Automobile Manufacturers of Cleveland and Ohio, 1864–1942

This comprehensive look at the heyday of automobile manufacturing in Ohio chronicles the region’s early prominence in an industry that was inventing itself. More than 550 Ohio manufacturers are covered, from Abbott to Zent. There are familiar marques, such as Jordan, Baker, Peerless, and White of Cleveland, along with Packard, Stutz, Crosley and Willys. Less well-known and forgotten automotive ventures, such Auto-Bug, Darling and Ben-Hur, are documented, although many never got beyond the concept stage. Attention is given to the various ancillary industries, services and organizations which nurtured, developed with and, in many cases, survived the decline of Cleveland’s automotive industry.

Retired attorney Frank E. Wrenick is an award-winning transportation author and lecturer who has participated in the restoration of World War II aircraft and a 1918 steam locomotive. He lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
Elaine V. Wrenick is a retired systems analyst and program designer. Her grandfather, Asa Orra Walworth, manufactured the Walworth automobile in Chicago during 1904–1905.

Frank E. Wrenick with Elaine V. Wrenick
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 268
Bibliographic Info: 126 photos, appendices, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2016
pISBN: 978-0-7864-7535-3
eISBN: 978-1-4766-2356-6
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents


Foreword by John J. Grabowski 1

Preface 3

Introduction 5

Part I. The Automobiles of Cleveland 7

   An Overview 7

   The Manufacturers 30

Part II. The Automobiles of Ohio 143

   An Overview 143

   The Manufacturers 145

Appendix 1: Cleveland Automobile Manufacturers by Year 237

Appendix 2: Leading Cleveland Automobile Marques by Name and Address 240

Appendix 3: Ohio Automobile Manufacturers by City 243

Appendix 4: Unusual Vehicle Names 250

Bibliography 251

Index 253

“well-researched and documented…well written in a highly readable style…fine addition to automotive history”—SAH Journal; “the authors have done a masterful job in bringing together Ohio’s automotive history in a very readable format. Regional histories such as this are extremely helpful when doing research and this book would be a welcome addition to any auto historian’s shelf”—Antique Automobile; “the definitive book on the role of Cleveland and Ohio during the early days of the automobile industry…well-researched and documented…well written in a highly readable style…absolutely fascinating. I commend the Wrenicks on a fine addition to automotive history and McFarland & Company for continuing to publish such books”—CCCA Bulletin; “recommended”—Automobile; “well written and very informative. Recommended”—ARBA; “recommended”—The Automobile; “don’t miss a word toward the front of Automobile Manufacturers of Cleveland and Ohio. This is where you’ll read about Ohio and how important it was to the early automotive industry…each paragraph has a number of important facts worth remembering…McFarland has printed the book on quality paper. Not only that, but the type is large enough to read without a magnifying glass. Both are welcome…an important research tool.”—Horseless Carriage Gazette.