Praising the Ford Automobile
Share
share

After the Model T was introduced, the word “Ford” became a household name, representing both the man and the machine. Henry Ford was presented with many gifts that interpreted his creations and symbolized the gratitude felt towards the automaker.
THF158067
Embroidered Pillow Cover, Gift to Henry Ford, 1934
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, proud examples of their needle working skills. The embroidered motifs often represented Ford products.
View ArtifactTHF158054
Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1936
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, proud examples of their needle working skills. The embroidered motifs often represented Ford products.
View ArtifactTHF158062
Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1920-1940
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, proud examples of their needle working skills. This pillow traveled to Ford's estate, Fair Lane, from Warsaw, Poland.
View ArtifactTHF158132
Pen and Ink Drawing, "Past [and] Present," Gift to Henry Ford, circa 1920
Over the years, Henry Ford received hundreds of gifts from people who felt a connection with the automotive entrepreneur. For many, he was "one of them," someone who also just happened to become a great industrialist. This drawing seems to credit the innovations of Henry Ford as the dividing line between the artist's conception of the past and the present.
View ArtifactTHF158086
Embroidered Banner, Gift to Henry Ford, circa 1930
Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. This banner was created by an unknown artist, who was perhaps also the satisfied owner of a Ford Model A.
View ArtifactTHF158120
Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1926
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this hooked rug. A popular gift, many of these found their way to the industrialist's estate, Fair Lane.
View ArtifactTHF158114
Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1930
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this hooked rug. A popular gift, many of these found their way to the industrialist's estate, Fair Lane.
View ArtifactTHF158128
Painting on Turtle Shell, Presented to Henry Ford, 1933
Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. According to the creator of this unique gift, he was inspired by the ". . . warm spot I have in my heart for Ford's product. I am a satisfied Ford user."
View ArtifactTHF158117
Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1933
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this hooked rug. A popular gift, many of these found their way to the industrialist's estate, Fair Lane.
View ArtifactTHF158074
Hooked Rug Made for Henry Ford, 1933
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this hooked rug. A popular gift, many of these found their way to the industrialist's estate, Fair Lane.
View ArtifactTHF158115
Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1935
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this unusual hooked rug. A popular gift, many of these found their way to the industrialist's estate, Fair Lane.
View ArtifactTHF158618
Copper Box Presented to Henry Ford, 1936
Henry Ford's corporate family was generous when it came to acknowledging their leader's enterprising and innovative strides forward. This copper box, with an elaborately worked Western scene on the lid, features a Ford automobile as the focal point. The donor established the first Ford dealership in Tucson, Arizona, beginning with the sale of Model Ts in 1914.
View ArtifactTHF158072
Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1937
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this unusual hooked rug. A popular gift, many of these found their way to the industrialist's estate, Fair Lane.
View ArtifactTHF158084
Framed Needlework, Gift to Henry Ford, 1915
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, proud examples of their needle working skills. This is one of the earliest artifacts found in this small collection of tributes.
View ArtifactTHF158608
Carved Wooden Whimsy, Gift to Henry Ford, 1936
Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. This intricate and elaborate carving is covered with images of objects and places significant in the life of Henry Ford, representing his past and present, his industrial world as well as his creation of Greenfield Village.
View ArtifactTHF158056
Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1925-1935
For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, proud examples of their needle working skills. The embroidered motifs often represented Ford products.
View ArtifactTHF158092
Vase Featuring the Quadricycle, Presented to Henry Ford, 1928
Over the years, Henry Ford received hundreds of gifts from people who felt a connection with the automotive entrepreneur. For many, he was "one of them," someone who also just happened to become a great industrialist. The fact that this is one of a pair of vases given by a Swedish missionary posted in China demonstrates his world-wide appeal.
View ArtifactTHF158089
Vase Featuring Ford Automobile, Presented to Henry Ford, 1928
Over the years, Henry Ford received hundreds of gifts from people who felt a connection with the automotive entrepreneur. For many, he was "one of them," someone who also just happened to become a great industrialist. The fact that this is one of a pair of vases given by a Swedish missionary posted in China demonstrates his world-wide appeal.
View Artifact

