Edsel Ford, A Man Worth Remembering
Ford is one of the biggest names in car manufacturing, but how did they get off the ground? Meet Edsel Ford, one of the key men behind Ford’s success.
Written by Hannah DeWitt
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The name "
Ford
" is synonymous with cars, and for good reason. Henry Ford made automobiles accessible and affordable for millions when he founded his eponymous company in 1903. Throughout the years, several of Henry's descendants have played a role in company operations, including his son, Edsel.Read on to learn about Edsel Ford’s influence on the car world, and what influence
Jerry
could have on your car insurance premiums.Edsel Ford was Henry's only child
It's fitting that Edsel Ford was born in Michigan, as Detroit is regarded as the birthplace of the American automotive industry. Born in 1893, he was the only child of Henry and Clara Ford. Like his father, Edsel shared a lifelong passion for cars. The year that Henry founded the Ford Motor company, a 10-year-old Edsel was already creating automotive design sketches.
During the day, young Edsel attended Detroit University School. He would then spend his afternoons and evenings at the Ford plant, where he would help out with various tasks. After graduation, Edsel joined his father in the family business and quickly climbed the ranks. In 1917, he became vice president of the Ford Motor Company.
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Edsel Ford took over when his father stepped down
While Edsel's legacy is often overshadowed by his father's, he played important roles in both the company and the city of Detroit. By 1918, tensions were high at Ford Motor Company. Henry stepped down when he didn't see eye-to-eye with other stockholders about global expansion. The next year, Edsel Ford was elected company president.
World War I had ended, and more and more Americans were eager to hit the road. Edsel knew that the time was right for expansion. According to
Ford Motor Company
, "Henry Ford had made the most popular car in the world, but Edsel wanted to make the best car in the world."Under Edsel's watch, Ford acquired the Lincoln Motor Company, upgraded its Model T, and created the company's Mercury division.
Edsel had an especially keen interest in design features. He is credited with the company's use of safety glass, hydraulic brakes, and six-cylinder engines. If Edsel were alive today, there is no doubt that he would approve of the company's plan to
invest in electric vehicles
.MORE: These Rare Ford Cars Are Automotive Gems
Edsel Ford balanced his career with family life
Edsel Ford married his wife, Eleanor, in 1916, just as his role in the family business started to grow. Together, they had four children: Henry II, Benson, Josephine, and William.
Outside of work and family life, Edsel was a strong supporter of the arts. He was a member of the Detroit Institute of Arts board of trustees. During his lifetime, he and Eleanor donated many pieces of art to the museum.
The couple were also committed to giving back to their hometown of Detroit. They were quiet philanthropists, often making anonymous donations to organizations and causes like the Henry Ford Hospital, soup kitchens, and local schools.
One of the homes Edsel shared with his family is now a museum. The
Ford House
is situated just north of Detroit, in Grosse Pointe Shores. In keeping with Eleanor's wish that the house be used to benefit members of the community, the Ford House is open to the public for both guided and self tours. Exhibits lend insight into both the Fords’ family life and the Ford Motor Company. Sadly, Edsel's life was cut short. He died before both of his parents, succumbing to stomach cancer when he was just 49. The day of Edsel's burial at Detroit's Woodlawn Cemetery, Henry ordered that all company operations shut down.
MORE: Early American Cars—A Look Back in Time This Independence Day
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