Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16, for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour and Giant Screen Experience will be closed Monday, March 16, for a day of staff learning and development. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

Willis Franklyn Ward Papers

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Willis Franklyn Ward served as a supervisor of racial integration at Ford Motor Company in the 1930s and later became an assistant United States attorney and Wayne County judge. His papers include correspondence concerning discrimination at Ford Motor Company and requests for release from the military during World War II.

Download Finding aid for the Willis Franklyn Ward Papers, 1941-1955

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Archival Collection Overview

Historical Note

After graduating from the University of Michigan, where he was an All-American football player and track star, Willis Franklyn Ward joined the Ford Motor Company in 1935 as supervisor of racial integration. Ward went on to become an assistant United States attorney, was appointed to the Michigan Public Service Commission, and was appointed a Wayne County, Michigan Probate Court judge.

Scope and Content Note

The Willis Franklyn Ward papers contain two letters regarding Ford Motor Company's request to release Ward from military service during World War II and three letters regarding African-American employment at Ford Motor Company.

Collection Details

Object ID

64.167.527.0

Creators

Inclusive Dates

1941-1955

Size

0.1 cubic ft. (1 folder)

Language

English

Item Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.
Keywords