An Old Twin Cities Ford Plant

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here is a picture of an old Twin Cities Ford plant where Model T's were assembled. The water tower on top of the building reads: FORD CENTER. This building is next door to the new Twins' ball park. I didn't even know about this old Ford plant until I rode the new commutor train to downtown and the end of the line is right here at the old Ford plant and ball park. By the time of the Model A introduction the new Twin Cities Assembly Plant on the river had been in operation for a couple of years. The new plant is still in operation, but it's future doesn't look good.

Also pictured is my 28 Phaeton next to a restored gas station located on the Nowthen threshing show grounds.

 

[Aerocraft]

Have you checked the building for any forgotton parts? Gar Wiliams

 

[Jeff P. / MN]

Tom,
The Twins have purchased the building and plan a restaurant and Twins memorabilia museum. As a tribute to the heritage and history of this building they plan on displaying a Ford car in the lobby. I know the historian/curator and I have offered my 1914 T Touring car for display. Plans are a go for now. Jeff P. / MN

 

[5window]

There were mines under the St Paul plant that Ford used for many years to make glass. here's an interesting link to an urban underground exploring team that "toured" the mines..
http://www.actionsquad.org/ford.htm

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Have you checked the building for any forgotton parts? Gar Wiliams

There was an old abandoned gas station in S.D. that hadn't seen a car since the 50's. I always wanted to check it out, but the last time I went by I see it's completely gone now. Seems nobody likes to preserve old buildings.

 

[joe plumber]

I sure could use one of those gas pumps.Look good setting in front of my garage.

 

[marc hildebrant]

My Grandfather owned the last gas station to use hand operated gas pumps. You pumped how much gas you wanted to the tank up in the air, and then let gravity fill your car from the tank.

The gas station is in Crandall, South Dakota.

In the 1960's we got gas there.

Today, it's a tourist shop open during the summer.

Marc

 

[JimK1930A]

Tom,
I used to work in that building from 1980-1983 when it was known as the Honeywell downtown plant. I worked on the 4th floor, it was hot, no air conditioning, big windows that opened with a chain and pulley, wood planked floors, big beams and pillars for support. In the morning when we arrived at work, the employees entered the building and took the freight elevator to the floor that we worked on. I remember other employees telling me that the building was once a Model T Ford assembly plant. No there were not any left over Model T parts in that building. We made thermostats and other related heating controls in that plant.