Orville Wright Piloting the 1903 Wright Flyer

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer. This copy of the 1903 Wright Flyer faithfully replicates the original aircraft. On December 17, 2003, the replica attempted to duplicate the Wright brothers' first flight at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, exactly one hundred years after that historic feat. The attempt was foiled by bad weather, though the replica flew successfully in earlier tests.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1965 Lotus-Ford and 1967 Ford Mark IV Race Cars

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1965 Lotus-Ford Race Car. Scotsman Jim Clark won the Indianapolis 500 with this rear-engine car in 1965. After his victory, a traditional front-engine car never won that race again. The Lotus-Ford combined a European Formula One-inspired lightweight chassis with a big Ford V-8 engine. The Lotus-Ford's success effectively killed the traditional Indy roadster and established a new design for American race cars. 1967 Ford Mark IV Race Car. This car was built to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Driven by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, it accomplished that goal in 1967, beating the second-place Ferrari by 32 miles at a record-breaking average speed of 135.48 miles per hour. The Mark IV combined a sophisticated chassis with a big engine based on Ford's V-8 for stock car racing.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1927 Blue Bird School Bus

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1927 Blue Bird School Bus. This 1927 Blue Bird is the oldest surviving school bus in America. Albert Luce, Sr., built his first bus in 1925 by mounting a purchased wood body to a Ford truck frame. The body could not withstand the Georgia roads. Luce, convinced he could make a better bus, applied a steel framework under the wood body. His success led him to make school buses full time. This is the first in a long line of buses made by Blue Bird, one of the country's major school bus builders. It is the oldest surviving school bus in America. In 1925, Albert L. Luce, Sr. owned two Ford dealerships in Georgia when a customer came in and ordered a bus to transport his workers. Mr. Luce purchased a wooden bus body and mounted it on a Ford Model TT truck. But the body began rattling apart before the customer could even finish paying for the bus. Mr. Luce was convinced he could make a better bus body and, by 1927 he had built the school bus you see here. The key to success was a strong steel framework under the wood. Within a few years Mr. Luce sold his Ford dealerships and began making school buses full time. Chassis: 1927 Ford Model TT Truck Engine: 176 cu. in., 20 hp Body: Hand built using steel and wood—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1925 Detroit Toledo & Ironton Railroad Caboose

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Detroit Toledo & Ironton Railroad Caboose, 1925. The caboose was the conductor's office, the crew's quarters, and the observation platform from which to spot problems with the train. It could also be dangerous. "Slack action" -- sudden movement when slack ran in and out of a moving train -- could toss riders about. Computerized record keeping, trackside defect detectors and smaller crews made the caboose obsolete by the 1980s.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1923 Canadian Pacific Snowplow and 1925 Detroit Toledo & Ironton Railroad Caboose

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Canadian Pacific Snowplow, 1923. This plow is one of thirty-six built by Canadian Pacific's Angus Shops in Montreal between 1920 and 1929. It is a 20-ton, wedge-type plow made for use on a single track. Built without a self-contained power source, one or two locomotives pushed this snowplow. Although they are seldom seen in action, snowplows are necessary to prevent the derailing of trains. Detroit Toledo & Ironton Railroad Caboose, 1925. The caboose was the conductor's office, the crew's quarters, and the observation platform from which to spot problems with the train. It could also be dangerous. "Slack action" -- sudden movement when slack ran in and out of a moving train -- could toss riders about. Computerized record keeping, trackside defect detectors and smaller crews made the caboose obsolete by the 1980s.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Passenger Coach Replica

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Passenger Coach Replica. This coach replicates a typical passenger car used on American railroads circa 1860. Its varnished interior surfaces resisted dirt and stains, while its mohair-covered seats stood up to heavy use. Opening windows offered ventilation in summer, and a woodstove provided heat in winter. Other amenities included a drinking water dispenser and a small restroom.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible Passenger Profile

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible. Longer than a Duesenberg. Twice the horsepower of a Rolls-Royce. More costly than both put together. The Bugatti Royale was the ultimate automobile, making its owners feel like kings. Not only did it do everything on a grander scale than the world's other great luxury cars, it was also rare. Bugatti built only six Royales, whereas there were 481 Model J Duesenbergs and 1767 Phantom II Rolls-Royces.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible Front

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible. Longer than a Duesenberg. Twice the horsepower of a Rolls-Royce. More costly than both put together. The Bugatti Royale was the ultimate automobile, making its owners feel like kings. Not only did it do everything on a grander scale than the world's other great luxury cars, it was also rare. Bugatti built only six Royales, whereas there were 481 Model J Duesenbergs and 1767 Phantom II Rolls-Royces.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia—This image was processed as an HDR (High Dynamic Range) composition.

1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible Driver Profile

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1931 Bugatti Type 41 Royale Convertible. Longer than a Duesenberg. Twice the horsepower of a Rolls-Royce. More costly than both put together. The Bugatti Royale was the ultimate automobile, making its owners feel like kings. Not only did it do everything on a grander scale than the world's other great luxury cars, it was also rare. Bugatti built only six Royales, whereas there were 481 Model J Duesenbergs and 1767 Phantom II Rolls-Royces.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Luxury Automobile Exhibit

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Allegheny Steam Locomotive, 1941

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Allegheny Steam Locomotive, 1941. The Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's massive Allegheny, introduced in 1941, represents the peak of steam railroad technology. Among the largest and most powerful steam locomotives ever built, it weighed 1.2 million pounds with its tender and could generate 7,500 horsepower. Just 11 years later, C&O began pulling these giants from service. Diesel-electric locomotives proved more flexible and less expensive.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Replica of 1831 "DeWitt Clinton" Steam Locomotive

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Replica of 1831 "DeWitt Clinton" Steam Locomotive. The New York Central Railroad built this replica of the DeWitt Clinton for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The original locomotive was built in 1831 and operated on the Mohawk & Hudson Railroad, an NYC predecessor. The replica traveled to fairs, expositions and promotional events across the NYC system into the 1950s.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Holiday Inn Neon Sign, 1955 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster, 1957 De Soto Fireflite

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Holiday Inn "Great" Sign, circa 1960. When the first Holiday Inns opened in 1952, guests at roadside hotels were mostly traveling families who couldn't always plan their stops ahead of time. This sign -- taller and flashier than some but not radically different from other blinking neon highway signs -- was designed to be spotted from the new interstates. As Holiday Inns multiplied, the sign became a message: "Turn here for a predictable, quality experience." 1955 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster. Corvettes became the iconic American sports car -- but not right away. Sports cars are automobiles reduced to their essence -- a motor, two seats, a simple body, and a powerful emotional appeal. The first Corvettes, with six-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions, promised more than they delivered. But when a 195-horsepower V-8 arrived in 1955, the Corvette's go finally matched its show. 1957 De Soto Fireflite Hardtop. De Soto appealed to drivers who desired the cutting edge of technology. Soaring fins and an airy roof suggested military jet fighters. Pushbuttons replaced old-fashioned transmission levers. And De Sotos were powerful -- perfect for the new high-speed, four-lane turnpikes and the newly-funded interstate highway system.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Theodore Roosevelt's Brougham, 1902

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Theodore Roosevelt's Brougham, 1902. This elegant vehicle was used by President Theodore Roosevelt on official occasions. Though automobiles began to replace horse-drawn vehicles during the Taft administration, the White House housekeeping department continued using the Brougham to haul groceries and run other errands. In 1928 a Model A Ford was acquired for that purpose and this carriage was retired.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Roosevelt's Sunshine Special - 1939 Lincoln Front

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1939 Lincoln Presidential Limousine Used by Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was the first car built expressly for presidential use. It was nicknamed the "Sunshine Special" because President Franklin Roosevelt loved to ride in it with the top down. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 the car was returned to the factory where it was equipped with armor plate and bullet-resistant tires and gas tank. The "Sunshine Special" was retired in 1950.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Roosevelt's Sunshine Special - 1939 Lincoln

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1939 Lincoln Presidential Limousine Used by Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was the first car built expressly for presidential use. It was nicknamed the "Sunshine Special" because President Franklin Roosevelt loved to ride in it with the top down. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 the car was returned to the factory where it was equipped with armor plate and bullet-resistant tires and gas tank. The "Sunshine Special" was retired in 1950.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Dwight D. Eisenhower's Bubbletop - 1950 Lincoln

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1950 Lincoln Presidential Limousine Used by Dwight D. Eisenhower. This massive convertible Lincoln was built for President Harry S. Truman in 1950, but it is most associated with Truman's successor Dwight D. Eisenhower, who used the car from 1952 until 1960. Eisenhower added the distinctive plastic "bubble top." Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson also used this car as a spare until its retirement in 1967.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Texaco 1939 Dodge Airflow Tank Truck

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. 1939 Dodge Airflow Tank Truck. This streamlined tank truck connected local Texaco service stations to a larger national distribution network. Each of America's competing oil companies had a branded fleet of trucks that took gasoline from refineries to its retail service stations. Even independently operated stations had to buy gasoline from a big oil company's refinery. This truck's capacity is 1175 gallons.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Texaco Fire-Chief Gasoline Pumps, about 1940

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Texaco "Fire-Chief" Gasoline Pump, circa 1940. By the 1940s, drivers watched "computing" pumps like this Texaco Fire-Chief pump automatically calculate the amount of gasoline and the price. This type of pump did away with price charts used by service station attendants. Internal, calibrated gear sets turned numbered wheels allowing quick and easy fill ups and payments.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1960s Texaco Service Station Cashier's Desk

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Texaco Service Station, circa 1960. A combination of several design disciplines (styling, package design, product design, and graphic design), Walter Dorwin Teague's Texaco station suggested consistency, simplicity, and cleanliness -- a strong corporate identity that enabled Texaco to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

Conoco Gasoline Filling Station, 1915

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Conoco Gasoline Filling Station, 1915. Samuel W. Raymond built this filling station in 1915. It serviced automobiles in Adrian, Michigan, providing gas, oil, and water. Raymond used a glass tank to show drivers the amount of gasoline they purchased and claimed to be the first visible-delivery gasoline station. Cars lined the street for service. In 1930, when the street was widened, the station was donated to The Henry Ford. (image left) Manual Crank Gasoline Pump, circa 1915 made by Gilbert and Barker Manufacturing Company; (image right) Standard Crown Visible Delivery Gasoline Pump, circa 1920. Before visible gasoline pumps, drivers relied on the accuracy of the pump and the honesty of station owners. Visible pumps, like this ca. 1920 example, used a graduated glass cylinder to show customers the quality and quantity of gas being purchase. Glass globes, like the Standard Oil red crown, usually topped the pumps and advertised a company's brand and name. —Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia

1960s Texaco Service Station Interior

Seen at the The Henry Ford Museum. Texaco Service Station, circa 1960. A combination of several design disciplines (styling, package design, product design, and graphic design), Walter Dorwin Teague's Texaco station suggested consistency, simplicity, and cleanliness -- a strong corporate identity that enabled Texaco to stand out in a highly competitive marketplace.—Summary from thehenryford.org The Henry Ford (also known as the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village, and as the Edison Institute) is a large indoor and outdoor history museum complex and a National Historic Landmark in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, Michigan. It is the largest indoor-outdoor museum complex in the United States and is visited by over 1.7 million people each year. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1981.—Wikipedia