Follow The Money - a 1904 Paducah Kentucky Ford

[Rob]

I’m continually amazed by the speed Ford Motor Co. established a dealer network, parts/components supply and delivery network. This thread helps demonstrate how quickly Ford was able to supply cars, and deliver them to a new owner. The thread also demonstrates how period news sources dovetail with existing Ford Motor Co. documents to paint a picture of the efficiency of Ford Motor Co. in the production, sale and delivery of cars.

First, this article appeared in the Paducah Sun newspaper on Sunday, August 28, 1904. We learn that on Saturday, the 27th of August, the Paducah Ford agent closed a deal on a Model A for $900. This coincides with the retail price FMC advertised their Model A with tonneau. The dealer also promised the purchaser the car would arrive from Detroit within 12 days.

[Rob]

Next, reviewing the Foreman Bros. (Paducah Ford Agent) account receivable ledger (maintained by FMC, copyright The Henry Ford, all rights apply), look at “#1.” Ford’s account ledger shows the company received $100 deposit for a car (Model A) on August 30, 1904. This is Tuesday, only three days after Foreman Bros. reported the sale of a Ford on August 27.

[Rob]

Next, moving to the next entry on the FMC ledger, we see Model A #1669 was shipped on the same day, August 30th, the deposit was received at Detroit. Now we see a debit (the deposit was a Ford “credit”) for $723.50. This indicates the car is on the way (railway) to Paducah.

We are learning that FMC had supply (cars) ready to fill the order. They also lined up rail transport to move the auto to Kentucky the same day the deposit was received and automobile chosen. We also are able to do the math ($723.50 divided by 80%), confirming Fords dealer commission (discount) of 20% on automobiles.

[Rob]

Next, the local newspaper confirms the Ford Model A arrived by September 15, 1904. The railroad moved the Ford Model A from Detroit to Paducah Kentucky in two weeks.

Lastly, we have confirmation of the intire transaction on the last (#3) line of the FMC ledger. A sight draft (bill of lading) guaranteed Ford received their payment for Model A 1669 on September 17th 1904, two days after the newspaper reported the car arrived and was delivered to the purchaser.

[Cruby]

The car must have been ready for sale before order received. This is faster than these days.

[Rob]

Carl,
Yes, it appears the Model A was ready to go, implying FMC production is caught up with, or ahead of demand. This becomes more evident as we move into the multiple models. For example, initially, Model N demand far outpaced production, and the ledgers confirm this with initially months between arrival of deposits from dealers and FMC shipping the Model N. However, by the spring and summer of 1907 N and R production (supply) catches up, and as with this Model A, orders are filled almost immediately (same day or one day lag). We then see an interesting development with the Model K. The inverse occurs and by spring and summer of 1907 deposits for Model K are received but filling orders (supply) takes two weeks to over a month.

[Cruby]

Not related to this but, my grandfather was working for Ford and interesting fact that no children born between 1902 - 1908. Working to much?

[Rob]

Carl,
What did he do at Ford? That’s quite interesting. Any stories or photos handed down from that time? What was his name?
Thank you for posting!

[Cruby]

Thank you for asking Rob!
My grandfather William Krueger’s Ford story started On July 25, 1903 (W Kruager) he worked 25 hours for $3.09. William is also spotted in a Mack Avenue plant employee picture from 1904. In the 1906 picture of the Ford Piquette plant employees, William is the (only) pipe smoking man. William taught heat treat at Ford Trade School from 1918 – 1952, after leaving Ford Motor Company. In the 1910 census his occupation is listed as Machinist, Auto Car Company.

Carl

[Robert Kiefaber]

Thank you for asking Rob!
My grandfather William Krueger’s Ford story started On July 25, 1903 (W Kruager) he worked 25 hours for $3.09. William is also spotted in a Mack Avenue plant employee picture from 1904. In the 1906 picture of the Ford Piquette plant employees, William is the (only) pipe smoking man. William taught heat treat at Ford Trade School from 1918 – 1952, after leaving Ford Motor Company. In the 1910 census his occupation is listed as Machinist, Auto Car Company.

Carl

Is he in this picture Carl?

[Robert Kiefaber]

I think I found him

IMG_2230.jpeg (7.8 KiB) Viewed 2338 times

Or he could be the fourth man from the left on the bottom row sitting down.

[Robert Kiefaber]

Here is the Mack Ave. photo.

[Cruby]

I think I found himIMG_2230.jpeg
Or he could be the fourth man from the left on the bottom row sitting down.

That is William Krueger and I have a picture of him with a center door model T.

[Cruby]

Here is the Mack Ave. photo.IMG_2231.jpeg

Center row, white shirt, black hat, third guy from the left. Wish I had asked some question about his time at Ford.

[Robert Kiefaber]

I think I found himIMG_2230.jpeg
Or he could be the fourth man from the left on the bottom row sitting down.

That is William Krueger and I have a picture of him with a center door model T.

That would be really interesting to see. Would you be willing to post the photo?

[Cruby]

William Krueger circa1917

[Robert Kiefaber]

William Krueger & Model T.jpg

That 1917 date looks close as the rear fenders are not crowned. Nice wheels!