a self-contained unit carrying its own fuel. Keep at it!" The meeting with Thomas Edison gave Henry Ford fresh inspiration and his spirit was renewed by the famous inventor's words of encouragement.
             By 1899 Ford had produced an operable car that was written up in the Detroit Journal. Ford was described as a "mechanical engineer." Eventually his work developing automobiles conflicted with his position at the Detroit Edison Illuminating Company. Even though the company was well pleased with his work and offered him the General Superintendent position, they asked him to make a choice. Could he give up his "hobby" of automobile building and devote himself to the company? Ford made the decision. He wanted to make automobiles.
             In 1899 Ford left Edison to help run the Detroit Automobile Company. Cars were still built essentially one at a time. Ford hoped to incorporate ide
             ...