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Henry Ford, the focal point of his grand estate was its powerhouse. It is interesting to note that the one validated cornerstone at Fair Lane is located not at the mansion but at this structure, laid here on October 28, 1914 by Ford's friend and mentor Thomas Alva Edison.
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The
Powerhouse is a testament to Ford's life
long interest in water power, his desire for
self-reliance and his wish to apply the methods of
industry and agriculture in ways
supportive of a decentralized rural society.
With the advice of Mr. Edison, Mr. Ford planned and
constructed the Powerhouse even before the residence was
completed. The structure is built of the same Ohio
limestone. Architecturally, it stands true to the
Wright prairie style originally intended for the main
house. |
The powerhouse cornerstone, laid by
Thomas A. Edison
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The Powerhouse
During
Construction, c. 1915 |
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Equipped
with state of the art hydro-electric generators, the
plant harnesses water power from the Rouge River
through an innovative venturi discharge accelerator system.
A 300 foot long underground tunnel connected to the
residence channels all support systems such as electricity,
steam, telephone, hot and cold water and even
compressed air.
The
upper most of the six floors contained Ford's
Experimental Laboratory. It was there that for eight
years development went forward on Ford's
unsuccessful "X" engine. Also part of the
Powerhouse is Fair Lane's garage
which housed, |
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along with Henry and
Clara's personal autos, cars of
many other makes, |
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in stages of assembly and
disassembly. Today the restored garage contains displays of the Fords' own
vehicles and a running example of a
common Model "T", the car that made the
creation of Fair Lane possible. |
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Tour Fair Lane's Garage |
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