Unique Gifts to an Industrial Leader

Henry Ford was not only honored by ordinary citizens, he was also recognized by his peers, evidenced by this plaque presented by Harry Ferguson, who references in the inscription what has become known as the famous Handshake Agreement. This alliance marked the beginning of a partnership between the two manufacturers, resulting in the production of Ford-Ferguson tractors commencing in 1939.

Henry Ford's corporate family was generous when it came to acknowledging their leader's enterprising and innovative strides forward. Within this elaborately rendered silver casket is a scroll signed by representatives of Fordindia marking the occasion of Henry Ford's 75th birthday. The inscription reveals the esteem and high regard which was felt by Ford employees towards their employer.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. Ford Bryant, in his book Henry's Attic, stated that many of these Ford-in-a-Bottles were sent to his estate, Fair Lane, over the years. One of the more poignant examples noted the address of the sender as "Poorhouse, Parkersburg, West Virginia."

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. Ford Bryant, in his book Henry's Attic, stated that many of these Ford-in-a-Bottles were sent to his estate, Fair Lane, over the years. One of the more poignant examples noted the address of the sender as "Poorhouse, Parkersburg, West Virginia."

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. This walking cane was carved from wood removed from a tree on the grounds of the home of Samuel Clemens. Most of the surface of the cane is covered with inscriptions that, in part, honor Henry Ford.

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.

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.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. This plaque created by a hardware store owner from Cleveland, Ohio, eloquently sounds a call for peace during the World War I era with the inscription on his plow created from a gun, "Change the Weapon for the Plow."

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. The translated inscription of this piece -- "to the great American industrialist in recognition and proof of manufacturing wherein works do not strike" -- reflects the opinion of the Polish artist regarding the industrial instability in Poland of that time.

Henry Ford's corporate family was generous when it came to acknowledging their leader's enterprising and innovative strides forward. This portrait plate was commissioned by an Italian Ford dealer; all he asked for in exchange for this amazing piece of ceramic art was that an autographed photograph of Henry Ford be sent to the artist.

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."

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.

Henry Ford's corporate family was generous when it came to acknowledging their leader's enterprising and innovative strides forward. Timken-Detroit Axle Company, like many other automotive suppliers, benefitted from the ascent of Ford Motor Company and saw their own growth and profits soar as a result. This small gift, given to the leader of the company, acknowledged this phenomenon.

Henry Ford was not only recognized as an automotive industrialist; during his many years in the public eye he was recognized by many civic and corporate associations. The Berry Schools, an industrial school for boys and girls, was founded by Martha Berry in 1902. Both of the Fords were enthusiastic supporters of her school, both intellectually and financially.

Acknowledging his innovative spirit, Henry Ford received hundreds of handmade gifts, from individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts. This Thanksgiving hymn, with lyrics created by a Ford employee, was meant to be sung to the tune of "Onward Christian Soldiers." Although not an outwardly religious person, Henry Ford nonetheless had strong opinions on spirituality.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. This elaborate beaded painting was created by an employee of the Ford Highland Park factory. It was perhaps influenced by Henry Ford's Peace Ship Expedition; an initiative he began in 1915 in the hopes of avoiding world conflict.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. Not much is known about the creator of this amazing birthday gift to Henry Ford, but the donor's sentiments are clearly recorded in the poem found within the shadow box.

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 composition was inspired at a time when Henry Ford was attempting to regenerate interest in the pastime of early American dance.

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 vase from the Educational Institute at Sofia, Bulgaria, with the Fordson tractor as the focal point, suggests the significance of industrialized agriculture to eastern Europeans.

Henry Ford's corporate family was generous when it came to acknowledging their leader's enterprising and innovative strides forward. This tray was presented to Henry Ford by Michigan's Upper Peninsula Ford dealers. Ford first visited this beautiful country in the 1920s with a mind to incorporate its natural resources but returned many times to be recharged by the region's wild beauty.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. Like many of the gifts to Henry Ford that found their way to Fair Lane, little is known about the Italian artist who created this. But the exquisite workmanship of this artifact speaks for itself.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. These artists also came from all walks of life. This framed puzzle was given to Ford by the warden of Michigan State Prison, (later renamed the State Prison of Southern Michigan) but was undoubtedly made by an inmate.

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. The effect of this magnificent frame may actually surpass the image of the individual it was meant to honor. Composed of intricately interlocking wooden pieces, the frame stands over four feet tall!

Henry Ford befriended John Burroughs, an internationally known naturalist and writer, in the early 1910s. The two bonded over their love of birds and nature. This memento presented to Ford came from the shelving used in Burroughs' study at Riverby, his home along the Hudson River. The autograph and drawing were done in 1904, well before Ford and Burroughs met.

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.

Henry Ford was not only recognized as an automotive industrialist; during his years in the public eye he was recognized by many civic and corporate associations. This plaque, declaring Henry Ford to be "Detroit's Greatest Citizen," was evidently one gift that was personally significant. Accession file notes state that this resided in, and was later recovered, from Mr. Ford's office.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his many years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. In 1940, Henry Ford leased land at the Ford Motor Company's Rouge plant to the U.S. Navy to establish a Navy Service School to train servicemen; this trophy was presented to Mr. Ford in gratitude for his patriotic contributions.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his many years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. This medal was awarded to Henry Ford by Illinois Manufacturers Association at their annual meeting in 1930, recognizing his contributions to industrial progress.

Throughout his many years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. This medal was awarded to Henry Ford for the first Ford automobile entirely fabricated in France. Although Ford Motor Company had been a manufacturing presence in France since around 1910, it was not until 1934-1935 that Ford automobiles had all French components.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his many years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. The American Petroleum Institute awarded this Distinguished Service Medal to Henry Ford in 1935. API was established in 1919 to act as an entity that could represent the entire oil and gas industry.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his many years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations, like King Haakon VII's Freedom Medal. Instituted in 1945, it can be awarded to Norwegian and foreign military personnel or civilians who have rendered services to Norway during wartime in an honorable manner.

Henry Ford was known as more than an automotive industrialist; he was also acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. The Elliott Cresson Gold Medal is awarded for discovery and research which adds to the sum of human knowledge and benefits. The recipient is recognized for employing elements of leadership, or unusual skill or perfection in their workmanship.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. The James Watt International Medal is an international award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The Medal is awarded to eminent engineers who have attained world-wide recognition in mechanical engineering in any leadership capacity; research and development, invention, production.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; he was also acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. The Holland Society's Distinguished Achievement Medal is awarded by the trustees to recognize achievement by those who are not members of the Society, but who have made an outstanding contribution in some field of human endeavor.

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his many years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. This award, presented by an unknown organization, attests to Henry Ford's commitment to educational endeavors.

Henry Ford was not only recognized as an automotive industrialist; during his many years in the public eye he was recognized by many civic and corporate associations. The Henry Ford Trade School, founded in 1916, in the words inscribed on the medal, "provided training and privileges [for] thousands of boys who, otherwise, would have been denied such educational facilities."

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. This finely executed likeness of the automotive industrialist is an example of needlework sometimes referred to as thread painting.

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.

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. Often their expressions of thanks were homemade and in this case also politically inspired. Although Henry Ford never admitted to any presidential aspirations, many Americans wanted to see him in the White House.

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.

For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate enough to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this embroidered throw pillow. One of a pair, it was sent to Henry Ford as a Christmas gift.

For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate enough to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this embroidered throw pillow. One of a pair, it was sent to Henry Ford as a Christmas gift.

For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate enough to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this embroidered pillow cover. Perhaps the motif acknowledged Henry Ford's efforts to encourage peace and pacifism for the United States.

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. Perhaps the creator of this portrait was a satisfied Ford owner who used his own expertise to create this special memento.

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.

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 motto reveals the donor's affection for Ford products.

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.

For many women in the early 20th century, Henry Ford's affordable automobile represented freedom and financial security, especially if they were fortunate enough to be part of the Ford Motor Company family. Their expressions of thanks were often homemade, like this embroidered throw pillow sent to Henry Ford as a Christmas gift.

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 motto reveals the donor's affection for Ford products.

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.