Okay, Henry Ford did not exactly found Cadillac. However, without stretching a point to far, a solid argument could be made that his contributions were a key component in the companies founding.
The latest offering penned for Legends of America provides the details behind this interesting turn of events. This is the second feature in what will be a series of articles profiling the development of the American automobile industry between the years 1885 and 1940.
In the past couple of years the majority of my published work has centered on travel and the history of popular travel destinations. However, the first story I ever received a check for was a feature about a unique old wrecking yard in Huachuca City, Arizona down near the Mexican border, sold to Special Interest Autos published by Hemmings Motor News.
For the next decade more than ninety percent of my published work was automotive related, a contributing factor to the recording of two interviews with Jay Leno for his website. This was also the door that opened onto the job of associate editor for the now defunct Cars & Parts, a position that required the writing of a monthly column entitled The Independent Thinker.
So, writing this series for Legends of America is a refreshing change, sort of like coming home after a long absence. I had almost forgotten how much enjoyment was derived from sharing the quirky history of the American auto industries infancy. As an added bonus, I am writing for a site that has been a favorite of mine for quite sometime.
As the subjects of travel on the back roads, and the history of those roads as well as the places that nestle along them, often intertwined with stories on automotive history, the transition to writing books and articles about Route 66 was a natural evolution.
In a a somewhat unrelated endeavor, the idea of creating a vehicle that could serve as a rolling promotion for Route 66, as well as the people and places along that highway that give it life as well as vibrancy, is still alive. Time and finances have hindered development beyond the concept stage. However, a few doors have opened in recent months so it looks as though the idea will move forward, albeit at glacial speeds.
Meanwhile, I will focus on developing other ways to promote the old road, and subsequently the places that make it a unique destination. At this time that includes assisting with development of the mural project in Kingman, as well as the refurbishment of the Brunswick Hotel (future site of the Hinckley gallery), and making myself available for speaking engagements.
Before I forget, the latest issue of 66 The Mother Road is now available. As always, it makes for an interesting read.
Well, that about wraps it up for today.
