Dwight D. Eisenhower “Bubbletop”: Henry Ford Museum, July 2008 This presidential limousine was used by four U.S. Presidents. It entered service during Truman’s administration. Eisenhower later had it fitted with the plastic bubble top; so that, he could be seen by the public when riding in the car on rainy days. It was also used as a backup vehicle for presidents Kennedy and Johnson.

Hood Ornament: Henry Ford Museum, July 2008 They certainly don’t make hood ornaments like this anymore.

Franklin D. Roosevelt Sunshine Special: Henry Ford Museum, July 2008 This was Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidential limousine. It was a convertible, so that he could be seen from the car by the public without the need to leave the car.

The Rouge: The Rouge, July 2008 The Ford Rouge Center is Ford’s largest, single industrial complex.

Dearborn Truck Plant: The Rouge, July 2008 This is the assembly plant for the Ford F-150. The roof is covered by a plant called sedum, which is part of an elaborate system for collecting and cleansing rainwater. The roof is also dotted with ten mammoth skylights and thirty-six smaller ones which fill the assembly plant with natural light. Unfortunately, the plant was not producing vehicles during our visit, but it was still fascinating to visit, especially since my wife has a background in automotive manufacturing. It was like having my own tour guide.

Brougham: Henry Ford Museum, July 2008 This brougham was used by President Theodore Roosevelt as his official transportation. While cars were becoming popular at the time, Roosevelt preferred this simple horse drawn carriage. This brougham still saw use by Presidents Taft and Wilson, when a Model A Ford became the official transportation of the President.