MTFCA Forum

Paul B. Hanks was a successful young entrepreneur at the turn of the last century. He owned an insurance agency, as well as oil and coal interests. Born in 1873, he was ten years younger than Henry Ford. His photo was included in this 1906 article, regarding oil interests in Indian Territory (soon to be the state of Oklahoma):
As early as 1904 he owned an automobile (July 5th 1904 article):
Needless to say, Mr. Hanks will own a Ford.

Continuing on…..

I became aware of Paul Hanks after reading the following Ford Model K article and advertisement. Forst the article (infomercial):
And paid Ford Motor Co. advertising. In both cases, Paul Hanks extolled the virtues of his 1906 Model K via a letter in 1907.
Closeup of his letter:
Mr. Hanks writes that his K touring performed well during a fair, transporting fair goers. He also reports the K is number 64, delivered in mid May 1906. This makes this a very early Ford K, and early delivery (the first reported delivery of Model K was in mid April 06).

My next “test” was to find corroboration that this individual, and Model K existed, or was this car maker advertising “fluff?”

Next, the “real” Paul B. Hanks and his Ford Model K.

Back to “the story:”

First, to confirm the letters time frame of when Hanks purchased hid Ford six. In the article below Mr. Hanks drove his car home from the Ford Buffalo NY branch, dated May 17, 1906. In the letter Hanks reported buying the Ford on May 18th. Close enough.
In May and July 1906 Hanks is driving his new Model K:
And finally, confirming Paul Hanks report of transporting fair goers in the letter, this article appears to confirm the Hanks Ford was indeed hauling the most passengers. And the associated article below confirms the wet muddy conditions:
One more confirmed report of Hanks ownership of a Ford six comes from a Wellsville history blog, where we learn this early Model K was red:
Paul Hanks was an extremely successful businessman. The next question is, how long did he own this 1906 Ford Model K.

Next we’ll find that answer.

We know Paul Hanks owned his Ford “K” in 1906, and into 1907, when his letter was published in March 1907. Technology and model changes meant the wealthy who owned early automobiles changed frequently, usually every year or two.

I haven’t found more information on Hanks automobiling in 1907, but this article was published in the November 1, 1908 Ford Times. Paul Hanks has completed his 3rd touring season with his Ford Model K, and claims the car is performing better than ever:
In July, 1909, we learn the breakdown of makes of automobiles in Wellsville NY. Of 43 autos on the area, only two are six cylinder cars. By the way, Fords far outnumbered all other makes.
The two six cylinder cars in Wellsville in 1909? In all likelihood Paul Hanks 1906 Model K, and this car owned by Cash Miller (this article from 1908): We know Miller owns the other six cylinder car in Wellsville because he’s advertising his Ford Model K Roadster in the same July 1909 newspaper edition that lists the cars of Wellsville: Next, nothing lasts forever. Not even Ford Model K.

As of this 1911 article, the Hanks own an Oldsmobile. In most cases I'v found, former Model K owners move on to other large expensive cars, as one might expect, although in a few cases they buy a Model T.