Ford Family Papers
by Gary Lehmann©
Part One
When I was young and empty
I was a farmer like my father.
I plowed and hoed, planted and harvested.
I looked out over my fields and I saw
an old man plowing, hoeing, planting and harvesting.
So I moved myself and my family to Detroit.
I became a salesman of Mr. McCormick's tractors.
I talked and wrote letters, visited farms and gave demonstrations.
I looked out over the sea of green tractors in the yard, and I saw
an old man talking, writing, visiting farms and giving
demonstrations.
So I started the Henry Ford Company.
I raced the engines I built on gravel tracks.
I took them out on Lake St. Clair with studded tires.
I broke the world's land speed record,
and I saw no old man at all.
So I started making Model T's in my factory.
I made a production line out of a slaughter house chain.
I designed the cheapest automobile made in America.
Then, I made it even cheaper.
Now I look out over a sea of new cars and I see
Henry Ford, the fine figure of a man.
Part Two
December 16, 1901
Dear Santa Claus,
My father says it is foolish to write to you as all his money is in the factory, but I haven't had a real Christmas in four years. I am tired of nuts and fruits under the tree again this year. I want a pair of roller skates and a book -- and I can't think of any thing more.
I want you to think of something more.
Goodbye,
Edsel Ford
