In the late 1890's and the early 1900's America and 75 or more auto makes, Yes some were back yard garage brothers and others were big time factory tycoons. You maybe familiar with some of the big boy's names like Henry Ford, Louis Chevrolet, Ransom E. Olds just to name a few....
But what if I told you one of these company's may not have ever existed with out Geneva ,Ohio and dad Would you believe me? Well when I was a young child I was exposed to cars--- hot rods, race car, and classic cars..Must be why I love them so much now....Although I have never designed a car I have built quit a few and restored my share of them.
So that brings me to this person that may have never built a car and gone on to be famous if it wasn't for Geneva, Ohio and dad Yes at young age this man was exposed to the love of cars I mean Horseless carriages. Yep right here in Geneva ,Ohio at the turn of the century we had 4 auto company's #1Geneva Steamer company,#2 Ewing Taxi company,#3 Heifner Motor Company and #4 H.B. Young Motor Company. all right here.
Three of the company's did fail (not to uncommon for the time) one was sold to General Motors who moved the company to Flint Michigan. But you ask what does that have to do with big boy's and Geneva and dad great question......
Geneva's greatest contribution to the auto industry was not any of these production ventures. It was, rather, in the life of Ransom E. Olds, born in Geneva in 1864, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Phiny Olds. When in his teens the family moved to Lansing, Michigan and Ransom's interest in the automobile grew and it was here the first Oldsmobile's were produced, including the "REO" named for Ransom E. Olds. Geneva proudly claims Mr. Olds as one of their most famous of native sons.
Yep a few of the buildings that built these autos are within a half mile form where Ransom was born and lived till moving to Michigan. But was it that close proximity to the auto builders that made Ransom who he is or what he did? Or was it something else?
Olds had learned a great deal from observing the ups and downs of his father's business ventures, and soon proved to be a great manager of P. F. Olds and Son in. He also demonstrated a talent for machining, pattern making, and general mechanical tinkering, the first two learned directly from his father; he later credited Pliny Olds with providing him the most valuable training of his career.
Well Geneva claims Ransom as one of their most famous of native sons... I think Geneva should claim Phiny Olds as one of their greatest dads. Just think if it wasn't for dad you may not be driving the car you have now......If you have kids spend time with them and teach them well because you never know what they will grow up to be....Maybe even famous because of you...... peace zane
If you are looking to buy, sell, or rent in the Geneva area give me a call
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