The Flivver King: A Story of Ford-America

Abner goes to work and becomes “a cog in a machine which had been conceived in the brain of Henry Ford, and was now in process of incubation. [...] [Ford] was going to do the thinking, not merely for himself, but for Abner—and this was something which suited Abner perfectly” (25). The foreman shows Abner what to do, and the routine nature of the work appeals to Abner.

The plant where Abner works assembles six cars a day, an unheard-of number, out of parts that have been made elsewhere. The general manager divides the task of assembly into parts “sufficient to occupy ten hours of a workingman’s time, moving as fast as he could be pushed” (26). Abner’s task is to bring two wheels at a time from a shed and attach each to the axle. Attaching the wheels properly requires care and attention, and Abner’s familiarity with attaching and detaching bicycle wheels enables him to learn the job quickly. He shows his enthusiasm by working quickly, and that pace becomes the norm: “if ever he fell behind, there would be dark looks and stern questions” (27).

Next, Abner learns to install the warning bell, the lantern, and the cushioned seats on the car.