One Hundred Years Ago

[K_Dubb]

Also from today's Star (image at the bottom).

Firland Sanitarium was Seattle's tuberculosis hospital.  Here it is in 1914:



It's where I went to high school:



Ethel Natalie later appeared on the Moore Theatre's program in 1919 billed as "mighty like a lark":



Those poor people!

[Rix Gins]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5FCMVoMFPw
.

Very moving video, gabrielle.  Interesting item about her dog, too.  Thanks for posting it.  Here is a photo of some nurses during the war.

[gabrielle]

K dubb that building looks amazing.  It looks like the walls would tell many a story.

[Rix Gins]

March 2, 1916.  Victory number nine for German pilot Max Immelmann.  Max was out patrolling thirty or so miles behind enemy lines when he spotted two planes.  At first he thought they were a British and a German plane but when he got closer he saw that it was two British planes.  A faster British plane was guarding a slower one.  When the faster plane saw four German planes behind Immelmann, he took off after them, leaving Max alone with the slower British plane.  He came down on the British two-seater and promptly shot it all up.  The observer on the two-seater was killed but surprisingly, the pilot, Lieutenant Charles Walker Palmer, made it down despite the fact that one of his feet was all shot to hell.  He was taken prisoner and everything would have been OK but he had to have his wounded foot amputated on the 29th and he died shortly thereafter. 

The observer's name was Lieutenant Herbert Frederick Birdwood.  A nephew of the General Sir George Birdwood.

The airman in the other, faster British plane was Sergeant T P H Bayetto who was flying a one-seater.  He made it back alright and he told everybody that he had shot down one of the German planes.


   Max Immelmann (Photo from Wikimedia)

http://www.aerosteles.net/steleen-somain-birdwood

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Birdwood&GSob=c&GRid=38680392&





   

[Rix Gins]

http://www.instantrimshot.com

OMG, Robert.  I almost missed this.  I'm still laughin'!

[Walks_At_Night]

In Part II of the Ford's we look at the "dark side" of Henry Ford.   [Part I is here: http://bellgab.com/index.php/topic,9331.msg730248.html#msg730248 ]

Part I discussed some of the high points of Henry Ford's life but due to length it skipped
some of the ugliness in his character.    Henry Ford was involved  in a couple of major law suits -
one involved the Dodge brothers and the other pitted him against the Chicago Tribune. 

The Chicago  Tribune lawsuit came about during the border issues with Mexico in 1916.  In March 1916, Pancho
Villa led a force of 1,500 men and raided Columbus, New Mexico - killing 19 people and leaving  the town in flames.
Woodrow Wilson activated the National Guard to deal with the issue.  As an avowed pacifist, Henry Ford
declared that any Guardsman that worked at Ford would not be paid while serving nor would their jobs be held open
for them.   The Chicago Tribune stated: "Henry Ford is an Anarchist," and called Ford "an indifferent millionaire,
an ignorant idealist, an anarchistic enemy of the nation that protects him in his wealth, a man of no common sense,
a punisher of the loyal military and, finally, a deluded human being."     

Ford sued for libel and $1,000,000 in damages. In a 14 week trial, the Tribune called dozens of cattle ranchers
from Texas to tell tales of rape and massacres while Ford's legal team would call 100 Mexican nationals as counter
witnesses.   When Ford was called to the stand, the Tribunes lawyers set out to prove his ignorance - Henry
Ford was asked some basic questions on US History which he could not answer correctly and made him look
silly.   Things like "Who was Benedict Arnold?" to which Ford's answer was "a writer".  However, 11 of the 12 jurors
were farmers and they did not care much for the "fancy pants" legal team for the Chicago Tribune.  In the end
they sided with Henry Ford but awarded him a grand total of six cents in damages!

Ford was also involved in a famous, ugly lawsuit with John and Horace Dodge.   The Dodge's were major shareholders
in the Ford Motor Company and they were using the dividends to fuel their own rival startup company.  By 1916,
Ford had a capital surplus of $60 million dollars. Instead of paying it out as dividends, Henry Ford wanted to
invest in his workers and plants.  Ford stated "My ambition is to employ still more men, to spread the benefits
of this industrial system to the greatest possible number, to help them build up their lives and their homes.
To do this we are putting the greatest share of our profits back in the business."    Which sounds reasonable
but Ford's motivation was to cut off the Dodge's dividends and starve their business.  In the end the case
ended up at the Michigan Supreme court which ruled in the favor of the Dodge Boys.   This affirmed the principle
of "shareholder primacy" where it was declared that as the Ford Motor Company was for profit it could not act
as a charity for the benefit of it's customers and employees.   In the end, Ford had to pay out almost $20
million in dividends and the  Dodge's were able to finance their own business. 

Henry Ford held Anti-Semitic views - he blamed Jews for World War One.  To spread his ideas, he bought his
hometown newspaper the Dearborn Independent and began publishing his manifesto which spanned over 90
editions of his paper.    Once the series of articles was over he bound them into four volumes called the
"International Jew" and distributed them through his auto dealerships.   Buy a  Model T - get a  four
volume set of propaganda free.........    Adolf Hitler was certainly aware of Henry Ford and gives him a
shout out in Mein Kampf.
"Every year they [the Jews] manage to become increasingly the controlling masters of the labor power of a
people of 120,000,000 souls; one great man, Ford, to their exasperation still holds out independently there even now"

When Hitler decided he wanted a German version of the Model T he turned to a guy named Ferdinand Porsche to build
a "Volkswagen" or people's car. Porsche had visited the Ford Plant in Detroit many times and of course he was
so successful that both the Porsche and Volkswagen names live on to this very day.   Hitler would award
Henry Ford the Grand Cross of the German Eagle medal in 1938 in honor of Ford's 75th birthday.  This is one of the
highest awards that the Third Reich could give to a foreigner.  Tom Watson of IBM would also be awarded this medal
but unlike Ford, Watson gave his back. 

Henry Ford Receiving the  Grand Cross of the German Eagle


In 1916, Henry Ford met a guy by the name of Harry Bennett.  Bennett was a real piece of work - he knew nothing
about cars, manufacturing or anything remotely involving the auto business.  He was a former boxer, thug and
roustabout.   You will always see him in pictures wearing a bow-tie as a full necktie is dangerous in a scrap.   
To me, Harry Bennett is the the auto industries version of Grima the Wormtongue from Lord of the Rings.  It would
not take long and he would be closer to Henry Ford than his son Edsel was.   Initially hired by Ford to provide
security for his family eventually Bennett would end up running the infamous Ford Service Department of 8,000
wrestlers, boxers, hoods, gangsters and ne'er do wells. All Ford had to do was ask, "Can you take care of that, Harry?"
and it was done.  More than one body would be found floating in the Detroit River as a result of Bennett getting
things done.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) was formed in 1935 and initially attracted a hodge podge of communists, socialists and
activists.   One of it's most prominent leaders was Walter Reuther - a former machinist at Ford and active member
of the Socialist Party.   The UAW's first target was GM whom they targeted with a sit down strike in Flint.  Next was
it was Chrysler's turn which endured a different sit down strike - both of these occurred in early 1937.  The Ford
Motor Company was the next target in May 1937.   The UAW attempted to hand out leaflet's demanding an $8, six
hour workday in lieu of the $6  eight hour workday that Ford was currently offering in the height of the
Great Depression.   In what became known as "The Battle of the Overpass"  Bennett's Service Department would
rout Reuther and the other UAW activists.     It would not be until 1941 that the UAW would gain power at the
Ford Motor Company - Bennett was able to hold off the inevitable for four years.

Bennett did well for himself - he would own a huge lodge in northern Michigan and would build and live in his
very own castle.   He also kept Lions which at time he would take with him into his office.  I can't imagine
being a Ford employee and being told to report to Mr. Bennett's office and seeing him with a Lion. 

Henry Ford's only son Edsel died in 1943.  A somewhat senile Henry Ford decided to turn the company over to
Harry Bennett. Henry Ford's wife Clara and Edsel's widow were besides themselves.   They threw such a fit that
old Henry finally relented and turned the company over to his eldest grandson - Henry Ford II aka "Hank the Deuce".
II's first order of business was to fire Harry Bennett - ending his reign and thereby ensuring that the Ford
family would remain in control of the Ford Motor Company.


Harry Bennett


Bennett's Castle:


Fallout from Battle of the Overpass



In part 3 we'll take a closer look at Edsel Ford whom is greatly overshadowed by both his iconic Father and eldest son.

[K_Dubb]

In Part II of the Ford's we look at the "dark side" of Henry Ford.

Wow, thanks!  I knew nothing of this dark side.

[Rix Gins]

I echo K__Dubb.  Great stuff there, Walks.  That Hitler and Mr. Bennett info...what a story.
Thanks!

[Walks_At_Night]

Thanks gents....     Glad this auto stuff isn't boring the thread to tears.   The old cars are interesting but so are some of the personalities!

[gabrielle]

Thanks gents....     Glad this auto stuff isn't boring the thread to tears.   The old cars are interesting but so are some of the personalities!

some of the ladies are just as fascinated.  Great stuff!!!

[albrecht]

"History is bunk" - Henry Ford
I take his stuff like many genius and figures in past. Often have bad beliefs or even crazy. Doesnt diminish what they did or place in history. Though certainly nobody or event Is above historical review, well some is  )but my only issue with some, not all, popular histories, shows, even books is that they leave out the good stuff or frame of reference and focus on whatever is the popular boogeyman of the time now: racism, rape, capitalism, white people, "Zionists" , sexism, etc etc. Tear it all down, rename everything, teach kids about only the worst of their country or people. Sorry for rant. Nuance seems to be lacking in schools and, also, I think there is an argument, contrary to my previous statement in a way, that some "myths" and history are a good thing. Then later expand them. Pure cynicism for the get-go undermines society,  maybe?

[Robert Ghostwolf's Ghost]

Didn't mean to be a downer. LOL

You're not, gabrielle.  It's painful to read, but it's good to remind people what a horrific, unnecessary mess that war was. Thanks for your thoughtful contributions!

[Robert Ghostwolf's Ghost]

My thanks as well for the Ford history and the work you put into it, Walks!  I knew quite a bit about his dark side, but the Harry Bennett info was new to me.  Looking forward to the rest!

[Robert Ghostwolf's Ghost]

Wow, talcum-powder girl is awfully risqué for 1916!  I am constantly adjusting my image of those people.  And I wonder how many men were shaking with fear over the Elks' dance.  I liked the earlier notice that women would do the "propositioning."

I must admit that Everett True is winning me over.  I am in sympathy with him more often than not.

I think the progressive attitudes that resulted in the "Roaring Twenties," were taking shape then.  The twenties were actually very similar to the sixties but with better grooming and more elegant fashions.  Popular music changed dramatically with wild jazz bands replacing the staid recitals of Tonopah's esteemed Professor Kanouse and his kind, hip young people adopted sexually permissive attitudes, and with the exception of LSD, which hadn't been invented, they also experimented with the same recreational drugs. I recently read some Agatha Christie books from the twenties, and they all had at least one cultured, upper class coke head or heroin addict.  I grew up in the sixties and noticed that my grandparents and their generation were more sympathetic to hippies and war protesters than my parents and their friends.  I think that's because the older people saw a lot of themselves in that generation.


I agree with you about Everett.  It's predictable, but it definitely provides some vicarious satisfaction.   

[K_Dubb]

I think the progressive attitudes that resulted in the "Roaring Twenties," were taking shape then.  The twenties were actually very similar to the sixties but with better grooming and more elegant fashions.  Popular music changed dramatically with wild jazz bands replacing the staid recitals of Tonopah's esteemed Professor Kanouse and his kind, hip young people adopted sexually permissive attitudes, and with the exception of LSD, which hadn't been invented, they also experimented with the same recreational drugs. I recently read some Agatha Christie books from the twenties, and they all had at least one cultured, upper class coke head or heroin addict.  I grew up in the sixties and noticed that my grandparents and their generation were more sympathetic to hippies and war protesters than my parents and their friends.  I think that's because the older people saw a lot of themselves in that generation.


I agree with you about Everett.  It's predictable, but it definitely provides some vicarious satisfaction.   

Very interesting observation, RGG!  I'd never thought of the Jazz Age in those terms, but it surely makes sense as a cultural movement rather than just a sequence of popular fads.

[K_Dubb]

"History is bunk" - Henry Ford
I take his stuff like many genius and figures in past. Often have bad beliefs or even crazy. Doesnt diminish what they did or place in history. Though certainly nobody or event Is above historical review, well some is  )but my only issue with some, not all, popular histories, shows, even books is that they leave out the good stuff or frame of reference and focus on whatever is the popular boogeyman of the time now: racism, rape, capitalism, white people, "Zionists" , sexism, etc etc. Tear it all down, rename everything, teach kids about only the worst of their country or people. Sorry for rant. Nuance seems to be lacking in schools and, also, I think there is an argument, contrary to my previous statement in a way, that some "myths" and history are a good thing. Then later expand them. Pure cynicism for the get-go undermines society,  maybe?

"The successful man builds a hothouse for his soul, and strange are the exotic weeds that luxuriate where the harsh winds of penury no longer scour" -- badly misquoted, and I've forgotten where I read it.

[pate]

News from Tonopah, Nevada, from the Daily Bonanza, March 1st, 1916.

I'd like to add a modern musical accompaniment to the "La Grippe" article from that post, Rix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icyHc-k1Pr4

[Rix Gins]

I remember that song.  Thanks pate.

[Rix Gins]

Everett True, March 3, 1916.

[Rix Gins]

From the March 3, 1916 Chicago Day Book. (I'm honestly thinking there was something in the water or the air on that day.)

[K_Dubb]

From the March 3, 1916 Chicago Day Book. (I'm honestly thinking there was something in the water or the air on that day.)

I don't know; looks like a normal day in Chicago to me.  I like the chicken story.  Suppose we should be grateful it was wrong.

Apropos of Albrecht's post yesterday, this appeared in today's Seattle Star:



Really wonder what kind of case required this kind of testimony.  Was there a thing for trials of fact back then, like the Scopes trial?

[Rix Gins]

The March 3, 1916 Daily Bonanza.


           USS San Diego.  Photo from Wikimedia.

[gabrielle]

Rix Gins these clippings are hilarious!!!!

[Rix Gins]

Rix Gins these clippings are hilarious!!!!

So glad you like them Gabrielle.  My gift to all you great Bellgabbers.  And that includes Art too, of course.

[albrecht]

From the March 3, 1916 Chicago Day Book. (I'm honestly thinking there was something in the water or the air on that day.)

Wow, suing your husband's mother for alienation of affection! That is classic. Too much of a mama's boy for the wife's liking. Btw, Illinois did away with that tort but the claim can still be made in some States.
ps: Chicago seems like a crazy place, I think there might be something in the water.

[Rix Gins]

I don't know; looks like a normal day in Chicago to me.  I like the chicken story.  Suppose we should be grateful it was wrong.

Apropos of Albrecht's post yesterday, this appeared in today's Seattle Star:



Really wonder what kind of case required this kind of testimony.  Was there a thing for trials of fact back then, like the Scopes trial?

Nice clipping, K.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't old Georgie grow marijuana out on his farm?  Seems like the dude should have brought that up in his litigation, along with the profane cursing, the drinking, being cruel to his slaves and last but not least, being a gay dog.  True, George probably did some of those things, and he had slaves, but hopefully he treated them decently. 

[K_Dubb]

Nice clipping, K.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't old Georgie grow marijuana out on his farm?  Seems like the dude should have brought that up in his litigation, along with the profane cursing, the drinking, being cruel to his slaves and last but not least, being a gay dog.  True, George probably did some of those things, and he had slaves, but hopefully he treated them decently.

Yes he did, but if he ever tried smoking the variety grown for fiber he wouldn't have gotten very high.  i don't think they smoked the good stuff around here until the late 19th century.  I'd love to see proof of earlier use in the West.

[K_Dubb]

Another autograph dated today from Tiny Burnett's collection, this time of Jewish comedian Harry Green.



I couldn't find too much about Mr. Green except that he popularized Jewish humor in his travels, which took him to Britain and Australia, and later appeared in movies.  Here is a photo taken in 1933 of a yachting party (he and his wife are on the left)



and of a 1929 DuPont that once belonged to him:

[Robert Ghostwolf's Ghost]

Yes he did, but if he ever tried smoking the variety grown for fiber he wouldn't have gotten very high.  i don't think they smoked the good stuff around here until the late 19th century.  I'd love to see proof of earlier use in the West.

Maybe Washington's weed wasn't any good for smoking, but I remember hearing that at one time his distillery operation at Mount Vernon was the biggest producer of whiskey in the colonies.

[K_Dubb]

Maybe Washington's weed wasn't any good for smoking, but I remember hearing that at one time his distillery operation at Mount Vernon was the biggest producer of whiskey in the colonies.

This contribution to the merriment of his fellow man should be enumerated among his many other virtues!

I found a few suggestions that people of that time may have extracted hemp resin for medicinal purposes, but mostly it sounds like a lot of wishful thinking.