I picked up some old Ford dealership literature recently and included was a letter on Ford Motor Company letterhead dated Jan. 12 1909 to Deitrich & Geist of Malinta, OH. I thought it was interesting.
Gentlemen,
Your letter of the 11th enclosing a map of Henry County received, for which please accept my thanks. This is just the map that was needed, an I am herewith enclosing contracts in triplicate which I will ask that you kindly sign and return to the factory. I am also enclosing a couple of agreements which I will ask that you also sign.
The territory mentioned in the contract you will note is just the same as that talked over with one single exception, that being the southern half of Flat Rock County. This territory is not very much, and I believe should be worked from Holgate. The northern half is more accessible to Malinta but Holgate being right in the County line, brings all the trade to that point.
Regarding shipment of car, we expect to get your machine out to you within the next couple of weeks. We expect to have it shipped to Toledo along with other machines so as to make a carload and secure carload freight for you. I will notify you when the car arrives.
When coming after the car, kindly bring the balance due in cash.
If you need any more literature, kindly advise the factory and they will send some on to you.
Just as soon as you receive your car, you will, of course, get busy showing people that you are now interesting.
Wishing you a prosperous year, I beg to remain,
Very truly yours,
Stanley Roberts
Hey Jeff, I live about 7 miles from Malinta, I might do a little research and see if I can track this down. Both names are still around in the area.