Favorites from Our Archives

Aloha Wanderwell is a fascinating figure who I discovered working at the Benson Ford Research Center. She traveled all over the world, often driving a Ford, and this photo illustrates her adventurous nature. --Janice Unger, Processing Archivist

This brochure explains Ford Motor Company’s project to microfilm their engineering drawings in the 1950s “so bombs can’t destroy them!” Our Ford Motor Company Parts Drawings Collection includes over 1 million of these microfilmed drawings from 1903-1957. Additional information can be found here: https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-resources/popular-topics/ford-parts-drawings --Jim Orr, Image Services Specialist

Walt Disney visited Greenfield Village & may have been inspired for his future theme park plans, but he was also inspired to make a wartime film after visiting the Ford Motor Company factory. The film was never made, but we have this letter which describes the proposed plot. I find it fascinating to read how two household names, Ford and Disney, were inspiring each other & collaborating for the war effort. --Lauren Brady, Reference Archivist

For decades in the Indy 500, cars powered by Offenhauser engines dominated the field. Before the Lotus-Ford in 1965, the only serious competitor to the "Offy" was the Novi engine, a brutal but unlucky high-RPM supercharged V-8. In this 1963 photo, a mechanic performs a pre-race engine inspection on the Novi-powered #56 car, which ran in the top five for 250 miles before dropping out due to an oil leak. --Sam Rood, Research Support Specialist

My grad school program Historical Administration Dec Arts class introduced me to beauty of Frakturs and my job here has allowed my appreciation to grow as we have a wonderful collection. One of my favorites is this House Blessing. --Stephanie Lucas, Research Specialist Special Access

My favorite archival objects tend to have a human element or tell a story. I came across this series of photos of a service dog going through the process of becoming an employee--getting fingerprinted, getting a picture for its ID badge (and a security officer checking the ID later), and going about its day with its master--a few months ago and they're still some of my favorites that we have. --Julia Westblade, Digital Imaging Archivist, FHRC

One of my favorite collections within our archives are the Harper’s Weekly bound periodicals. They not only feature spellbinding vignettes but also have wonderful illustrations. They are a great glimpse into the everyday of another time. --Rachel Crouch, Research Support Specialist

This is a cool object to look at because it has funny and witty slogans for Burma-Shave advertising. The history around advertising the "brush-less" shaving cream is also fascinating, as it was advertised along roadsides in the early-to-mid 1900s. --Alex Garant, Assistant Librarian

While there is excellent work to be done in researching the collection, archives are not always serious places. There's something so delightful about a man standing in a giant field of dandelions attempting to suck them all up with a vacuum (that is plugged in, no less)! --Julia Westblade, Digital Imaging Archivist, FHRC

19th century trade cards are always interesting but this one about a fox buying a sewing machine to sew his tail back on is definitely one of my favorites. I love the fox’s little sewing spectacles. --Kathy Makas, Reference Archivist, FHRC

I love the details that Miller uses and the insightful look into his mind at the creation of Central Park just amazes me. Having been to Central Park, this sketchbook puts a whole new perspective on the park for me. --Stephanie Lucas, Research Specialist Special Access

I discovered this photograph in the Dan Rubin Automotive Photographs collection (Acc. 2010.37) when I first started at the Benson Ford Research Center. The colors of the sunset are so vivid, and I was drawn in to learn more about the Bonneville Salt Flats. --Janice Unger, Processing Archivist

Edmonia Lewis is one of my favorite sculptors and artists. In our collection we have her portrait from 1870. It’s interesting to get a glimpse into the artist behind the beautiful works. --Rachel Crouch, Research Support Specialist

NASA's Apollo lunar missions captivated audiences watching the live events on their home televisions. When video recording technology was not widely available, people captured the events with what was available--the family camera. --Jim Orr, Image Services Specialist

The fashion design drawings in the Firestone Family Papers help us tell a complete story about some of the vintage couture clothing in our collection. In addition to the drawings, we have correspondence between the designers and Mrs. Firestone where she notes her likes, dislikes, and suggestions. In some cases, like "Rococo," we also have the finished product (which Mrs. Firestone ultimately had made in blue). --Lauren Brady, Reference Archivist

This photo from the Dave Friedman Collection personifies joy and spontaneity to me. After winning the '67 24 Hours of Le Mans with A.J. Foyt, Gurney became the first person to spray champagne after a victory, and I think his happiness is evident. --Janice Unger, Processing Archivist

Samuel A. Bemis learned clock and watch making and repairing from his father. He moved from Vermont to Boston and was employed by several important watch retailing firms in Boston. During that time he repaired over 3500 watches. In 1823, he opened a dental practice and became very successful. He was one of the first amateur photographers in America, taking daguerreotype photographs in the early 1840s. --Andy Dervan, Processing Volunteer

Walter Pidgeon is one of my favorite actors, and who doesn’t love a good pun? He was visiting Willow Run as the speaker for the 4th War Loan rally when he signed this plane in 1944. --Kathy Makas, Reference Archivist, FHRC

I chose "The Raven" because I remember having to memorize it in 11th grade, and reading other Edgar Allen Poe poems and getting the chills, perfect for the Halloween season. Additionally, this rare book is one of the many books I have worked with that has outstanding beauty and presence. --Rachel Crouch, Research Support Specialist