Romeo in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
From the Foundry Fires
Engine Blocks for Ford's Model T
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
1. From the Foundry Fires Marker
Romeo's foundry industry was well-established
when Lyman Holmes contacted Ford Motor Company in 1907. Ford was having problems getting engine parts for the Model N automobile from foundries in Detroit. Holmes managed the Romeo Foundry, that earlier made metal parts for the thriving Romeo carriage industry, and he offered to make the parts for Ford. He was so successful that his foundry began in 1908 to make full engine blocks for Ford's new Model T, the most important car in automotive history.
Ford later bought the Romeo foundry
which went on to produce about 30,000 engine blocks for Ford Model Ts built at the Piquette Avenue plant in Detroit until 1910.
"The sample castings were found satisfactory, and I received orders to make all I could and ship them to Detroit every day."
Lyman Holmes, manager of the Romeo Foundry
You Auto Know
The engine blocks were shipped via rail to the Dodge Brothers Company in Detroit where the Model T engines were assembled and then sent to Ford's Piquette plant.
Erected 2010 by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce •
this page online
Location. 42° 48.096′ N, 83° 0.886′ W. Marker is in Romeo, Michigan, in Macomb County. Marker is at the intersection of West Lafayette Street and South Rawles Street, on the right when traveling west on West Lafayette Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Romeo MI 48065, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Wooden Wheels (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Electric Streetcars (about 600 feet away); The Village Park (about 600 feet away); Helen Starkweather (about 600 feet away); Village of Romeo (approx. 0.2 miles away); Many Tools and Many Tasks (approx. ¼ mile away); Simpson Park Campground (approx. 1.4 miles away); Religious Society Church (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Romeo.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
2. Upper Left Image
The casting operation in the Ford Foundry on Lafayette Street, about 1909. Lyman Holmes is wearing a suit on the right. Photo courtesy of the Romeo Historical Society.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
3. Lower Left Image
Casting of a four-cylinder Ford Model T engine block. This was the first block to be cast in one piece, an important innovation. Previously, engines had bolted-on cylinders.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
4. Center Image
The R. J. Hosner Foundry, which later became the Ford Motor Company Model T engine casting facility. Photo courtesy of the Romeo Observer.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
5. Upper Right Image
These men worked in the Ford Foundry, pouring liquid iron into sand molds, creating engine parts for the Ford Model N and T. Photo courtesy of Judy Gass Lopus.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
6. Lower Right Image
The Ford Model T. Image courtesy of the Romeo Historical Society.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 15, 2018
7. From the Foundry Fires Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 595 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 18, 2018, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
