Happy Father’s Day

DSC_0492 DSC_0449My dad owned his own manufacturing company in southwest Ohio. Over the years they made a variety of products including lawn sweepers, snow throwers and garden carts. He acquired his two models of his grandfather’s automobiles and used them to promote his products. I remember the 1910 model being on display in the Dayton airport. He put his name and heritage next to the Wright Brothers’ display.

Here he is happily holding the Davis model of the original car. He took me and my son to Anderson on a 2002 family history tour. We visited Dan and Barb Davis and were treated to viewing many items of their Lambert collection. We also toured the home on Hendricks Street where John and his family lived. Known as Bill, my dad was named William after his grandfather.

I imagine layers of meaning to my dad as he chauffeured his family out on those long ago Sunday afternoons in the old Lambert car, built by his grandfather whom he recalled as showing love and encouragement to him as a young boy. The old car was a business tool as well as a family toy. My dad lost his dad early but he lived until 2009 and died in his late 80’s. As he suffered his illnesses unfortunately in another state, he heard me read excerpts from my writing and expressed his joy to me, even over those many miles. I treasure the recording of his phone message to me thanking me for a taped reading I had sent describing my imagining of John’s first ride.

Dad knew my publishing plans and was glad I have taken up the mission of telling John’s story and claiming for him his role in American automotive history. My dad was the Ultimate Salesman and if he were here he would encourage you to buy my books and learn more about his deserving grandfather.

My book Who Invented America’s Gasoline Automobile? is dedicated to my dad.

 

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