Henry and Edsel

[ModelA29]

Harry Bennett served as the head of the Ford Motor Company Service Department for over two decades, beginning in 1921. Bennett was 5 feet 6 inches and in great physical shape due to his years of boxing and service in the Navy. Legend traces Bennett's relationship to Ford Motor Company to a 1916 street brawl in New York City. At the time, Bennett, 24, was a sailor and was just off his ship. He was saved from being thrown into jail by an acquaintance of Henry Ford, Bernie Ghers, who happened to witness the fight while on his way to a meeting with Ford. Ghers, a Hearst newspaper columnist who had credibility with the police, convinced them that Bennett was not at fault, so they released Bennett without charges. On the spur of the moment, Ghers decided to take Bennett along with him to see Ford. At the meeting, Ford was more interested in Bennett's prowess in the street fight than the business at hand, and he offered Bennett a security job at the Rouge plant. Bennett's interview for the job was reported to be short. He was asked only one question by Ford as to his capabilities. "Can you shoot?" asked Henry. He could.


Same dour look. He's also looking where a threat could come from not at Henry which good security guys do. Way back in the mid 70s our Cobra Club put on an event for the local Ford Dealers. Edsel attended with his 3 security guards - 2 guards and a driver. They alternated throughout the day but 2 were always with Edsel and 1 with the car.


Interesting read on his retirement time - https://www.desertsun.com/story/life...gs/8688509002/


https://www.californiadesertart.com/...harry-bennett/

[Gene F]

Originally Posted by ModelA29

Harry Bennett served as the head of the Ford Motor Company Service Department for over two decades, beginning in 1921. Bennett was 5 feet 6 inches and in great physical shape due to his years of boxing and service in the Navy. Legend traces Bennett's relationship to Ford Motor Company to a 1916 street brawl in New York City. At the time, Bennett, 24, was a sailor and was just off his ship. He was saved from being thrown into jail by an acquaintance of Henry Ford, Bernie Ghers, who happened to witness the fight while on his way to a meeting with Ford. Ghers, a Hearst newspaper columnist who had credibility with the police, convinced them that Bennett was not at fault, so they released Bennett without charges. On the spur of the moment, Ghers decided to take Bennett along with him to see Ford. At the meeting, Ford was more interested in Bennett's prowess in the street fight than the business at hand, and he offered Bennett a security job at the Rouge plant. Bennett's interview for the job was reported to be short. He was asked only one question by Ford as to his capabilities. "Can you shoot?" asked Henry. He could.


Same dour look. He's also looking where a threat could come from not at Henry which good security guys do. Way back in the mid 70s our Cobra Club put on an event for the local Ford Dealers. Edsel attended with his 3 security guards - 2 guards and a driver. They alternated throughout the day but 2 were always with Edsel and 1 with the car.


Interesting read on his retirement time - https://www.desertsun.com/story/life...gs/8688509002/


https://www.californiadesertart.com/...harry-bennett/

Interesting info. Thanks