[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                THE HENRY FORD COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 22, 2004

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of 
the late Henry Ford as the ``Father of Industrial Education'' and to 
express my deep gratitude for his enormous contributions to education, 
particularly technical training.
  Henry Ford was a strong advocate of providing educational 
opportunities. At Highland Park, where the Model T was produced, he 
organized English classes for newly hired immigrants, which assisted 
them in receiving their first citizenship papers. In 1930, Henry Ford 
announced that he would spend $100 million and devote the remainder of 
his life promoting and supporting educational concepts. Of the some 60 
schools supported by Henry Ford, the one that brought him the greatest 
satisfaction and pride was the Henry Ford Trade School.
  The Henry Ford Trade School, established in Highland Park in 1916 
with one instructor and a class of six disadvantaged students, quickly 
emerged as a pioneer of the modern concept of combining vocational 
training with related formal classroom instruction. Upon its move to 
the Rouge Complex in Dearborn in 1931, the school continued to offer 
educational opportunities to young men through the year 1952. At its 
peak, there were more than 2,800 students, aged 13-17, and 135 
instructors. A hot lunch was furnished without charge and for their 
effort, students were awarded a weekly cash scholarship and a monthly 
stipend to deposit in a bank savings account until they left school.
  The training offered at Henry Ford Trade School took on new meaning 
with the advent of World War II and the technical skills of the 
graduates were employed and challenged in various capacities to support 
the war effort. Many students also served in the military.
  In order to properly acknowledge the inspiration and guidance of 
Henry Ford, the members of the Henry Ford Trade School Alumni 
Association, some 400 strong, will perpetuate his memory with the 
unveiling of a life-size bronze statue to be displayed at the welcome 
center for guests touring the factory at the newly reopened Rouge 
Complex.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and all of my colleagues rise and join me 
in honoring the members of the Henry Ford Trade School Alumni 
Association on the occasion of their celebration, and to pay tribute 
and recognize the commitment and dedication of the late Henry Ford.

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