“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” One of Henry Ford’s most famous quotes sets the theme for the celebration of the summer as the community comes together to commemorate the sesquicentennial of this American icon.
Coming Together: A Celebration of Henry Ford’s 150th Birthday takes place Saturday, July 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Henry and Clara Ford’s historic home – Henry Ford Estate/Fair Lane in Dearborn. Local, regional and state dignitaries, along with representatives from the Ford family and University of Michigan will be on hand for a special presentation at 11:30 a.m.
The day-long party features live music reminiscent of Henry and Clara’s interest in preserving traditional American genres, dance demonstrations focusing on the Fords’ love of dancing and Fair Lane’s history as a place where many parties were held, a special Dearborn Farmer’s Market reminding us of Henry’s keen interest in agriculture and a display of influential Ford automobiles highlighting outstanding innovations from Henry’s career. Party goers can tour the beautiful gardens, relax on the riverfront grounds while enjoying specialty foods from the Food Truck rally or gather with friends in the Tashmoo Biergarten.
“We are thrilled to invite the community to join us at the Estate for a day of great food, good music, magical memories, the excitement of ‘being there’ as the Estate begins its new journey,” said Kathleen Mullins, president of the Historic Ford Estates (Henry Ford Estate and the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House). “It will be a day to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of Henry and Clara…from cars to music to dancing to the bounty of farm fields.”
The Henry Ford Estate served as the beloved family home of Henry and Clara from 1915 until 1950. Coming Together: A Celebration of Henry Ford’s 150th Birthday Featured Events include -
Automotive Display
What would a celebration of Henry Ford be without automobiles? Significant vehicles representing the innovation and evolution of cars during Henry’s lifetime will roll into the historic garage and courtyard at the Estate to recognize the momentous impact he made worldwide. Among those on display will be replicas of Henry’s first horseless carriage - the 1896 Quadricycle and first race car - the 1901 Sweepstakes; a rare 1903 Model A and fine examples of the Model N, Model T, Model A, the V8 and even a 1942 Ford GP Jeep and a Fordson Tractor. There will also be a Ford concept car on view linking innovations pioneered by Henry to those of today.
Music and Dancing
Henry and Clara loved to cut a rug and The Olde Michigan Ruffwater Stringband is the perfect band to set the tone at this grand celebration. Specializing in the music of the Ford Orchestra, made popular from 1926 to 1943, Ruffwater will be on the Estate Terrace for traditional dance music and demonstrations, including contra dancing, square dancing, the quadrille, the waltz and more. Guests can put on their dancing shoes and join in or sit back and enjoy some casual listening music performed by a second ensemble group that will be in the Rose Garden.
Dearborn Farmers & Artisans Market
In honor of the Fords’ strong support of agriculture and local farming, the Dearborn Famer’s & Artisans Market will set up a special Saturday market at the Estate. Guests can support local farmers and entrepreneurs by purchasing quality, fresh and wholesome local produce, breads, cheeses and meats. Other finds are fine juried artisans, garden art, soaps, and woodworking
Food, Drinks and Friendship
Henry famously came together with his fellow Vagabond friends Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone and John Burrows for outdoor excursions that included collegiality over meals together. His birthday celebration will offer the same – with a modern twist.
Food Truck Rally - A movement that would make Henry proud - Fresh, handcrafted, locally sourced food prepared and sold out of a vehicle! Food truck rallies have been one of the hottest food trends over the past year and this one features some of metro-Detroit’s favorite mobile food vendors:
• Big R BQ, Wood fired barbeque old fashioned, slow cooked barbeque
• Dago Joe's, Italian favorites, like handcrafted pasta, hearty meatball sandwich, with original sauces
• Franks Etc, The ultimate in traditional, casual picnic fare, featuring hot dogs and sausages
• Green Zebra, Upscale, contemporary Gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches
• Jacques' Tacos, fresh, delicious Mexican cuisine
• Ned's Travel Burger, hand-raised Black Angus Grass Fed Beef, turkey or vegan …served on buns baked fresh daily at Holiday Market in Royal Oak.
• Peoples Pierogi Collective, These aren’t your ordinary pierogis
• Treat Dreams, exotic and innovative ice creams
Tashmoo Biergarten - One of metro-Detroit’s new favorite reasons for coming together, Tashmoo goes on the road for a pop-up, family friendly, European-style beer garden serving popular local brews at communal tables and benches made from recycled materials.
A Glimpse into the House
Perhaps nothing says more about a couple than their home. Coming Together will be an opportunity for the community to visit Clara and Henry’s inner sanctuary and see the spaces one more time before work begins on the restoration and reimaging.
Exploring the Landscape
Henry’s deep commitment to the environment and sustainability lives on in Ford Motor Company even today. The Environmental Interpretive Center, located within the historic corridor of the estate, will offer guided walks that will highlight Henry Ford's interests in bird conservation, ecological restoration, and other related interpretive elements.
Birthday Cake
What would a birthday celebration be without cake? Thanks to the culinary arts students at Henry Ford Community College, party goers will get a tasty treat – free! A specially created Henry Ford themed cake and ice carving will showcase the talents of the students while honoring the college’s namesake.
Meet the Authors/Book Signing
Authors of two new books focused on Henry Ford will be present throughout the day to informally talk about their publications and sign copies. The Quotable Henry Ford is by Michele Albion , curator at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Fla. Ford Motor Company’s Corporate Historian and Creative Manage Robert Kreipke’s recently published Faces of Henry Ford: A Pictorial History of Henry Ford.
For more information on the Coming Together celebration, visit www.henryford150.com
Henry Ford Estate
One Fairlane Drive
Dearborn, MI
Enjoy!
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