Unique Gifts to an Industrial Leader

Plaque, Presented to Henry Ford by Harry Ferguson, May 1940

Plaque (Flat object)

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.

Presentation Box with Scroll Given to Henry Ford by FordIndia Auto Dealers, July 30, 1938

Casket (Personal gear)

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.

Diorama Featuring Henry Ford and Ford Automobile, 1935

Diorama

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."

Diorama Featuring Henry Ford and Ford Automobile, circa 1935

Diorama

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."

Hand Carved Walking Stick Presented to Henry Ford, 1928

Cane (Walking stick)

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.

Pen and Ink Drawing, "Past [and] Present," Gift to Henry Ford, circa 1920

Drawing (Visual work)

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.

Embroidered Banner, Gift to Henry Ford, circa 1930

Banner

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.

Miniature Plow Created from Rifle, Presented to Henry Ford, 1917

Presentation piece

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."

Carved Portrait of Henry Ford, 1926

Portrait

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.

Portrait Plate, Presented to Henry Ford, 1930

Commemorative plate

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.

Painting on Turtle Shell, Presented to Henry Ford, 1933

Painting (Visual work)

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."

Copper Box Presented to Henry Ford, 1936

Box (Container)

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.

Timken-Detroit Axle Company Ink Blotter, Christmas Gift to Henry Ford, 1920-1940

Blotter (Writing equipment)

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.

Letter Opener and Log Cabin Box, Gift from the Berry Schools to Henry Ford, 1922-1942

Letter opener

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.

Song, "Henry Ford - A Faithful Shepherd," 1944-1949

Song (Document genre)

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.

Beadwork Painting, Gift to Henry Ford, 1930-1935

Painting (Visual work)

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.

Shadow Box, Birthday Gift to Henry Ford, 1930

Shadow box

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.

Music Sheet, "Ford's Grand March and Two-Step," 1925

Sheet music

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.

Vase with Fordson Tractor, Presented to Henry Ford, circa 1925

Vase

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.

Copper Tray Presented to Henry Ford by Michigan's Upper Peninsula Ford Dealers, 1915-1945

Tray

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.

Cameo Portrait of Henry Ford in Presentation Case, 1920-1940

Cameo

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.

Jigsaw Puzzle, Made by a Prisoner at the Michigan State Prison, Gift to Henry Ford, 1936-1945

Jigsaw puzzle

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.

Portrait of Henry Ford in Sculptural Folk Art Frame, 1920-1940

Portrait

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!

Autographed Block of Wood from John Burroughs' Study at Riverby, Gift to Henry Ford, 1904

Plaque (Flat object)

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.

Carved Wooden Whimsy, Gift to Henry Ford, 1936

Carving (Visual work)

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.

Facsimile of Detroit Free Press Printing Plate Honoring Henry Ford, July 30, 1938

Plaque (Flat object)

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.

Trophy Presented to Henry Ford by the Navy Service School on the Occasion of his Birthday, 1941

Trophy (Object)

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.

Medal Awarded to Henry Ford by Illinois Manufacturers Association, 1930

Commemorative medal

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.

Medal Awarded to Henry Ford, In Recognition for First Ford Car Fully Manufactured in France, 1935

Commemorative medal

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.

Distinguished Achievement Medal Awarded to Henry Ford by the American Petroleum Institute, 1946

Commemorative medal

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.

King Haakon VII's Freedom Medal, Awarded to Henry Ford, 1945

Commemorative medal

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.

Elliott Cresson Gold Medal Presented to Henry Ford by the Franklin Insitute, 1928

Commemorative medal

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.

James Watt International Medal Presented to Henry Ford by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, 1938

Commemorative medal

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.

Distinguished Achievement Medal Presented to Henry Ford by the Holland Society, 1940

Commemorative medal

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.

Medal Presented to Henry Ford, 1923

Commemorative medal

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.

Medal Presented to Henry Ford by the Students of the Henry Ford Trade School, 1941

Commemorative medal

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."

Needlework Portrait of Henry Ford, 1920-1940

Portrait

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.

Chenille Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1936

Rug

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.

Handmade "Henry Ford For President" Political Banner, 1920-1924

Banner

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.

Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1925-1935

Throw pillow

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.

Heart Shaped Pillow, "The Ford is the Heart of the Automobile World," Christmas Gift to Henry Ford, 1930

Throw Pillow

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.

Heart Shaped Pillow, "The Ford is the Heart of the Automobile Industry," Christmas Gift to Henry Ford, 1930

Throw pillow

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.

Embroidered Pillow Cover, Gift to Henry Ford, 1915-1930

Pillow cover

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.

Tapestry Portrait, Gift to Henry Ford, 1920-1940

Tapestry

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.

Embroidered Pillow Cover, Gift to Henry Ford, 1934

Pillow cover

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.

Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1934

Throw pillow

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.

Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1936

Throw pillow

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.

Embroidered Pillow, Christmas Gift to Henry Ford, 1926

Throw pillow

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.

Embroidered Wall Hanging, Valentine's Day Gift to Henry Ford, 1932

Wall Hanging

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.

Embroidered Pillow, Gift to Henry Ford, 1920-1940

Throw pillow

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.

Needlework Portrait of Henry Ford, 1930-1940

Needlework picture

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. The creator of this finely detailed portrait was a very skilled needle worker from the Philippine Islands.

Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1927

Hooked rug

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.

Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1926

Hooked rug

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.

Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1930

Hooked rug

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.

Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1933

Hooked rug

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.

Hooked Rug Made for Henry Ford, 1933

Hooked rug

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.

Portrait Rug of Henry Ford, 1935

Hooked rug

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. According to the donor, the inspiration for this portrait rug came after reading a biography of Henry Ford.

Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1935

Hooked rug

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.

Hooked Rug, Gift to Henry Ford, 1937

Hooked rug

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.

Sampler Made for Henry Ford, 1943

Sampler (Embroidery)

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 cautionary verse in this sampler is also the work of the donor.

Framed Needlework, Gift to Henry Ford, 1915

Needlework (Visual work)

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.

Double Wedding Ring Quilt by Hazel Crummey, Gift to Henry Ford, 1937

Quilt

Appliqued Wall Hanging, Birthday Gift to Henry Ford, 1939

Wall hanging

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. The inspiration for this wall hanging was inspired by Ford's well documented belief in reincarnation, an interest shared by the creator of this birthday gift. She noted in accompanying correspondence that she celebrated a 76th birthday in 1939 as well.

Vase Featuring Ford Automobile, Presented to Henry Ford, 1928

Presentation vase

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.

Vase Featuring the Quadricycle, Presented to Henry Ford, 1928

Presentation vase

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.

Hand Carved Shelf Clock, Gift to Henry Ford, 1928

Shelf clock

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. Sometimes there was an ulterior motive; correspondence accompanying this object reveals the donor's hope that Mr. Ford would be so impressed with his work, the woodworker might be offered a position in one of Ford's North American factories.

Tray Made from Printing Plate, Gift to Henry Ford, 1914

Tray

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 Mr. Ford would have been especially pleased with this creation; a tray made from a repurposed copper printing plate.

Diorama Featuring Henry Ford and Ford Automobile, 1935

Diorama

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."

Diorama Featuring Seven Stages of the Cross, Gift to Henry Ford, 1940

Diorama

Acknowledging Henry Ford's innovative spirit, individuals employing their own original and imaginative efforts bestowed hundreds of handmade gifts upon him. An employee of the Ford Engineering Laboratory put his fabrication and organization skills to a different use in this unique diorama.

Set of Medals Awarded to Henry Ford, 1928

Commemorative medal

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his many years in the public eye he was endorsed by many civic and corporate associations. This set of medals from an unknown organization acknowledges his use of science to further the manufacturing advances to all types of industry.

Medal Awarded to Henry Ford, 1926

Commemorative medal

Henry Ford was recognized as more than an automotive industrialist; throughout his years in the public eye he was acknowledged by many civic and corporate associations. This medal, from a group of Austrian business leaders, was presented to Henry Ford recognizing that the advances made by him in automobile production could be utilized by the entire manufacturing world.

Distinguished Service Medal Awarded to Henry Ford by the American Legion, 1935

Commemorative medal

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 Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to Henry Ford by the Chicago branch of the American Legion in 1935.

Plaque, Presented Posthumously to Henry Ford by the Washington Educational Touring Club, 1956

Plaque (Flat object)

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. This African-American organization promoted educational opportunity through travel and discourse. Mr. Ford must have had a great impact on the group, as this award was presented almost a decade after his death.