jjares reviewed The Studebaker Brothers: The Lives and Legacy of the Family Behind the Famous Automobile Company on + 3278 more book reviews
The Studebaker's immigrated from Germany (in 1736) and moved around until they found success in South Bend, Indiana. By 1870, they employed 500 workers and made 15,000 wagons/year. Their name was widely known for the quality of their wagons, buggies and other conveyances.
By 1867, their business was housed in 30 acres of buildings, with 80 acres of lumber yards in South Bend. The opened businesses in various points in the US and had a worldwide reputation for excellence. By 1890, the Studebakers had dominated the horse-and-buggy-trade for 40 years. The technology was changing and the Studebakers entered the fray with an electric car in 1902. Thomas Edison purchased the second car that came off the line. Interestingly, no one was sure which propulsion system would be most accepted by the buying public, so Studebaker worked on models with electricity and gasoline.
This is why I love these books: "In 1938, a grove of 8000 pine trees was planted in a pattern, that viewed from above, spells Studebaker. The tree sign was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and in 1987 the Guinness Book of World Records listed it as the world's 'largest living advertising sign'."
By 1867, their business was housed in 30 acres of buildings, with 80 acres of lumber yards in South Bend. The opened businesses in various points in the US and had a worldwide reputation for excellence. By 1890, the Studebakers had dominated the horse-and-buggy-trade for 40 years. The technology was changing and the Studebakers entered the fray with an electric car in 1902. Thomas Edison purchased the second car that came off the line. Interestingly, no one was sure which propulsion system would be most accepted by the buying public, so Studebaker worked on models with electricity and gasoline.
This is why I love these books: "In 1938, a grove of 8000 pine trees was planted in a pattern, that viewed from above, spells Studebaker. The tree sign was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and in 1987 the Guinness Book of World Records listed it as the world's 'largest living advertising sign'."
