The Jalopy Journal

**Ryan** · 03-31-2010, 09:09 AM

It's been widely documented that Henry Ford opposed America's entry into World War II. Some folks claim that the reasoning behind Ford's decision was simply because he was a pacifist. Others believe the notion that Ford had darker beliefs and had ali...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

**steel rebel** · 03-31-2010, 09:36 AM

Keep them coming Ryon. Love your posts.

theHIGHLANDER · 03-31-2010, 10:14 AM

"...now none of this seems topical to the Jalopy Journal..."

HAAHH!!! I-94 going from Detroit to Willow Run was called "Bomber Highway" by the locals. Bomber Highway was a favorite spot for racing and running flat out back in those days. Dad and some of the other old gents from the time had "war stories" of bike runs and racing through the early-mid 50s. Great post Ryan. That whole time period is one I'm fond of. The fashions, the cars, furnishings, movies, all on topic as far as I'm concerned. In firearms, a 1911 A1 is a thing of beauty and it reigned supreme, one of my favorite Packards are the 41 models, who doesn't like a 41 Ford, totally on topic. Thanks again bro.

3rd Gen Hot Rodder · 03-31-2010, 10:20 AM

"...now none of this seems topical to the Jalopy Journal..."

IMO not many posts have been more topical to the Jalopy Journal. Great post Ryan. Thanks to your old man for sharing with you and to you for sharing with us.

It is due to the sacrifices of the men (and women) of this era that we have the freedom's of today to enjoy our hot rods and customs.

May God bless them all.

Rich Venza · 03-31-2010, 10:24 AM

I looks like the guy coming out of the Ford Tri-Motor is Henry Ford II who was in the Navy at the beginning of WWII, but Henry got him released to run the Willow Grove Plant.

retro54 · 03-31-2010, 11:09 AM

Great pictures... and jsut since it seems to tie in... for anyone interested in Ford's industrial and social philosophy's, the new book "Fordlandia" is a must read. The Book is about Ford's failed rubber plantation(s) in the Amazon, but much of the content centers around Ford's personal and corperate, industrial and social philosophys, which promoted such a massive undetaking in Brazil...

FlamedChevy · 03-31-2010, 12:21 PM

Thanks Ryan.. Let's not forget all those workers that hepled the war cause too.

Roothawg · 03-31-2010, 12:24 PM

Nice.

**Jeff Norwell** · 03-31-2010, 01:09 PM

Henry saw the returning ravages of WW1 and knew what war was.....

Sixcarb · 03-31-2010, 01:39 PM

The production numbers of all divisions at Ford that were building equipment for WWII has always been quite impressive.....American industry was once a pretty powerful thing in this country. Just think if we didn't have aviation like that Bill Burke might have built lakes cars out of cut down Airstream campers.

**haroldd1963** · 03-31-2010, 01:40 PM

Great pictures Ryan! Thanks for posting. I have a good book about Henry Ford's involvement in the aviation industry at home, can't remember the name of the book or the author. I will post more info on it to this thread when I get home tonite. Also, another good read is "Ford, the Men and the Machine" by Robert Lacey. It was published in 1986 and has been out of print for years, but you can find copies on eBay. Alot of un-authorized history on Henry Ford and his dealings.

**Bigcheese327** · 03-31-2010, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retro54

Great pictures... and jsut since it seems to tie in... for anyone interested in Ford's industrial and social philosophy's, the new book "Fordlandia" is a must read. The Book is about Ford's failed rubber plantation(s) in the Amazon, but much of the content centers around Ford's personal and corperate, industrial and social philosophys, which promoted such a massive undetaking in Brazil...

Man, I’ve been trying to get ahold of a copy of Fordlandia for months. My library ordered it, but it never came until I was away, and then it went back before I could pick it up.

One of my favorites is an extensive biography of Henry Ford, Edsel, and Henry II, called Ford: The Men and the Machine. It’s a great piece with coverage of everything you might want to know about the Ford Empire: Harry Bennet, the Peace Ship, the battle against the Dodge Brothers, etc. Very much worth the read.

I just wish somebody would do a similar treatment of other auto pioneers. I’ve read halfway decent biographies of Billie Durant and the Dodge Brothers, but after the Ford book, they kinda left me cold.

-Dave

**MODELA30** · 03-31-2010, 04:12 PM

Ryan that was cool great pictures. Hey guys in north west indiana area and in chicago land area. . Ford was just down the street he owned lansing airport in illinios the hanger that is sitting on the northwest corner was build by henry ford. I also think its got a blue oval painted on the top of it? Any info out there. Thanks knuck from indiana.

retro54 · 03-31-2010, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigcheese327

Man, I’ve been trying to get ahold of a copy of Fordlandia for months. My library ordered it, but it never came until I was away, and then it went back before I could pick it up.

-Dave

I should have been more specific... my copy is "Fordlandia - The Rise and Fall of Henry Ford's Forgotten Jungle City" 2009 pressing...

Django · 03-31-2010, 04:26 PM

I've seen that photo exposé on Willow Run before and it is BREATHTAKING for a B-24 nut such as myself. I highly suggest hitting Thunder Over Michigan at Willow Run airport. This year they are shooting to have 10 B-17s there. The last time they tried was '05 and they got 8. Pretty cool to see that many in the air. I think BOTH flying B-24s will be there as well which is a pretty rare occurance.

VirgilHilts · 03-31-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sixcarb

The production numbers of all divisions at Ford that were building equipment for WWII has always been quite impressive.....American industry was once a pretty powerful thing in this country. Just think if we didn't have aviation like that Bill Burke might have built lakes cars out of cut down Airstream campers.

If it wasn't for aviation we wouldn't HAVE Airstream campers!

bufordtjustice · 03-31-2010, 04:56 PM

Does anyone know if Ford built or supplemented production of the Bell P-39 Airacobra as pictured in slide 3???

Greg

Django · 03-31-2010, 05:07 PM

I don't believe so, but I can find out.

Rickybop · 03-31-2010, 05:16 PM

I was born here in Michigan in '57...quite a while after the war. I never realized the importance of Willow Run Airport until I grew a little older, but I knew the name. Kids listen to the grown-ups talk...I was no exception, and remember Willow Run being referred to by the adults with a certain reverence. And that was well into the '60s...years after World War Two.

Wildfire · 03-31-2010, 05:18 PM

My first old Ford was a '42 GPW. Thanks for the reminder. That is the one vehicle I wish I had back...

03-31-2010, 09:09 AM	#1
Ryan Administrator Join Date: Jan 1995 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 13,623	Willow Run Airport It's been widely documented that Henry Ford opposed America's entry into World War II. Some folks claim that the reasoning behind Ford's decision was simply because he was a pacifist. Others believe the notion that Ford had darker beliefs and had ali... To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

03-31-2010, 09:36 AM	#2
steel rebel Alliance Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: clearlake calif. Posts: 1,543	Re: Willow Run Airport Keep them coming Ryon. Love your posts.

03-31-2010, 10:14 AM	#3
theHIGHLANDER Old School HAMBer Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: S.E.Michigan Posts: 4,329	Re: Willow Run Airport "...now none of this seems topical to the Jalopy Journal..." HAAHH!!! I-94 going from Detroit to Willow Run was called "Bomber Highway" by the locals. Bomber Highway was a favorite spot for racing and running flat out back in those days. Dad and some of the other old gents from the time had "war stories" of bike runs and racing through the early-mid 50s. Great post Ryan. That whole time period is one I'm fond of. The fashions, the cars, furnishings, movies, all on topic as far as I'm concerned. In firearms, a 1911 A1 is a thing of beauty and it reigned supreme, one of my favorite Packards are the 41 models, who doesn't like a 41 Ford, totally on topic. Thanks again bro. __________________ The rumors of my death have been exaggerated. www.singlefingerspeedshop.com Last edited by theHIGHLANDER; 03-31-2010 at 10:20 AM.

03-31-2010, 10:20 AM	#4
3rd Gen Hot Rodder Grenade Inspector Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Indiana Posts: 382	Re: Willow Run Airport "...now none of this seems topical to the Jalopy Journal..." IMO not many posts have been more topical to the Jalopy Journal. Great post Ryan. Thanks to your old man for sharing with you and to you for sharing with us. It is due to the sacrifices of the men (and women) of this era that we have the freedom's of today to enjoy our hot rods and customs. May God bless them all. __________________ My old cars are great. But my real treasure is in Heaven http://www.cacklefest.com/Bronson.shtml

03-31-2010, 10:24 AM	#5
Rich Venza Old School HAMBer Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Suwanee, GA...but grew up in North Jersey Posts: 4,191	Re: Willow Run Airport I looks like the guy coming out of the Ford Tri-Motor is Henry Ford II who was in the Navy at the beginning of WWII, but Henry got him released to run the Willow Grove Plant. __________________ YES...Fiberglass is traditional!

03-31-2010, 11:09 AM	#6
retro54 Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: PA Posts: 747	Re: Willow Run Airport Great pictures... and jsut since it seems to tie in... for anyone interested in Ford's industrial and social philosophy's, the new book "Fordlandia" is a must read. The Book is about Ford's failed rubber plantation(s) in the Amazon, but much of the content centers around Ford's personal and corperate, industrial and social philosophys, which promoted such a massive undetaking in Brazil... __________________ Flyers R.C. Rodder's Journals FOR SALE

03-31-2010, 12:21 PM	#7
FlamedChevy Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 676	Re: Willow Run Airport Thanks Ryan.. Let's not forget all those workers that hepled the war cause too. __________________ " Honest Officer your radar must be broken. No way I was going that fast !" Enjoy the ride...

03-31-2010, 12:24 PM	#8
Roothawg Old School HAMBer Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Slackerville, OK Posts: 14,240	Re: Willow Run Airport Nice. __________________ CrossMembers CC My shop truck build blog. http://slackerfarms.blogspot.com/

03-31-2010, 01:09 PM	#9
Jeff Norwell Art Editor Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Palookaville Posts: 11,748	Re: Willow Run Airport Henry saw the returning ravages of WW1 and knew what war was..... __________________ "I like HOT RODS." "Now, go drive your Volvo...safely..." http://www.jeffnorwell.com http://drawnandquarrtered.blogspot.com

03-31-2010, 01:39 PM	#10
Sixcarb Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: North NJ Posts: 1,498	Re: Willow Run Airport The production numbers of all divisions at Ford that were building equipment for WWII has always been quite impressive.....American industry was once a pretty powerful thing in this country. Just think if we didn't have aviation like that Bill Burke might have built lakes cars out of cut down Airstream campers. __________________ Wanted: Pics or any history of my avatar #156A left the west coast in 1958

03-31-2010, 01:40 PM	#11
haroldd1963 Alliance Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Peru, IL Posts: 1,142	Re: Willow Run Airport Great pictures Ryan! Thanks for posting. I have a good book about Henry Ford's involvement in the aviation industry at home, can't remember the name of the book or the author. I will post more info on it to this thread when I get home tonite. Also, another good read is "Ford, the Men and the Machine" by Robert Lacey. It was published in 1986 and has been out of print for years, but you can find copies on eBay. Alot of un-authorized history on Henry Ford and his dealings.

03-31-2010, 04:12 PM	#13
MODELA30 Alliance Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: DYER INDIANA Posts: 1,751	Re: Willow Run Airport Ryan that was cool great pictures. Hey guys in north west indiana area and in chicago land area. . Ford was just down the street he owned lansing airport in illinios the hanger that is sitting on the northwest corner was build by henry ford. I also think its got a blue oval painted on the top of it? Any info out there. Thanks knuck from indiana. __________________ A BIKE WITHOUT A KICK START IS A FART WITH NO STINK !!!

03-31-2010, 04:26 PM	#15
Django Old School HAMBer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Forest Park IL Posts: 10,123	Re: Willow Run Airport I've seen that photo exposé on Willow Run before and it is BREATHTAKING for a B-24 nut such as myself. I highly suggest hitting Thunder Over Michigan at Willow Run airport. This year they are shooting to have 10 B-17s there. The last time they tried was '05 and they got 8. Pretty cool to see that many in the air. I think BOTH flying B-24s will be there as well which is a pretty rare occurance. __________________ Hot Rod Hucksters . Hunnert Car Heads Up June 7-8, 2013 . Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle and Victory Speed Equipment . Django Studios

03-31-2010, 04:56 PM	#17
bufordtjustice Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: North Syracuse, New York Posts: 1,056	Re: Willow Run Airport Does anyone know if Ford built or supplemented production of the Bell P-39 Airacobra as pictured in slide 3??? Greg __________________ If some is good, more is better, and too much oughta be just right.

03-31-2010, 05:07 PM	#18
Django Old School HAMBer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Forest Park IL Posts: 10,123	Re: Willow Run Airport I don't believe so, but I can find out. __________________ Hot Rod Hucksters . Hunnert Car Heads Up June 7-8, 2013 . Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle and Victory Speed Equipment . Django Studios

03-31-2010, 05:16 PM	#19
Rickybop Old School HAMBer Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 3,786	Re: Willow Run Airport I was born here in Michigan in '57...quite a while after the war. I never realized the importance of Willow Run Airport until I grew a little older, but I knew the name. Kids listen to the grown-ups talk...I was no exception, and remember Willow Run being referred to by the adults with a certain reverence. And that was well into the '60s...years after World War Two. __________________ Garage Sale Vintage Parts Priced To Sell! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=801976

03-31-2010, 05:18 PM	#20
Wildfire Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Mandeville, LA Posts: 832	Re: Willow Run Airport My first old Ford was a '42 GPW. Thanks for the reminder. That is the one vehicle I wish I had back... __________________ Model A RPU with a banger - Wanna buy it?

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