Automotive
Michigan's predominance in the automotive industry was established early in the twentieth century. The Clarke Library has a significant number of automotive related documents and publications, speaking to this aspect of the state's history.
Among the most interesting documents are early brochures discussing firms once prominent but now almost forgotten. Alma's Republic Truck was once among the nation's leading truck manufacturers. In the years after World War I, one out of every nine trucks in the United States was built by Republic. Bad luck and the unexpected loss of senior management, however, led to the firm's eventual decline.
Automotive dare devils also helped popularize the industry. Barney Oldfield, pictured on the right in one of his many race cars, was one of the country's most prominent racers. He, and drivers like him, made automobiles the talk of every town in the early years of the 20th century.