This 1904 Automobile Factory In Detroit Still Has Cars That Were Originally Built There Inside It!

[@larry648]

I’m retired out of East Detroit, Eastpointe, Fire Department. The chemical truck was not to fight chemical fires, but a way to pressurize the tanks without a pump. You flipped the levers on the back of the tank, and soda and acid would mix and pressurize the yanks like the old extinguishers you flipped up side down in school years ago. I use to drive the truck when we had it at the station for parades.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel. Thanks for your comment.

[@ashwill117]

Thank you for explaining that... Took the words right outta my mouth..

[@004Black]

Did you know Don Adams by chance or was he before your time?

[@joepangean6770]

I think Agent 86 (Maxwell Smart) worked for CONTROL not Fire Department .@@004Black

[@JeepsNdieselMan]

The town I live in still has a four man hand drawn chemical fire cart… cool stuff!

[@mikalnaylor]

In their defense: Using that museum as a venue probably helps to pay the bills and gives the plant exposure it normally wouldn't get. Of course, the museum could be closed on "venue usage" days. :)

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel. I appreciate your opinion. As I have repeatedly replied to comments such as yours, I believe that events and venues can run independently without affecting the other. Many museums have figured out how to do just that. My opinion is that it is something I feel they need to improve on. I enjoyed my visit and would have enjoyed it far more if I could have clearly seen unobstructed vehicles. Since I visited this museum when it first opened 10:00AM, there was (again in my own opinion) no need to be setting up for a venue that early. Certainly, your suggestion is one such option. For example, they could calculate the normal admission they receive during those hours, close, then pass that cost onto the renter. Lots of options that could be explored. Again, thanks for your comment.

[@andrewsiff]

Bingo!

[@RichM3000]

​@@kensmithgallery4432 Museums aren't cheap to operate, especially in the modern era when people can see everything there online -- as with your excellent video. If that's what it takes to be able to bring the museum experience to everyone, I guess that's what they have to do. "pass that cost onto the renter." Hmm. If they could simply charge more for those events, they likely would be already. The free market determines pricing, really. That's why Henry Ford was always looking to reduce his costs (and, consequently, his prices), rather than just deciding he could pass them onto his customers. The flip side of that coin, of course, is that museum patrons might not like chairs in the way and not visit as often, costing them money as well. Then the museum would have to optimize between the two. BTW, I wouldn't like chairs in my way if I bought a ticket either. I'd be more chill than you :) , but I do think they ought to figure out a way to do the chairs later in the day. It seems the chairs should be pretty much the last thing to get set up, not the first.

[@RichM3000]

@@kensmithgallery4432 Maybe they could try putting curtains around things being set up, so it's not so visually distracting.

[@Jody-kt9ev]

@@RichM3000 Very true. We had a very good car museum on our area that was supported by a local wealthy individual. When he passed, his family was not interested in keeping up the support. The museum has now closed. The entrance fees were nowhere near enough to keep the museum open.

[@MrDjay46]

It was so nice to see the display of Model T tool kit that came with each auto. My Dad born in 1906 still had the pliers embossed with “Ford” from the first Model T his mother bought back in 1915. Fortunately I still have those pliers. I should display them along with an old photo I have of his whole family motoring along in Memphis Tn. ps - His mother was born in 1867. She didn’t have my Dad until 1906 and he didn’t have me until 1946. It’s kind of unique perhaps that I’m still kicking at age 77+ yet personally knew a women born shortly after the Civil War. His Mom died in 1962.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

thanks for sharing your stories!

[@generator6946]

All us old boomers are not too far from our 19th Century roots! I remember how my grandparents were still old timey and did peculiar things!

[@whatyoumakeofit6635]

​@@generator6946....can you give us examples of " peculiar things" ? When I hear of some of those things it reminds me of things I seen and heard at my grandparents home when I was young. I hardly ever remember those things until I hear of them.

[@KeithFinkFamilyFarm]

Wow, that was awesome! Thanks so much for taking me with you to the museum.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@robertscheinost179]

When I was in Dillon, Montana in August, 2011 there was a 1909 Model T fire truck on display on a street corner. I don't know the history of the truck or who owns it but I spent about an hour studying it, In 1909 they were still making Indian Head pennies as it was a transition year for the penny and first year for the Lincoln head cent, too. It really made me think of the history of the year 1909 on my walk back to my hotel room that night. I was in Dillon for 2 weeks and would take walks around town after I was done for the day. For some reason my walks would bring me back to that "T" fire truck! It was sure a memorable trip!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! Sounds like a wonderful memory!

[@jmcbike]

Recently I got a 1907 Indian head penny (in change from McDonald's). No model T's in 1907.

[@robertscheinost179]

Cool!@@jmcbike

[@PaulBlacksmith-xr4sy]

Those two survivor cars were awesome, my Pa, God bless him, was born in 1923, he would have been 100 years old last August... Those were truly the cars of his childhood! Good job on the video!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed the video as well as sparking a few memories!

[@miketraxler2120]

This video needs to be shown at schools mandatory,.THis is awesome well put loved it the kids must learn this this is very valuable knowledge

[@kensmithgallery4432]

You are so kind. Thanks so much!

[@michaelnault5905]

Those big walk in safes were common during that time. Had one in a building of similar age where I worked long ago. Thanks for the tour.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! My pleasure!

[@browngreen933]

What a great museum! No modern high tech displays to ruin the wonderful period mood.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

It is a great museum. Thanks for watching!

[@mistergoodcitizen9914]

Hand lettering is soo awesome.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

It really is!

[@ianlangley987]

A good video on the Piquette plant. I visited the museum during a R66 road trip I did in 2018 and was impressed with the way it as put together. Our tour guide was as old as the Model A (haha) and what he didn't know about Henry wasn't worth knowing. One thing you mssed out was the change of the Ford logo from Ford with wings (can easily be seen stamped into the old radiators) and the Ford blue oval we know today. I am a proud owner of a 1966 Ford Mustang and support Henry today. He was surely an amazing guy. Cheers Ian - New Zealand

[@kensmithgallery4432]

You are right about the logo. Well, that's reason enough to head back! Thanks for watching way over in New Zealand!

[@ianlangley987]

@@kensmithgallery4432 I would love to do it all over again. Cheers Ian

[@That52TeleGuy]

The fact that this facility exists is amazing. It is does not exist from Federal, State, or Corporate dollars, it supported by those who love US automotive history, and the love of US manufacturing and innovation. Been there several times and glad to see it has progressed quite a bit since my first visit. This facility could have very easily gone to the wrecking ball. BTW, architect, historic Detroit firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel. I agree, the fact that building exist today is amazing. Your statement of not supported by Fed, State, or corporate dollars is not completely true. I would submit to you that since the building is a National Registered Landmark, it has the ability to receive preservation grants. Also, states and local governments offer preservation or similar grants to historical buildings. It isn't for me to say that they do, receive money from available grants, but it certainly isn't for me to say the do not either. Regardless, walking into a facility when it opened to the general public at 10:00AM in the morning seeing that it was set up for an event that either was held the night before (which I personally doubt since there was a flurry of activity setting things up) or for an event scheduled later in the day or evening seems to me to be inefficient and it affects the viewing of the automobiles which is why I came in the first place. I personally believe it should be done more efficiently and pass that cost to the people booking the room)s). Other museums have figured out how to do both and I've seen it done in historical buildings as well. Nice museum, just too much other stuff in the way during my visit. That's my opinion. Thanks for posting yours.

[@That52TeleGuy]

@@kensmithgallery4432 Adding on, website still notes being a privately funding museum. As for Grants, they have to be out there to apply for. The historic building plaque does not come with any money or funding, designation will save the building from demolition in most cases and limit renovations to maintaining historic content. Even many of our Government funded museums struggle and need private donors. I would hope the Ford Family is involved at some level but they have the Henry Ford Museum.

[@MilwaukeeBeerman]

Fantastic display of mechanical history. As someone who worked with a lot of corporate meetings, I was taken aback by the comments about the event being set up. Unless you paid $5-10K to be in there for a few hours, you did little to really contribute to the cost of running a place like this. Those events are the only reason the place stays open. Families visiting the museum will never pay the amount needed to cover what is most likely thousands of dollars per day needed just to open the doors.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel. Thanks for your comment. As I have said numerous times before, other museums figure out how to do both without one affecting the other. If s venue is collecting the amount you mentioned, then perhaps the could collect more for that venue and with those proceeds pay for additional staff to set up much later in the day. I visited the museum when it opened and there is no reason to be setting up that early. Nice museum, just needs to be a bit more efficient. Other museums have figured out how to do it.

[@wvincus5522]

@@kensmithgallery4432. I agree. They could build a connected building or set aside a specific area away from the displays specifically for rentals. My union local did this very suggestion and earn money from rentals to subsidize our working administration facilities. It’s working out great and won a platinum award as best ballroom in Oakville Ontario.

[@rongreen8485]

Fantastic video, beautiful building full of awesome history. Some day I would love to visit Detroit.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

@@rongreen8485 Glad you enjoyed it. The museum is in a beautiful building.

[@brucegordon4992]

I like seeing the facility used for stuff like that as I suspect the meetings and functions help to fund the museum.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I do too. I just wished they would have done the set up after they closed and not during museum hours of operation.

[@johnnyhawk329]

Those must be some really strong floors in that old building. Awesome video.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

They sure seem that way! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@KobusBreed]

The voice over was the best option, not the second best, thank you.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks so much for your feedback!

[@nightlightabcd]

This my idea of holy ground! Nice video and well done. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

A fantastic video sir which I am enjoying thoroughly. Been a Ford guy with work trucks for a while. I grew up going to six flags (Atlanta) and there was a Chevy show of which I only remember part of a song involved. Something about baseball hot dogs apple pie and Chevrolet. It was only later in life when I had a friend from Switzerland that pointed out that this was not even an american word, which honestly cracked me up after a little thought. I like to metal detect for history and have certainly found many ford parts over the years and love the journey into the past. Your journey here is fascinating and thank you for sharing my friend.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! Also, thanks so much for subscribing! I really appreciate it. As to the museum, it is a wonderful place to visit. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

[@TheBlackSheepDiaries]

@@kensmithgallery4432 You're welcome sir as it's much deserved. Most of the folks I know would rather watch videos of girls doing yoga if ya know what I mean. I'll take this over that any day and twice on Sunday if I'm not working! I'm seeing history destroyed all over the place but it's folks like you that help others not to forget. Hats off friend!

[@bryancunningham1095]

Great video, i agree that the events in such proximity to the displays is a little distracting but also understand the money required to keep this original building must be alot but maybe a compromise like have special areas for events or not placing the events right ontop of the cars. I like all the heavy fire doors that are throughout the plant and how they where self closing with gravity in the event of a fire. I retired from what use to be callec TRW manufacturing where we made some of the manual steering gears and components for cars in this period of time and before i retired TRW had made a display area where they used the ceiling pulleys and leather belts to run alot of the manufacting equipment at the turn of the last. Century. Great video and i think ill take the family on a trip to see this museum.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I agree. In fact, why not have a special room with cars devoted just for that venue. The museum is worth visiting and I did enjoy my visit but again, it would have been far more enjoyable to see cars at 10:00AM and not chairs.

[@christyler624]

The Time Clock is what started IBM. It was built in the town across the river from me. Beautiful Tour

[@kensmithgallery4432]

That's pretty cool!

[@jsigmon57]

Great video. The wood sided car with the 2 bench seats was the beginning of the "Station Wagon". And yes it was used to take passengers to and from the train station.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for watching and for your insightful comment on the "woody". I appreciate it!

[@twwtb]

I am glad you did the voice over. Your narration was excellent.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thank you kindly!

[@quicksilver2510]

Thank you for the great video. As true car guy from Australia, I thoroughly enjoyed your presentation and the Ford museum.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks so much for watching and for your comment!

[@mr.goodpliers6988]

Amazing tour. I came here to watch because it's closed on Mondays, so I wasn't able to tour it the day I was in Detroit. It sure looked neat from the outside. So many of Detroit's historic buildings have faded away. What a treat to see this one preserved. It's such a neat city, I really want to return and look around!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I am glad you enjoyed it. It is a nice museum!

[@talltom1129]

The buildings didn't fade away, they were demolished by 'entrepreneurs' who weren't interested in history. Profit came first

[@bobfidguello7239]

I think the voice over was the correct decision, good audio is just as important as the video. The information can be delivered much better than if done at the time of the video,too much distractions,even for the person behind the camera as that person is in a thought of his or her own of what they are seeing yet while trying to tell a story. Well done on you're part,much appreciate you sharing the content!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi Bob and welcome to the channel. It was so noisy in there with all those fans. I appreciate your comment!

[@Dylan2manyprojectshill]

Great information and video! From the last clip you shared, background noise was definitely manageable! Plus the wood floor creaking and people chatting kind of added to the Time Machine effect the video has! Just my 2 cents! Great job

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it. Ironically, that was the quietest area in the entire plant. The fans just added so much white noise that it was almost a constant frequency buzz but I do agree with you that the wood floors really do add to the older feeling of the facility. Thanks for your comment!

[@johneken2056]

Charles K. Hyde's book about the Dodge Brothers would be a good read. They supplied all the running gear for Ford from 1903 to 1913. Bodies were built by Ford and tires came from Harvey Firestone.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for the info!

[@jakhamar55]

Awesome video. I love this type of exhibition. The craftsmanship is second to none.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thank you very much!

[@Lovelylove4everyone]

That was so interesting. I saw a model T sedan in a motorcycle dealership of all places and couldn't believe how solidly they were built.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Indeed they were for the time period! Thanks for subscribing!

[@jmd1743]

What's most impressive is how many cars were built in such a small factory given that you also need to fit the factory equipment, people,materials, and everything else.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

It is very impressive!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

It might not be as small as you think . Keep in mind that these cars were quite short themselves and that the camera used in this video (Or any camera for that matter, make the image they are recording look smaller. The only way to tell the true size is to walk around inside the building.

[@quantumleap359]

Well done. Thanks for the tour. Your narration is professional and informative.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thank you kindly and welcome to the channel!

[@jimamizzi1]

Excellent work Ken.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Decadent36]

Fantastic video and I enjoyed it very much! Also, I thought the voice over worked quite well. Had you not explained why you did it I wouldn't have thought twice about it. I wholeheartedly agree with your stance on having events in the main "galleries" of the museum during operating hours. However, if it means extra revenue for them so they can keep the doors open then I would have to grudgingly accept it.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it! It certainly is a very nice museum! Thanks for you watching and for your comment!

[@Swamie55]

Very nice video thanks for posting this! However I would like to mention that fine handcraftsmanship ,coach building ,painting, hand pinstriping, upholstering, metal work, machine work, wood work are not lost arts as evidence by the restoration of antique vehicles

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! I could not agree more!

[@Frank7748124]

Note that Henry's office and the other offices are all reproductions; they are not original. I use to work as a volunteer there. Also, The Room on the third floor is just a best guess and nothing is original (remember Studebaker used the building for years building their own cars there). I built the first version of the room with another volunteer based on a historical investigators report on what they envisioned it looked like based upon nail holes in the floor where they thought the old walls should be. But one of the walls was diagonal to the rest. I remember thinking when I was building the walls that no one would ever build the walls like this; it just did not look right. I see they have corrected that error and rearranged the walls into a more believable set up.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks so much for your insight!

[@MickeyMousePark]

Here is how my father (born in 1932) referred to the early Fords..Model A....Model T ...Modern A...very elegant way to define the two Model A's

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! I like that!

[@billywird]

My father born in 1923 told me his first car was a Model T that he gave $2.50 for, and he had to borrow a wheel from the local blacksmith/ auto repair shop and he and his friend towed the car to his friend's house with a mule. They worked on it and got it running and Dad told me that they found a wheel that needed some spokes and made their own spokes. He told me that you could run a Model T on kerosene. We just do not realize how different things were back then. I have my love of mechanical things and automobiles and trucks from my father.

[@kennedysingh3916]

Watched from Old Harbour Jamaica. We have the oldest Ford dealer outside of the US, Kingston Industrial Garage, established in 1908 and is still a Ford dealer. My dad who will be 85 this April as always own a Ford and his latest been 2020 model Ford F150 Ecoboost.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for watching from Jamaica! Sounds like you have a great dealership!

[@petegregory517]

How cool it would have been to work there in that era? I was born at least 50-60 years late. Love old stuff, detest most technology. Do have a reference because my grams farm was early 1900’s in the ‘50-‘60’s right down to the constantly fired cook stove. Retired the “ice box” when electricity was run in late ‘50’s. Great place, gorgeous south central PA setting.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for sharing this story!

[@Biber0315]

Visited there a few years ago. It's a fantastic museum and well worth making an effort to get there. You certainly don't have to be any sort of a car person (I'm certainly not) to enjoy all the museum has to offer.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for sharing your experience during your visit there!

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

Great information! Interesting that a Dodge and Studebaker were both inside the Ford museum. Thanks, John

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Yes it was!

[@wb3161]

Thanks for the tour. I was there several years ago when they were just starting to get all that going again and start remodeling and it has come a long ways because it was really rough when I first went so it’s looking much much nicer but even aside from that just the history alone was amazing, I don’t remember the guy that gave me the tour but he would’ve taught all day long and he just had so much knowledge of what happened

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Sounds like you had a great tour! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@wb3161]

@@kensmithgallery4432 I’ve always been a Ford guy and I work for a Ford dealership from 81 to 2004 so Henry Ford was actually a pretty amazing person and a lot of ways I’ve been to his house I’ve been to Edsel Ford’s house and of course I’ve been to Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford museum

[@shawnperry1494]

I wanted to chime in. I saw the snowmobile in the video and I know exactly where that was invented as I don't live too far from there, the building that was Whites in NH is still there today.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for sharing!

[@CARLOS62B]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful tour.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

You are most welcome and thank you for subscribing!

[@rawbacon]

I always wanted one of those Model T Snowmobiles, I bet it's impossible to find one that they don't want a fortune for today.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

They do some way cool!

[@buzzdean7756]

all the Models before 1910 were Right Hand drives? Wow, good video.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

You are most welcome!

[@dougjenks6954]

Sir you are the greatest! I'd seen this video and went ok , I just watched it and it was fabulous!!!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I'm so happy you found it enjoyable!

[@CCM2361-]

Thanks for the tour. I ahve driven by that plant several times while at work & have never made it inside.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Any time! If you are that close, you should visit it!

[@CCM2361-]

I live about 90 miles away. I was in that area once in a while only last job. But I will try to check it out.@@kensmithgallery4432

[@Kevin-go2dw]

Thank you for showing. Of note is that up to the model T, the vehicles had the driver on the right side of the vehicle.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I noticed that many American cars were built similar during that period.

[@niteshades_promise]

@6:48 the ford/zelda logo😂🍻

[@kensmithgallery4432]

yep!

[@brianriggs2335]

What a great video. Very informative, entertaining and educational especially for automotive enthusiasts like myself. I'm now more inclined to and intrigued to visit the museum myself.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lizzapaolia959]

Fantastic video, thanks for sharing this awesome video. God bless 🙏

[@kensmithgallery4432]

And God Bless you too!

[@danielhackleman2140]

New subscriber. Wonderful video. Loved that history. I'm a car nut and look forward to more.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for subbing and for your comment!

[@daynadiggle8169]

Just a really great video . I truly enjoyed it . 😊

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for commenting!

[@Pablo_Del_Norte]

Solid tour. Thank you.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@tomboone201]

I remember when that building was part of the linen company nextdoor.. yellow covered window building across the street is a old GM plant

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! Thanks for sharing that!

[@tomboone201]

@@kensmithgallery4432 if you do more on those factories..stop at Z villa .. great food and service!

[@PaulBlacksmith-xr4sy]

Damn shame all those American manufacturing jobs are all gone now!

[@tomboone201]

@@PaulBlacksmith-xr4sy well , when those building were up & running only maybe a few dozen cars a day were made .. American manufacturing has come a long way .. now it's a couple dozen a hour .. if we still built them the old way .. American car manufacturing would've disappeared a long time ago, these are small buildings and Ford & GM have replacement factories for these & those plant can dust any manufacturer put these if full capacity is used

[@adamdemirs3466]

The overhead lineshaft idea was taken from Edison's shops. Thanks for a video without clickbait or useless fluff.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelheitmann4049]

Why not hold functions in museums? I know of several aviation museums that held functions. In Ottawa we combined a big band with swing dancers at certain functions. It was a fun trip down to a past era.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel. I appreciate your opinion. As I have repeatedly replied to comments such as yours, I believe that events and venues can run independently without affecting the other. Many museums have figured out how to do just that. My opinion is that it is something I feel they need to improve on. I enjoyed my visit and would have enjoyed it far more if I could have clearly seen unobstructed vehicles. Since I visited this museum when it first opened 10:00AM, there was (again in my own opinion) no need to be setting up for a venue that early. Your opinion doesn't change my experience or opinion. Again, thanks for your comment.

[@Nowayjose-vd1wm]

Wow that model k looks just like a heap that's buried in my grandparents' back shed. They always said don't touch it! It's been there since I can remember and I'm 46 so..oh man I'm old.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

What a great story!

[@stevenhall9009]

Great video, wise choice on doing a voiceover.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks! I appreciate your feedback!

[@paulkuras18]

Thank you so much for this video very well done and I’d like to see this museum what time

[@kensmithgallery4432]

You are very welcome!

[@VanWinger]

There is a channel called Strong's Garage that has Model "T" racers from the period when there were guys who ran them, I would venture it was in the 30's or 40's.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Sweet!

[@superrodder2002]

At 5:50 time stamp was a model of the first engine Henry Ford built from bits and pieces. Probably more important that the model of the car.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Probably!

[@karenflanagan1961]

Great informative video and I would hope GM would do similar to their older plants that are currently just falling apart and not being preserved for the history they certainly contain.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I hope so too!

[@That52TeleGuy]

GM has restored the original Buick building. Not sure how it is being used today. Flint did have an auto museum that did not last as it could not support itself. Chrysler does have an auto museum but limited hours to public I recall. GM does as well have a museum that is not very known to the public. GM has had plans for a larger museum facility but it will not be any time soon. Truly one of the best is the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn which covers way more than automobiles.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

@@That52TeleGuy Thanks for sharing the info. I loved the Henry Ford Museum. I agree, it is far more than just an auto museum!

[@WillN2Go1]

The safe is for payroll.Workers were paid in cash back in the day. (I lived and worked in a studio in Montreal that used to be the telegraph office. We kept our photo equipment in the large walk in vault with a similar door. It was easy to get the combination changed. Inside was a smaller standing safe.) My great grandfather worked for Ford. No details. A trained blacksmith he probably did something like that. This museum would be a good next day visit after the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. I was born less than a mile away in the Henry Ford Hospital, and spent a lot of time in Detroit. And directly following the example of Ford and the Model T, I drive a Model Y. When I was young, I couldn't wait to get as far from Detroit and its moribund auto business (less moribund than I thought) and now as a Tesla investor, I'm back in the family business.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I agree on your order of museum visits. Thanks for the info about the safe. I had not thought about payroll!

[@lyrebirdcyclesmarkkelly9874]

I am sure you are correct. I used to be a brewer at a brewery that was built in the old Ford assembly plant in Fremantle, WA. One entire end of the main office block was taken up with a huge walk in safe that had been used for payroll.

[@ronalddevine9587]

This makes me want to visit Detroit. Fascinating. When did steering wheels move to the left side of the car, and why?

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Great question! In 1908 with the Model T, Henry Ford put the driver on the left hand side of his cars to make it safer for both the driver and passengers to get in and out of the right side of the car since we have always driven on the right hand side. By 1912 most U.S. manufacturers made the switch if they hadn't already.

[@ronalddevine9587]

@@kensmithgallery4432 So what happened to the rest of the English speaking world? Especially now with quick English channel crossing, you would think that the British would finally make the change.

[@donb1183]

On the picture wall of the executives of Ford you see the Dodge brothers who were involved with the beginning of Ford and actually made enough money to start their own auto company.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Yes I did!

[@Lee-qp6gf]

I like voice over as there is always better explanations. You did very well.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thank you!

[@sittinandthinkin]

Some people don't speak as openly as well in public as they do in the privacy of their own home. Plus you can always pause the video as you talk about something, and can expand on a topic if the original recording didn't allow time for that.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

@@sittinandthinkin that's a great point!

[@wvincus5522]

Excellent video Ken, i really enjoyed it and learned from it. I was wondering what material did they use for that back window with the six oval openings? Glass or was vinyl used. I’m not sure plastic was invented at that time. Thanks

[@kensmithgallery4432]

That's a great question I honestly do not know.

[@tvg3420]

Celluloid was used at first.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

@@tvg3420 Thanks Tom!

[@flyboy6303]

great stuff and history thank you

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lawrencestone2596]

Thank you for sending me on a vacation I don't think I'll get a chance to ever get

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I am glad you enjoyed your trip!

[@splender88]

We have a very similar building in Louisville that was once about the same time as this one a Ford Factory. It has recently been turned into student housing for the U of L students. Not many people even the locals know what it was.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

A similar Ford Plant in Denver, is now used as office space.

[@markfortin421]

I TOTALLY agree with your opinion of the 'events' they have there all the time.....been there 4 times in the past 10 years, and either certain areas were closed because of it, or whole floors! I 💘💘love the place for the ambience, the smell of the ancient oil soaked wood, and it transports me back in time....I can hear the sounds of the cars being built, and the various cars on display adds to that. White chairs, tables and fans blowing don't cut it!! Thanks for the tour though (A loyal subscriber)

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi Mark and welcome to the channel. Well said!

[@colecollins3530]

Being a diehard Ford fan I think it's great that you could have a venue in a Ford facility

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I agree that having a venue there is great, but arriving at 10:00AM and having them set up for venue that was not going to take place later that evening was in my opinion, poor execution. Thanks for commenting!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

I have my Uncle's Dyke's Automotive and Gas Engine Encyclopedia from 1926 that shows the overhead belt and pulley system used in the factory to power the lathe and such. It also covers all makes and cars of that era as well as the trucks and farm machinery and even has a section devoted to the Model T and all the variant bodies you could buy or have built, including info for making your own mechanics shop including shop trucks for different cars including Ford, Cadillac and Studebaker. - I build model cars, so I am planning on using the book to create scale replicas of the equipment used to build those cars and such. The book is quite valuable for information. If you find one online, try and buy it. It will help your knowledge on these vintage cars and get an understanding for the world of mechanics that surrounded them.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Again, thanks for the info!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

@@kensmithgallery4432 You are welcome.

[@pd1jdw630]

You gotta do what you’ve gotta do to keep the doors open I guess. 🤷🏻‍♂️ Great tour. 👌🏻 Thanks for sharing.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for watching!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

The Model K sure looks great! - You can see the progression of design in the previous models leading up to the Model T. Interesting that the fenders on the previous models, with exception to the K, do not have any inner curtains and the bodies sit right on the frame without any covering to stop mud from flying up. The 1915 Dodge would have been post Brass era as WWI pretty much ended the use of brass on cars. Auto manufacturers used nickel and eventually chrome. Initially, Nickel was plated onto brass, but eventually was plated on steel along with chrome plating on steel. You also don't see brass on the Studebaker beside it. The car @15:00 might not be a Depot Hack as they had wood bodies right up to the firewall. It could be an Omnibus conversion car as the passengers are seated facing one another and the front steel portion looks like a standard Ford Coupe or roadster body. Prior to the 1929 Ford Woodie Wagon, Ford never made an "In House" "Woodie". Those were sent out to other coach builders and built to suit the customer. Over time, these wagons became so popular that Ford wanted to have them built in house to capitalize on that market. Those Model T race cars look great. The orange one was probably made that way to look like a Marmon or Stutz. Thank you for showing us the museum. Being in Canada, I probably wouldn't get a chance to travel down there in person.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for the info! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MonsterHobbiesModelCarGarage]

@@kensmithgallery4432It was good for sure.

[@keno77]

If you worried about the soft sound from today, just imagine the sound when the plant was producing at the maximum back in the day.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I can only imagine how deafening it must have been.

[@garrykenyon3625]

I noticed the right hand drive cars up to the model T. I do wish they could have just standardised the left and right thing way back then as it would have made life so much better.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I completely understand!

[@robcates2383]

They have to keep the doors opens!! Cut em a little slack, but like you did mention, surely there a room where they could do their"EVENTS"!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! Thanks for your post. Yes, I agree that they have to produce revenue but a separate room needs to happen. Give those patrons full access to the floors to view just like everyone else, but chairs just spoil the venue. As much as I enjoyed visiting, I hear it is more and more common and it's pretty hard for me to fully recommend a visit :-(

[@pistolpeds]

Nice job on the trim on hole in the wall to Ford's office. I think they used a chainsaw.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I do hope they finish it off.

[@frankjjoseph]

Nah!! Just leave it rough to perhaps help to accentuate the modern hacking-out to authenticate our peering into a working car factory office from more than a century ago!@@kensmithgallery4432

[@wapartist]

All of these early models with no windshields had to have been a thrill to drive at the time

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I bet they were!

[@chrisgray4239]

A living museum should celebrate life including weddings, Henry would be thrilled 🎉

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I agree and as I have mentioned multiple times before, it can and should be done separately and without obstructing the vehicles during normal operating hours. Visiting the museum when they first opened as I did and walking into sections that are being set up for a venue that was going to take place much later into the day/evening wasn't efficient in my opinion. Other living museums figure out how to do it.

[@ricksadler797]

Awesome video thank you ❤

[@kensmithgallery4432]

You are so welcome

[@trainliker100]

Many (probably most) museums have a VERY difficult time having sufficient funds to maintain a building, maintain the collection, acquire items for the collection, pay any hired staff, pay utilities, and on and on. Making the facility available for events - for a fee - provides some extremely important income.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for commenting and watching!

[@oldb-1kenobi]

Great walk around, thank you, but I guess the museum couldn't be bothered to finish the cutout for Ford's office. Just push an info desk in front of it and call it good!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

It did seem very unfinished!

[@detroitboy65]

Museums do whatever they can to make money. Weddings are one of the regular sources for funding, but also corporate shindigs, proms and such. can you blame them? the Piquette Ford factory is a particularly unpopular destination because of its location in an M5 industrial zone; but for extra-utilitarian functions it would not survive. Also, no would rent a purpose-built building next to the plant! Part of the draw is being in such an historic location, surrounded by cars -- some of which were actually assembled in the venue!

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I understand the need to hold events. Just do the set up and teardown during non museum hours or do it in a separate area away from the vehicles. Other auto museums figure out how to make it work and there are other auto museums in remote places or less traffic areas that still exist and operate.

[@robertchermely6512]

It is important for some of these museums have to use space as venue rental. They can charge enough for one evening of rental that matches the amount taken in during a month of visitors payments. They use these funds to keep the doors open.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I understand and I absolutely agree with you. However, I was there when the museum opened and I feel that setting up those displays during early morning hours could have been done more efficiently. Perhaps one way could be to charge more for the rental so that you could pay to have the crew come in after hours. Just my experience, observation, and opinion. Wonderful museum.

[@jed7644]

Maybe you’d like to replace the revenue that the venue generates, which will surely be based in part upon the ambiance of the museum. In my home town, one of the mansions that was owned by the family that backed Clessie Cummins is now a B&B that uses the 110 yr old formal gardens for weddings & other events.Toxic puke in the flower beds isn’t _my_ first choice, but _I_ can’t afford to preserve that iconically historic property.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi Jed and welcome to the channel. Anyone can post a somewhat passive aggressive comment but honestly the facts are the facts. Those chairs and tables and a crew setting up for an event while the museum is open to paid attendees like myself is still a distraction. Perhaps the museum could charge more per venue since that seems to be a focus for them. As I stated on multiple replies, I don't know their operating budget, not do I care to get into that. My experience visiting is just that, my experience. I paid to get into a museum to see displays, not displays blocked by table and chairs. I think the video makes it pretty self evident. Your experience my be different. Thanks for your opinion.

[@tturner12341]

My brother restored the doors 🚪 that go inside the plant from the side of the building. They’re done in a forest green color. I’m not sure if they’re still this color. I have a lot of great pictures of inside this plant.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

That's awesome!

[@dougvanallen2212]

Those events make the dollar’s that keep the museum open and if not for those events we would have nothing

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel. Perhaps, but other museums host events too and they have figured out a way to do both without affecting either. I appreciate your comment.

[@vincentdorsey8545]

The all terrain truck has the wrong tires. The original tires were scooped to match the inside of the tracks to allow for better traction

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for your comment.

[@Jamestown23_]

That was cool, thank you.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you liked it!

[@bostonrailfan2427]

that Model T snowmobile? same one you see every year being driven by the postman/narrator in the Christmas special “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” 😎

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I know right?!?!

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

Good job, earned a sub. Very interesting.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Welcome aboard!

[@acetomatocompany]

Bravo, well done.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks so much!

[@cclarke6]

This is a very nice video. However, a chemical fire truck gets its name because a chemical reaction in an onboard tank causes the pressure needed to shoot the water. The truck may or may not be trying to extinguish a chemical fire.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! Thanks for the info!

[@ashwill117]

Took the words right outta my mouth... thanks

[@greg96285]

EXCELENTE VIDEO, PARABÉNS AQUI DO BRASIL.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThomasDeLello]

My question: Where in posterity are Henry Ford's original shop drawings and blueprints stored...?

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Hi and welcome to the channel! I wish I knew the answer to that question!

[@davidkimmel4216]

Very enjoyable 👍👍👍

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Glad you enjoyed it. Welcome to the channel!

[@sgtpepperz25]

Museums struggle to bring in revenues at times and need to get money when they can where they can...the slight inconvenience of the occasional wedding is better than no museum at all, or even one with limited hours. Cool video though thanks for sharing this, I have never seen all hose different Ford models.

[@kensmithgallery4432]

Thanks for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed it.