facility. I’m surprised they haven restored this place into a museum and rental office building.

[@mr.snicker-doodles7081]

Holy Crap! I am from the Detroit area, my Grandfather worked at Ford Motor under H-Ford Sr and the whole nine yards for 45 years. Geez this is amazing, why doesn't someone trick this out into a MUSEUM..!!? I'd go...

[@GordMerrick]

Why not lead by example. pull out your checkbook and get crackin

[@markberman8958]

Why isn’t this a museum? People from all over the world would love to come here and see this restored to its former glory.

[@allisonians]

Oh my goodness Derrik and family! You've outdone 1:57 in when you drive that ford car into the building gave me absolute chills! Thank you so much! Rock on!

[@timothysmith5769]

Thanks for bringing us along on this ride. As for the building, consider that Michigan could be bitterly cold in the winter. Along with that came all the difficulties of heating a large building (with tall ceilings and open stairwells) to temperatures suitable for conducting professional business transactions. That would explain the vestibules and the many partitioned spaces. As for the private bathroom, I have only one thing to add. "Henry Ford sat here."

[@miketrstenjak3048]

If I could give you a million thumbs up I would!!! I was born on the South West side of the D!!! And for you to take me on a tour of this place is phenomenal!!!! To be standing in the same room as Henry Ford himself is incredible!!! Thank you for the wonderful tour bud!! Loved every minute!!!

[@kevinsellsit5584]

I was born in Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Later my father became a Ford Vice President in California. Not cars, Missile Systems Division. How things change in just 100 years time.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

This was GREAT!! When I was a kid, I used to love exploring all the old mills around here in central MA - there used to be a TON of them in the 80's. But this is even better - automotive history mixed in! I always knew that plant was big, but this really put it into scale. MASSIVE amounts of money Ford had - just mind blowing, to be able to construct all of that, then walk away from it a short time later. Impressive you guys found Mr. Ford's office!! How cool was that!?! I've been in quite a few old mills around here built in the late 1800's out of wood and brick alone, and they were all in pretty rough shape by the late 80's early 90's. That building there is a bit newer, but I can tell the construction is much more robust with the concrete and steel. It's in much better shape than many of the old mills I've been through. I hope the owner leaves these buildings up! Some AMAZING history there!! Thanks for taking us along, brother. 👍😎👍

[@hwnboi11]

I love videos like this, I wish this building could be restored and used and too show for future generations to see. This beautiful building is a true American piece of history that needs to be preserved.

[@jonnothetrucker]

I'll be honest, I'm a Holden guy, (GM I guess for anyone outside of Australia), I appreciate everything automotive, I was honestly captivated by the whole video, right to the end! Derek, you may say thank you to your subscribers/fans for allowing you to do these things, but I say thanks to you Derek for sharing your experiences 🙏

[@arm_luvr1002]

One shouldn't admit that in public lol

[@jonnothetrucker]

@@arm_luvr1002 yeah well, if you're a TRUE AUTOMOTIVE ENTHUSIAST, you appreciate everything no matter what it is, and same goes for motorcycles, I mean I'll ride my Harley, yet have the same amount of fun on a Honda ct110

[@arm_luvr1002]

@@jonnothetrucker I'll bet your Harley is obnoxiously loud lol

[@jonnothetrucker]

@@arm_luvr1002 actually no, completely standard... edited to add this, they're are parts to come one day, so it'll probably end up loud at some point 😅

[@ModelA]

Was wondering when/if this was going to get published. Nice work, Derek! Was memorable to walk through there with you. I'll never forget that week in Detroit! Thank you.

[@Unus_Annus_]

Love your vids. I tried to get a ‘31 Cabriolet last week at auction but it went for too much

[@randywl8925]

We couldn't have a better host. ....just don't quit your day job. .......because we really love the things you do and the places you take us.

[@donzender9008]

How incredible. Such an important part not only of history but innovation. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@iamjjking]

My eyes always sweat with respect when it comes to Henry Ford . Good intro Derek and the music w/ the drone shots 😢 Once in a life time thing right there 1:42 that will never happen again . So lucky . Truly blessed, You and your family deserve it .❤

[@mromatic17]

He did a lot of good but he also had a dark side he was actually friends with hitler

[@dyer2cycle]

..yes, he was a revolutionary in the auto industry and a genius in many respects...but he was also a stubborn old mule, and an asshole, even to his son Edsel...and payed his workers well, but spied on them and tried to dictate how they lived...very few people, if any at all, are either good or bad...they are both..just the nature of human beings...

[@josephvantreeck2989]

Thanks for taking us on the trip down memory lane, showing us the old Ford plant and sharing its history. Well done Derek.

[@oldcarnut3953]

Thanks for sharing with us Derek! I would've never seen this if it wasn't for you! As always... awesome content! Totally love all the channels! Keep On Keeping On Brother!!!

[@jeremyboyle5695]

It'd be cool if some videos like this get shown to some old-timers who saw these places in better days. Bet they could tell some stories and explain stuff

[@ethandarby5990]

This is so cool Derek. Incredible stuff. You always do such a good job with the places your go. You treat everything with respect and foreknowledge that it deserves.

[@joanneachildoftheking4199]

I have always loved abandoned buildings. This was way cool! Thanks for taking us along, Derek.

[@cheapcargarage]

Always look forward to Friday night VGG videos!

[@professornuke7562]

As an Oz feller, a guy gets his VGG on a Saturday. It's a great Saturday night with a VGL AND a VGG. It's almost too much.....perfect.

[@pj3635]

For a building that Carry’s so much history and pride, you’d think it would be cared for, it’s a damn shame that it won’t be around soon

[@denniseldridge2936]

I was wondering about the shag carpet. If that was the last style of carpet installed, it *had* to have been abandoned in the 70's. And I was right! It's pretty amazing that it is in as good a shape as it is, all things considered.

[@rogerspice7743]

WOW! Thanks for the video. It brought back memories. I was fortunate to be asst construction superintendent at the Ford factory (built around 1912) in Atlanta. It contained a lot of archive material for Ford and from the civil war museum that occupied after the Ford factory closed. We dissected the executive offices for a museum. Unfortunately much burned before it was recovered due to a fire by possibly homeless occupancy of the vacant building. Many simulator construction and aspects. In Atlanta it was converted to condominiums and shopping center (Ford Factory Square).

[@onetonf350]

Really great content that you were able to provide. Ive been fascinated with Ford, after owning and restorations of the brands cars, trucks, and tractors most of my life. 1920 FORDSON , 1953 F350, 1966 Fairlane, 1968 F100. This video is one of your best “serious” ones.

[@amylu4346]

I appreciate the respect you show for those who came before us. The intro gave me goosebumps. Artfully done.

[@Vanbooskie]

Derek should be every guy that's in heres role model. An absolutely wonderful human being. Derek, I hold 100% up most respect for you sir. Thank you for teaching and showing me how I need to raise my family once I have one because I have not had the opportunity In my life to have a positive male role model. Thank you sir. 🙏

[@ViceGripLodge]

Wow, thank you

[@Vanbooskie]

@@ViceGripLodge No, Thank you man. You're an amazing human being sir. ✌

[@tylerstab]

Crazy you stopped through, I live two blocks away. Hope you enjoyed the visit.

[@EvanLightner304]

It’s crazy to see places like this and think back on the guys that worked there when it was all in good shape, just being there every day. Everything from laughing with co workers in the break room, to getting mad at a model T on the assembly floor. Very cool video man

[@patriciaharsen7542]

Mom had so many great stories! And yes Ford did it right back then! Parades ect. He took care of his employees. Until. IT LEFT THE FAMILY. AND THEN OFF SHORE

[@bradleymckay365]

Derek I was taken back in time really enjoying this video, seriously awesome job and then the ending the horrible view of the strip mall, I was like awe... those new buildings just make me sad because Ford built a factory where the entire surrounding towns/cities had a place to work and support your family and now we have those things behind you in the ending. Anyway awesome video!

[@natevanlandingham1945]

It is crazy what we could and use to do. The engineering, design and Manufacturing that took place here in the USA. Also the sheer amount of people that it took to do it all is just mind blowing.

[@roddydykes7053]

It was a brand new era, people were legitimately excited for what they were a part of

[@jmj18462]

EXCELLENT video! It's almost like exploring the wreck of the Titanic! Thanks for letting us come along with you! I hope you realize that this video is now an important part of American history!

[@KCCardCo]

Everything from cars to what was going to be written in the Dearborn Independent was probably discussed in that conference room. Highland Park had the Ford Plant as well as the Chrysler Corporation Headquarters. My grandfather worked at Ford Highland Park in 1919. Chrysler President K.T. Keller lived in a mansion south of this location in the Palmer Woods neighborhood, the same neighborhood Mitt Romney lived in. The Keller house is still there.

[@CdnUltrasA.C.]

The Dearborn Independent... Where have I heard of that writing before?... Something about "the world's foremost problem".

[@MrSzero13]

love this. i see it everyday, love to see you guys in Mi ! i live in Flint Mi myself, about 45 mins from highland, its a great place to explore .. sadly ... alot of history with automobiles are here in flint, highland, detriot... now all ruins :/ but here in flint they plan to build on top of the old buick factory here so excited to see what happens awesome content derek !!

[@kerrylewis2581]

It's truly mind-boggling what one man created with determination, devotion, and drive

[@questioner1596]

As lovely as this building could be for a museum, the huge costs to restore something this massive and in this condition are hard to take on, not to mention the ongoing costs to heat and maintain after the repair. It would likely be more expensive than building a new building, since it's hard to find standard sizes today that fit the old dimensions.

[@willschultz5452]

Someone super rich like Jeff Bezos could do it easily if he had a interest in such things.

[@mikeallard8622]

Thanks for this fascinating video! My grandfather was a pattern maker at the Highland Park plant in 1917-1918 and then off to war. He may have been there earlier than that. I wonder if there are any surviving archives that would show where particular divisions/departments were in this massive complex at that time.

[@larrygessner3155]

Thank you so much for taking us along. This must have put you and Paul over the moon. When you said imagine all of the typewritters clacking away. I did exactly that! I was trying to imagine everything that must have been going on everyday. It does just blow a persons mind to imagine what needed to take place to make it all come together. This will always be one of my favorite episodes!

[@chrisfreemesser5707]

Very cool tour...too bad the building has been allowed to deteriorate so badly though I can easily see those large open areas being full of engineers sitting at drafting tables...you see a lot of that in old films of the era

[@resid3nt]

I love this place. I've also toured the full facility and visiting the henry ford plant and paying for the full feature tour is WELL WORTH IT.

[@bigvinny-zf1tg]

1:44 was the money shot… like an old friend came to visit his home town.. awesome!!!!

[@mikeedward2827]

I'm 51, that's way past my bedtime. I'll watch it with my morning coffee 🤟😊

[@gofishingwhenyoucan]

That's funny 🤣

[@gofishingwhenyoucan]

I'm not to far away from your age buddy 😎👍