2009 – Kinzua Chapter Christmas –
Once again we decided to go to
So why not mark
Joanne Calder, Denise Stowell and Barb Ritchie discussing their purchases
Max Coradetti is asking Noel Ritchie and Barney Meidenbauer which gifts are Studebaker parts
Noel Ritchie explains how to steal a gift.
Today in Studebaker History 2/16/1852
On this day in 1852 in South Bend, Indiana H & C Studebaker opened for business. This was the blacksmith shop of brothers Henry and Clement Studebaker and would be the foundation on which the Studebaker Corporation was built.
They started with just 68 dollars in cash and a set of blacksmith tools. They learned the blacksmith trade from their father John C. Studebaker, a well respected blacksmith and wagon maker. The original shop was at the corner of Michigan and Jefferson Streets in what is now the heart of downtown South Bend. The blacksmith shop was a success and they started building wagons for local farmers.
What really got the business off the ground was when younger brother John M. returned from the California Gold Rush in 1858 with eight thousand dollars he had earned making and selling wheelbarrows to the miners. John M. bought out Henry's share of the business and invested his saving to help the company grown. The Studebaker brothers were making wagons for the U.S. Army, and would do so throughout the Civil War. By 1887, sales surpassed two million dollars. In the latter days of the 19th century Studebaker was the largest manufacturer of transportation in the world and was the only wagon maker to successfully make the transition from wagons to automobiles.
On February 9, 1799 John Clement Studebaker was born to Clement Studebaker Jr. in Adams County Pennsylvania. John C. was the father to the Studebaker brothers that started what would later become the Studebaker Corporation.
In 1820 John Clement married Rebecca Mohler and began to raise a family that included 13 children, 10 of which lived to reach adulthood. In 1830 he purchased land adjoining his father’s. At this site he constructed a house and his blacksmith shop. John was known throughout the community for his benevolence and as a trusting person who extended credit to all. This kindness eventually led to his inability to pay his debts. In 1835, lured by rumors of great opportunities, he sold most of his possessions, paid off his debts and moved his family to Ashland, OH in three wagons constructed at this homestead. This is where the Studebaker brothers learned the blacksmith and wagon trade that would lead them to their own business.
John C. Studebaker passed away in 1877
Get the current Madd Doodler
2014
Studebaker calendar
and any back issues here.
Click
here for the
complete listing of calendars.
Here's a great poster showing Studebakers of
all ages and models titled,
"Through the Years"
It measures 18" x 24" and is printed in full color on heavy enamel stock with a varnish coating
In the center is a large photo of an 1881 horse drawn Grain Wagon and a 1963 Avanti R2. Around the outer edge are small photos of various Studebakers I had seen at shows and meets over the years. In the vignettes you'll see models like the Commander, Champion, Hawk, Lark, Daytona, Weasel, Ambulet, E-Series trucks, R-Series trucks, M-Series trucks, Coupe Express, President, Dictator, and more... from horse drawn to pre-war, military and up to the last years. $6 each.
The Story of Studebaker
In 1952 Studebaker celebrated their 100th anniversary in the transportation industry having started with a blacksmith shop in 1852.
To commemorate the event they produced medallions, books and other items including a set of two 78 rpm records.
The story of Studebaker's history was narrated by actor Raymond Massey, you'll also hear the President of the Studebaker Corporation talking and the Studebaker Male Chorus singing "Rolling Along for a Hundred Years".
This new CD was made from a mint condition original set of records. The cover was reproduced to fit the jewel case.
Now you can listen to this anywhere you have a CD player since many people don't have the ability to play a 78 rpm record anymore.
