AUTHOR TALK The Hardest, Longest Race: Henry Ford and the Cross-Country Contest That Changed America
Advertisement
In 1909, America was home to 253 automakers, a landscape of visionaries, schemers, and would-be barons of the new century. But when playboy millionaire M. Robert Guggenheim announced an audacious coast-to-coast auto race from New York City to the Seattle World’s Fair, only three of those companies were brassy enough to show up at the starting line: Acme, Ford, and Shawmut.
Oddsmakers favored the Acme and Itala, a pricey import also joining the race, while dismissing the pint-sized Ford—a homely little number called the Model T—and the long-shot Shawmut, from a Boston company struggling to survive after a factory fire. In fact, many didn’t believe any of the cars would reach Seattle at all. But Henry Ford was intent on proving that the Model T could go the distance and beat out the muscular luxury cars—and he didn’t plan to leave it to chance. Indeed, a little over three weeks after the race began, a Ford crossed the line hours ahead of the Shawmut.
Except that victory was a fraud.
The registration page for the event is located in the Library’s events calendar at dearbornlibrary.org. A Zoom link will be sent to those who register for one.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase from local bookstores or through the St. Martins Press Website.
More information can be found at dearbornlibrary.org or by calling (313)943-2330. Follow the Dearborn Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to learn about other upcoming events and announcements.
This event will take place in the Auditorium and virtually through Zoom.
For more information, visit dearbornlibrary.org/calendar
Oddsmakers favored the Acme and Itala, a pricey import also joining the race, while dismissing the pint-sized Ford—a homely little number called the Model T—and the long-shot Shawmut, from a Boston company struggling to survive after a factory fire. In fact, many didn’t believe any of the cars would reach Seattle at all. But Henry Ford was intent on proving that the Model T could go the distance and beat out the muscular luxury cars—and he didn’t plan to leave it to chance. Indeed, a little over three weeks after the race began, a Ford crossed the line hours ahead of the Shawmut.
Except that victory was a fraud.
The registration page for the event is located in the Library’s events calendar at dearbornlibrary.org. A Zoom link will be sent to those who register for one.
Copies of the book will be available for purchase from local bookstores or through the St. Martins Press Website.
More information can be found at dearbornlibrary.org or by calling (313)943-2330. Follow the Dearborn Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to learn about other upcoming events and announcements.
This event will take place in the Auditorium and virtually through Zoom.
For more information, visit dearbornlibrary.org/calendar
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Dearborn Public Library (Henry Ford Centennial), 16301 Michigan Ave.,Dearborn, Michigan, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
Host or PublisherDearborn Public Library
