History Franklin (automobile)

1 history

1.1 die-cast manufacturer
1.2 wilkinson engine
1.3 franklin automobiles
1.4 first franklin
1.5 light roadster
1.6 franklin innovations

1.6.1 change in oiling system
1.6.2 doman s list of firsts


1.7 gallery of selected models
1.8 production
1.9 syracuse auto industry
1.10 touring
1.11 franklin employees
1.12 unique design
1.13 automobile shows
1.14 test track
1.15 court action
1.16 franklin automobile school
1.17 testing party
1.18 race circuit
1.19 company officers
1.20 commercial success
1.21 world war i
1.22 public company
1.23 lower prices
1.24 industrial complex

1.24.1 construction 1902
1.24.2 construction 1904
1.24.3 construction 1905
1.24.4 construction 1906

1.24.4.1 repair shop


1.24.5 construction 1912
1.24.6 construction 1915
1.24.7 construction 1916
1.24.8 construction 1917
1.24.9 construction 1919


1.25 dealerships
1.26 wilkinson departs
1.27 economy , quality
1.28 garage , service station
1.29 airplane engine

1.29.1 test engine in air


1.30 warning signs
1.31 lower prices again
1.32 v12 engine design
1.33 bank management
1.34 business cycle
1.35 great depression
1.36 assets sold
1.37 aircraft engines
1.38 smithsonian

history

alex t. brown , john wilkinson of h. h. franklin manufacturing company in 1 of gasoline automobiles after record run on rough country roads, february 21, 1902

the franklin motor car invented engineer john wilkinson , manufactured industrialist herbert h. franklin , marketed under name.

franklin worked newspaper publisher, real estate agent , columbia bicycle shop owner in coxsackie, new york. after quit publishing business in 1893, relocated syracuse, new york.

die-cast manufacturer

herbert franklin became interested in die casting when employee of valve company had helped bring coxsackie experimenting hydrostatic moulding process , known die-casting.

franklin presented opportunity buy patent process of die-casting , jumped @ chance. later, accurately predicted developing process revolutionize metal manufacturing business.

by 1893 money earned many enterprises in coxsackie supported him year , helped him launch h. h. franklin manufacturing company, first machine die-casting enterprise in world. company incorporated on december 12, 1895.

h. h. franklin manufacturing company - die-cast bearing bushings in 1909

the die-casting business split subsidiary called franklin die-casting corp. in 1926 h. h. franklin manufacturing company reabsorbed die-casting subsidiary and, consequently, went under when parent company failed.

wilkinson engine

john wilkinson born on february 11, 1868. native of syracuse , member of 1 of city s prominent families. grandfather, john wilkinson, sr., 1 of original settlers in syracuse. young man, wilkinson sr. took inspiration poem ancient city , named new village syracuse. city planner , laid out , named village streets.

wilkinson described rugged, good-natured, outgoing , athletic , attended cornell university, starred in baseball, track , football , managed finish coursework honors. earned degree in mechanical engineering in 1889 , found job local manufacturer of bicycles — mode of transportation in vogue. went on become champion cyclist while developing keen interest in inner-workings of internal combustion engines , motor cars.

before met herbert franklin, wilkinson designed , built 2 prototype vehicles. in summer of 1898 tinkered one-cylinder air-cooled gasoline engine , january 1, 1900, demonstrated first automobile. though wilkinson s designs caught attention of group of new york businessmen, failed put wilkinson s car production.

one day while visiting c. e. lipe machine shop, h. h. franklin manufacturing company die-casting business located, member of group introduced wilkinson herbert h. franklin, took ride in wilkinson s second prototype. franklin impressed , discussed idea alexander t. brown, 1 of members of new york automobile club. between them agreed wilkinson should drop previous experiments , start anew. brown , franklin invested $1,100 wilkinson build third prototype, went on become franklin s first production model.

franklin automobiles

alexander t. brown of syracuse, new york - entrepreneur

wilkinson signed formal contract franklin go business him producing air-cooled automobiles on july 1, 1901. alexander t. brown , herbert h. franklin combined efforts , created startup named brown , franklin commence building , promotion of franklin automobile. initial work of business financed equally both men. great franklin s faith in proposition, borrowed every cent of money.

store on west fayette street in syracuse first franklin car produced in period of 2 months - syracuse herald, june 23, 1912

the original staff consisted of 6 or 7 people. in 1 corner, drafting board in front of him, sat john wilkinson , bookkeeper, stenographer , others @ desks , tables. in original machine shop 2 mechanics. these 2 men building first car. 2 months had worked shaping part , shaping that, until day came when had complete car. later brown , franklin absorbed h. h. franklin manufacturing company.

the company s first home four-story building @ northeast corner of west fayette , south geddes streets, leased brown lipe gear company.

on november 1, 1901 h. h. franklin manufacturing company restructured , franklin automobile company spun off separate entity. herbert franklin named business after himself , president , primary shareholder. gave john wilkinson stock , appointed him chief engineer. in days, franklin ran business side , wilkinson made engineering , manufacturing decisions. alexander t. brown , willard c. lipe important figures in founding of company , original office in c. e. lipe machine shop.

from outset, wilkinson wanted build car lightweight , economical. believed should acme of simplicity, owner of franklin car have little possible mechanically. first drawings of vehicle contained idea of self starter operated compressed air.

by december 1901, local newspaper announced h. h. franklin manufacturing company began operation of automobile factory @ west fayette , south geddes streets in building owned lipe estate. company place gasoline carriages on market in spring. factory includes woodworking department in bodies made.

a total of 4 experimental machines made before company attempted produce market.

during 1902 franklin sold total of 13 cars priced @ $1,100 each, , modest beginning went on become successful car company. 28 years, 1902 1930, company thrived , during of time enjoyed distinction of being city s largest employer.

the first franklin

first model ever produced in 1902 first franklin owner, s. g. averell of new york city - automotive industries, volume 26, 1911

the first franklin took 2 months build , on market june 23, 1902. holds distinction of being first four-cylinder automobile produced in united states. cars of time had single or two-cylinder motor. franklin had hoped, four-cylinder engine eliminated bouncing suffered cars manufactured more common one-cylinder engines.

the car weighed 900 pounds (410 kg) , traveled 12 miles per hour (19 km/h). vertical four-cylinder air-cooled engine overhead valves sat transversely @ front of wooden chassis. franklin concept copied both marion , premier auto makers of indianapolis, indiana.

the car test driven on short trip cortland, new york, , returned home way of skaneateles 1 afternoon. s. g. averell, new york sportsman , relative of new york governor w. averell harriman, bought car on june 23, 1902. paid $1,200. had chain drive , engine mounted crosswise. four-cylinder engine weighing 230 pounds (100 kg) one-fourth weight of car. car had jump spark ignition, splash lubrication , enclosed planetary transmission. gear ratio 12-to-1 low , 4-to-1 high , there reverse gear 2 forward. steering gear on right, wheel control.

light roadster

by september 1902 1,000 pounds (450 kg) light roadster being advertised nationally in automobile review. engine air-cooled, 7-horsepower bore of cylinders 3.25-inch (83 mm) 3.25-inch (83 mm) stroke. ignition system jump spark coil vibrator operated dynamo , storage battery. wheelbase 66-inch (1,700 mm) standard tread , 28-inch (710 mm) wheels.

the vehicle s gasoline tank had capacity of 7 gallons , 2 forward speeds , reverse complemented 2 brakes — double-acting band on differential , transmission brake.

the bodies made individual or racing seats or ordinary single seat. wooden wheels, designed company, fitted.

franklin built light tonneau weighed 1,250 pounds (570 kg). had longer wheelbase , tonneau detachable , converted powerful touring car if desired.

the company built heavier tonneau four-cylinder engine , total weight of 2,500 pounds (1,100 kg). size of engines 5-inch (130 mm) stroke , 5-inch (130 mm) bore.

franklin innovations

franklin automobile company of syracuse, new york - showing longitudinal mounting of 4 cylinder engine.

franklin automobile company leader in innovation. franklin cars air-cooled, considered simpler , more reliable water cooling. company s advertisements , brochures explained air cooling did away radiators, hoses, water pumps , headaches of normal engine boiling , freezing.

in july 1902, h. h. franklin manufacturing company introduced constant level carburetor. designed enable engine operate through great ranges of speed , throttle without change in quality of mixture compensate problem earlier carburetors speed of engine limited amount of gasoline engine drew differing amounts of air.

franklin cars technological leaders, first six-cylinders (by 1905) , later year, first eight-cylinder engine built wilkinson in preparation vanderbilt cup race placing 2 four-cylinder engines in tandem. automatic spark advance introduced in 1907. undisputed leaders in air-cooled cars @ time when virtually every other manufacturer had adopted water cooling cheaper , easier manufacture. before invention of antifreeze, air-cooled car had huge advantage in cold weather, , franklins popular among people such doctors, needed all-weather machine. limitation of air-cooling size of cylinder bore , available area valves, limited power output of earlier franklins. 1921, change in cooling—moving fan sucking hot air blowing cool air—led way gradual increase in power.

h. h. franklin mfg. co. - franklin 4-cylinder vertical air-cooled motor - august 17, 1905

the automobile lightweight, critical determinant in well-performing car time, given limited power of engines available. franklins wood-framed, although first model in 1902 constructed angle iron frame. beginning in 1928, heavier franklin models adopted conventional pressed-steel frame.

franklin s wooden frames, along full-elliptic leaf springs, offered baby buggy ride on unpaved roads of day. wilkinson used wooden frame constructed of three-ply laminated ash. benefits twofold: decreasing weight of vehicle , providing better material absorb shocks.

aluminum bodies part of john wilkinson s obsessive quest scientific light weight strived in franklin vehicles. lightweight aluminum used in quantity, extent franklin believed largest user of aluminum in world. franklin offered scientific light weight , flexible construction @ time when other luxury car manufacturers making ponderous machines.

through 1915, franklin models capable of top speed on 65 mph (105 km/h) , others provide 32 miles per gallon (7.4 l/100 km) under conditions. last year of exposed valves in engine, exposed points meant lubricated every day @ noon, according car s manual , 1914. subsequently valves enclosed in individual dustproof chambers or rocker boxes , lubricated oil-soaked felt pads.

change in oiling system

in 1912, franklin introduced change in air-cooled motor when began using re-circulating type of oiling system on 10-horsepower model. in re-circulating system, oil carried in sub-base bolted regular engine base , forced gear driven pump through individual leads each of main bearings of motor , sight feed on dash. . designed james albert smith, design known colloquially—and descriptively—as smith s urinal .

it intention of designers of franklin motor oiling system not reduce possibility of smoking add economy of motor, , average consumption of oil in new models between 400 500 us gal (1,500 1,900 l; 330 420 imp gal). convenience of new type of oiling system leads placed outside of engine base, readily accessible in case of difficulty.

doman s list of firsts

carl doman franklin automobile company chief engineer in latter days of company. in 1954 cited list of franklin firsts:

first 4-cylinder engine (1902). original model built in 1898.
first in scientific light weight , flexible construction (1902).
fundamental features (1902), such light unsprung weight, full elliptic springs , air-cooling appeared in first car marketed.
first in valve-in-head cylinder (1902).
first in throttle control (1902).
first float-feed carburetor (1902).
first 6-cylinder engine (1905). engine exhibited @ 1906 auto show in new york.
first employ drive through springs (1906).
first use transmission service brake (1906).
first adopt automatic spark advance (1907).
first use individual re-circulating pressure feed oiling system engine (1912).
first use exhaust jacket heating intake gases (1913).
pioneered closed bodies. first production sedan (1913).
pioneered aluminum pistons (1915).
first use electric carburetor primer facilitate cold weather starting (1917).
first use case-hardened crankshaft in regular production (1921).
first use centrifugal air-cleaner carburetor (1922).
first use duralumin connecting rods in regular production (1922).
first employ narrow steel front body pillar construction (1925).


gallery of selected models

main gallery of images: commons:category:franklin vehicles

early production

offerings 1904 included touring car model detachable rear tonneau , seated 4 passengers. transverse-mounted, vertical straight-four engine, producing 10 hp (7.5 kw), mounted @ front of car. 2-speed planetary transmission fitted. car weighed 1,100 pounds (500 kg). list price us$1300. contrast, ford model f in 1905 priced @ $2,000, fal us$1750, cole 30 or colt runabout us$1500, ford model s $700, high-volume oldsmobile runabout us$650, western s gale model us$500, black low $375, , success hit amazingly low us$250.

the majority of franklin auto parts built in franklin plant designed , manufactured complete engine including carburetor, bearings, connecting rod forgings, valve springs , pistons. franklin manufactured transmissions, front , rear axles, steering gears, stampings, bodies , instrument panels.

syracuse auto industry

in addition franklin automobile company, there several other motorized vehicle manufacturers in syracuse area during 1900s. these included, brennan motor manufacturing company, century motor vehicle company manufacturers of steam powered model, h. a. moyer automobile company carriage builders , later moved manufacturers of high-grade pleasure cars, chase motor truck company pioneers in two-cycle, air-cooled commercial vehicle field, palmer-moore company , sanford-herbert motor truck company manufactured 2 lines of commercial vehicles.

early touring

franklin 6-cylinder, 30 horsepower, air-cooled motor copper flanges, used in type h car - automotive industries vol. 15, july 5, 1906

on july 18, 1902, few weeks after cars debut, willard c. lipe, vice-president of h. h. franklin manufacturing company, gave 1 of company s automobiles little endurance run when drove car 57 miles (92 km) lisle, new york, returning same day. accompanied w. h. brown. total run day 134 miles (216 km). on return, left lisle @ 2:00 pm , reached onondaga street in syracuse @ 7:30 pm. no effort made break speed records, demonstrate reliable, steady going qualities of vehicle has wilkinson four-cylinder air-cooled motor. although afternoon hot, motor took hills without slightest difficulty. lipe believed of hills long, steep , rough can found in state.

john wilkinson traveled new york city in franklin 30-horsepower, six-cylinder franklin on july 14, 1906. reached hotel manhattan in automobile after fast run syracuse. trip took 15 hours , 15 minutes. left syracuse @ 4:45 , reached hotel @ 8:00 pm.

according wilkinson had splendid run. averaged 25 miles (40 km) hour. roads smooth, run syracuse little falls trifle rough. however, made time between these points. wilkinson had made trip in day on 2 former occasions including once c. benjamin in little touring runabout.

franklin employees

help wanted - new york world, april 21, 1903

the company grew 1 small building 65 employees in 1901, 18 buildings 3,200 workers 1921. syracuse attracted mechanically minded workers, many of whom matured become famous innovative genius.

in july 1931, local newspaper reported result of franklin working hard himself, gets utmost out of men. . @ time, franklin automobile company 1 of oldest auto manufacturers in country , reason, oldest employer of auto workers in united states. statistics showed there lower labor turnover @ other automobile plant. applied executive staff, many of whom had been franklin since company began business in 1902.

franklin automobile company summer outing - 17 franklin cars in clinton square, automotive industries, august 20, 1906

the associated heads of departments of h. h. franklin manufacturing company organization embraces within membership heads of departments of both factory , office. outing arranged once month during summer, , last 1 held partook of nature of long tour, 17 cars furnished company carried members of association through of picturesque , historic regions of central new york.

the long line of air-cooled cars left auto works @ 1:00pm , after posing photographs in clinton square, left city way of old fayetteville toll road, through hamlet of orville , town of manlius. next stop cazenovia, 900 feet (270 m) above level of syracuse, magnificent view of cazenovia lake , surrounding country can seen. group traveled through chittenango falls , chittenango springs before returning syracuse.

female employees @ franklin, july 29, 1909



unique design

franklin runabout fitted flanged wheels doing train service delivering mail out of brownsville, texas in october 1909

franklins rather odd-looking cars, although distinctly handsome renault-style hoods. starting in 1925, @ demand of dealers, franklins redesigned conventional cars sporting massive nickel-plated dummy radiator served air intake , called hoodfront. design j. frank decausse enabled franklin employ classic styling. same year, franklin introduced boat-tail car design.

the franklin luxury car, though less costly packard or cadillac. direct competitors included buick, hudson , jordan l car.

franklin s actual horsepower lagged respect competition, yet moved on road fast. road ability exceptional. franklin had reputation being easy , restful car drive on long trips because of light spring on foot throttle. kept right foot getting tired.

automobile shows

the first automobile show held in 1899, according h. h. franklin; 1 might truth not exposition @ all, simply, assembling of manufactures going automobile business of season.

advertisement 1912 auto show in syracuse, new york - syracuse herald, march 12, 1912

a true exposition took place in january 1907, when automobile show held @ madison square garden in new york. franklin auto company participant.

during week of january 25, 1908, franklin automobile show held @ alhambra hall in syracuse. each of out of town accessory firms displayed products , had representative in city. franklin exhibit prepared under direction of george d. babcock, of h. h. franklin manufacturing company. machines used in franklin laboratories , @ cornell university , syracuse university testing purposes included in exhibit. among devices determining strength , life of metals, resiliency , strength of wood , durability of finished parts, valves , springs.

the collection of 1908 models more complete has ever before been attempted company, new york or chicago shows. working models of automobiles made scale showed hill climbing tests , various phases of engine efficiency. every department of factory represented , showed processes of construction handled. company displayed 1 of each type of engine franklin ever made, including first experimental model conceived firm.

in january 1913, franklin showed 4 machines in national automobile show in madison square garden in special air-cooling exhibit. there 4 models on display year, touring, roadster, coupe , sedan, bodies mounted on six-thirty chassis exclusively made exhibit. automobiles shown 2 big sixes of franklin line; model d five-passenger touring car , of same model, four-passenger torpedo phaeton 2 little sixes, including model m five-passenger touring car , second model m two-passenger, victoria phaeton.

a striking feature of cars shown color of model d, torpedo phaeton. painted in old coach design colors , finished in primrose yellow shining black trimmings. car upholstered in soft gray leather of new finish 1912 which, in contrast bright yellow of car body, presented striking appearance.

auto show - exterior of h. h. franklin manufacturing co., april 22, 1922

the model d touring car , little 6 touring car painted in regulation color, franklin blue black body trimmings. little six, model m victoria phaeton, two-passenger runabout, had brewster green body black running gear.

franklin automobile company - 1914 franklin sedan owned h. h. franklin - sales agents william bull , t. a. young driving - syracuse herald, january 4, 1914

the air-cooling exhibit planned show 1 of novel ever attempted franklin @ automobile show. consisted of six-cylinder motor mounted on chassis, , motor seen running, getting power motor generator of entz electric starter system, regular equipment on franklin models. sloping hood of cooling chassis had glass sides , glass top. additionally, dash , toe board of chassis made out of glass. permitted spectators obtain full view of engine run under power of electric starter.

the franklin exhibit consisted of pleasure cars , cooling chassis, during past year, had discontinued manufacture of commercial cars. of franklin employees attended january 1913, show herbert h. franklin, president; john g. barker; john wilkinson, chief engineer; author holmes; m. h. emond; ralph murphey , t. a. young.

during january 1914, national automobile show in new york city, 1 of models shown franklin sedan designed man likes drive own machine in weathers , yet wants larger coupe. car built five-passengers.

test track

by time may 1904, rolled around, residents of south geddes street in syracuse between delaware , west onondaga streets aroused on use of geddes street hill automobile drivers testing purposes. group filed complaint city authorities. preparing take further action insure safety of had occasion use street daily ordinary traffic.

residents measured distance between delaware , onondaga streets , timed automobile. found car going more 30 miles per hour (48 km/h). highest speed claimed attained machines approached hill preparatory ascent.

the h. h. franklin manufacturing company had sent letter in reply referring complaint made commissioner of public safety, r. s. bowen, saying necessity company use geddes street on company s plant situated, testing purposes. purpose of complaint residents city enforce speed ordinance.

court action

an action brought against herbert h. franklin, alexander t. brown, john wilkinson , h. h. franklin manufacturing company on february 28, 1905, plaintiffs; ernest i. white, arthur r. peck , edward n. trump , went trial in justice scripture s special term of new york supreme court.

the plaintiffs sued $50,000 damages on ground franklin , wilkinson, while in employ, took new ideas regard automobiles, models , drawings belonging them , formed h. h. franklin manufacturing company giving them no returns money had spent in developing machines.

automobile school @ h. h. franklin manufacturing company, july 29, 1909

the first witness called edward n. trump, mechanical , chemical engineer, general manager of solvay process company. reported wilkinson hired men composing new york automobile company develop automobile. machine wilkinson showed him cooled air, instead of water jacket. time had never heard of air-cooled automobile. machine had four-cylinders , gasoline fuel used. wilkinson afterward developed improved machine, made new york automobile company @ plant of straight line engine company.

w. b. crowley appeared plaintiffs, giles heath stillwell, h. h. franklin , h. h. franklin manufacturing company. king, waters & page represented alexander t. brown , theodore e. hancock john wilkinson.

franklin automobile school

by june 29, 1909, repairman s course offered in automobile school @ factory of h. h. franklin manufacturing company. 3 members of class constructed 2 franklin cars raw stock in 2 weeks. work passed upon testers, cars in regular course of manufacture tested.

the class had 26 members, under supervision of i. o. hoffman, formerly instructor @ syracuse university. course 26 weeks long , provided both theory , practice, of time being spent in practical work.

franklin automobile company - june 1909 testing party took 842 miles (1,355 km) trip in five-day tour - company president, herbert h. franklin drove largest car (on left)


testing party

during june 1909, 3 of newer models 1910 season tested company president, herbert h. franklin himself, specially organized party of factory heads. franklin driving 1 of 3 cars , subjected five-day tour in drove average of 167 miles (269 km) per day, or total of 823 miles (1,324 km). on roads, through mountain climbs, , wherever hard going found in general direction in party traveling.

the main course syracuse boston, massachusetts extensive detour through catskills. largest car 7 passenger 42-horsepower machine driven franklin. other 2 cars 28-horsepower touring car carrying 5 passengers , driven assistant engineer, arthur holmes, , four-passenger car of 18 horsepower driven engineer, r. a. vail. party included vice-president, giles h. stillwell, secretary-treasurer, f. a. barton, sales manager, f. r. bump, advertising manager, j. e. walker, sundry sales manager, j. g. barker, traffic manager, herbert hess, superintendent, frederick j. haynes, chief engineer, john wilkinson, engineer, r. w. coughtry , charles slingerland.

race circuit

franklin takes 10th place in eagle rock hill event - horseless age, january 3, 1903

franklin realized on value of auto racing public relations tool. wilkinson had recent experience bicycle racer , put knowledge work promoting franklin in races , endurance events. achievement took planning doing. gasoline had provided @ prearranged pick-up places, commercial supply spots unknown on wide reaches. indians , chinese, among others seeing cars on hard route, expressed child-like wonder @ seeing carriages without horses.

the first race winton trip san francisco new york on $50 bet dr. horatio nelson jackson, of burlington, vermont, , driver, sewell k. crocker. made in 63 days.
john wilkinson raced against barney oldfield in 1902, winning state 5 miles (8.0 km) championship in record time of 6:54:06.
in 1903, franklin participant in third annual hill climbing contest on eagle rock hill in west orange, new jersey, held automobile club of new jersey on thanksgiving day. there 36 entries in competition. 1,700 pound franklin 10-horsepower came in tenth place in event number two.


by 1904, franklin four-cylinder stock car set record in transcontinental run in 32 days, 23 hours , 20 minutes. triumph of light air-cooled engine car sent demand franklins zooming.


1910 franklin model winner of one-gallon fuel economy contest held buffalo automobile club



in 1905, franklin first market six-cylinder engine, helped car halve old coast coast record following year.
demonstrating reliability, l. l. whitman drove franklin fire-ravaged, quake shattered san francisco new york city in august 1906, in 15 days 2 hours 12 minutes, road distance of 4,100 miles (6,600 km) clocked , new record. whitman well-known transcontinentalist held san francisco new york city record of 33 days. trip began on august 2, 1906, @ 6:00 pm. men in charge c. s. carris, m. s. bates, james daley, c. b. harris , s. l. whitman , car driving franklin six-cylinder, regular stock machine fitted runabout. in order there no delay in case of breakdown, franklin had shipped necessary parts of automobile cities along route including; reno, omaha, ogden, utah , cheyenne, wyoming. these parts consisted of axle, 4 wheels, , of necessary machinery repair part of auto. held until machine arrives there , in case not needed there shipped ogden cheyenne , city omaha. men in charge of auto not intend stop @ between san francisco , new york except in case of accident. sleep , eat on machine , auto kept in motion @ times. carrying 2 teams of drivers, big car went on 8,000 feet (2,400 m) grades, plowed through trackless desert, traveled 30 miles (48 km) on railroad ties, , suffered 66 hours of delay, not deducted total elapsed time transcontinental trek.


in 1907, four-cylinder franklin established speed record chicago new york when made trip in 39 hours , 53 minutes.


preferred stock - h. h. franklin manufacturing company, april 8, 1920



during june 1909, 1910 franklin won one-gallon fuel economy contest held buffalo automobile club. car broke economy contest records on course 16.5 miles (26.6 km) in length roundtrip total 33 miles (53 km) club headquarters in williamsville, new york , straight out main street in buffalo. driver s. g. averell in 1910 model g franklin weighing total of 2,498 pounds (1,133 kg) went 46.1 miles (74.2 km) on allotted 1 gallon of gasoline. averall broke record held himself 1909 franklin model g made in new york city 2 months previous. cars in contest except franklin water-cooled.
in 1911, franklin model d placed second in desert races trek los angeles, california, phoenix, arizona, driven ralph hamlin. car had air-cooled 302 cubic-inch, six-cylinder, 38-horsepower engine mounted on 123-inch (3,100 mm) wheelbase chassis.
one of final tests of speed , durability took place in 1929 when e. g. cannonball baker driving franklin, raced , beat new york central s crack 20th century limited passenger train on run new york chicago.

company officers

giles h. stilwell, head of company legal department, quoted in january 1904, @ annual banquet of automobile club of syracuse @ yates hotel saying; lawyer looks @ automobiling standpoint of how many suits can out of it. sportsman asks how fast go? manufacturer asks how cost make 1 , how many can sell? manufacturer has troubles. consumer complains , takes troubles dealer, , dealer shifts them manufacturer. manufacturer time studying improve machine. not belong before majority of people use vehicles own , operate automobiles, , roads follow , recognition of rights of automobilists.

by january 29, 1912, annual election of stockholders of h. h. franklin manufacturing company , franklin automobile company held in syracuse.

officers of franklin automobile company included;

h. h. franklin, president
john wilkinson, vice-president
frank a. barton, secretary , treasurer

directors were;

h. h. franklin
john wilkinson
frank a. barton
g. h. stilwell
e. h. dunn

commercial success

a 1911 franklin truck - syracuse post-standard, march 25, 1912

in 1911, franklin commercial division located @ 242 east water street in syracuse.

by june, 1912 state of california adopted franklin cars use highway commission. in mining districts of arizona , new mexico, franklin practically car used mining engineers.

in philippines, franklin cars had been in use years superintendents , in new zealand utilized large business enterprises. franklin in use in daily service, summer , winter, in yukon district of alaska.

world war i

during world war i, wilkinson selected work cal vincent of packard in 1917 design liberty v-12, 450-horsepower aircraft engine. engine first designed water-cooled , later revamped @ mccook field in dayton, ohio v-12 air-cooled engine. these first experiments basis later air-cooled cylinder designs used during world war ii , today in military commercial aircraft.

while wilkinson assisting development of v-12 engine, h. h. franklin manufacturing company concentrated on mass production of vital parts rolls royce engines. need additional space in factory dire, franklin added many additions plant during war years. franklin s facilities producing automobiles complete , modern in industry.

public company

in february, 1920, h. h. franklin manufacturing company, owned of capital stock of franklin automobile company, offered additional $1,000,000 of 7 percent, cumulative preferred sinking-fund stock @ $100 share , accrued dividends.

the franklin directors concluded fundamental features of franklin car should incorporated in low price vehicle; 1 sell $1,000. directors made decision sell additional stock , monies generated, purchased acreage on thompson road opposite oberdorfer foundry. separate organization set in building on south salina street design, develop, , prepare production of new small car.

preferred stock - h. h. franklin manufacturing company, june 18, 1922

the company stated production schedule 1920 on 16,000 cars, increase of 80 percent on 1919 production. summary of profits previous 5 years showed average yearly earnings equal 4 times dividend requirements on $3,500,000 preferred stock. net sales @ end of december 1919, $23,466,000 , net profits after depreciation $1,841,000.

lower prices

by september 1920, (more year after end of world war i), h. h. franklin manufacturing company joined ford motor company of detroit, michigan, in movement bring nationwide reduction in commodity prices pre-war levels. company announced radical cut in prices of franklin autos lowered 17 percent 21 percent.

h. h. franklin, president of company, in discussing price-reduction decision reporter said that, agreed heartily mr. ford prices must come down, , sooner business of country gets normal, better industry, commerce , people. franklin promised wages @ plant not affected lowering of prices , remain @ present level.

the franklin company @ once go producers of materials used in manufacture of franklin cars , fight modification of existing contracts, such modifications provide price concessions corresponding made on franklin motor car prices.

production ramped new, smaller model , engineer james l. yarian hired reference wilkinson. on production side, joseph baboock chosen years of experience.

franklin automobile company engineer, carl doman wrote in 1954 results of franklin small car design;

cars assembled road tested. every 1 enthusiastic performance satisfactory , riding quality outstanding. recall car had decided join small car division directly after graduating university of michigan. project started, stopped. why? no 1 seemed have answer however, on situation through eyes of mature person rather through eyes of twenty-two year old, believe lack of capital. large production have required high sums working capital. in 1954 regretfully on small car project can see turning in road franklin. had been able continue car convinced franklin ford, or chevrolet, or chrysler in sales volume , industrial strength.

industrial complex

franklin automobile company had yearly payroll of $7,300,000 in april 1920. largest industrial concern in city of syracuse.

by 1921 when wilkinson honored on 20th anniversary of franklin car, 70,000 had been shipped. franklin sold in 525 cities in united states , in 12 foreign countries. company had grown 1 small building 65 employees in 1901, , 1921 franklin plant covered 34.5 acres (140,000 m), occupied 18 large buildings, , employed 3,200 workmen. finished car rolled off final assembly floor every 13 minutes. total floor space of franklin complex grew substantially on years;

1918 - 16.5 acres (67,000 m)
1919 - 23.4 acres (95,000 m)
1920 - 34.5 acres (140,000 m) (planned , under construction)

the manufacturing plant located @ south geddes , marcellus streets on near westside, current site of fowler high school. facility bounded geddes, gifford, magnolia , marcellus streets. franklin major employer in syracuse.

construction 1902

in august 1902, robert j. reidpath, architectural engineer, of buffalo, new york, hired design first franklin manufacturing plant on south geddes , otisco streets. contract awarded firm of james e. leamy & company of syracuse. there 12 bids made work , final bid $40,000. plans called five-story factory building, 53 feet (16 m) 110 feet (34 m) 2 boiler house 30 feet (9.1 m) 50 feet (15 m) , brick smokestack 150 feet (46 m) high. building material brick , trimmings stone.

leamy noted lines buildings run tomorrow , buildings commenced immediately. final completion date late december 1902. architect, gordon a. wright, of syracuse had general architectural supervision of work. building equipped elevator , had complete power system installed westinghouse company. there 25,000 gallon water tank on roof connected sprinkling system.

plans in works 2 additional buildings. 1 40 feet (12 m) 60 feet (18 m) , located @ rear of main factory. building used charging motors gasoline. other structure located @ left of main building , utilized office. three-story building modern improvements. building erected in spring , in meantime, office located on first floor of factory.

the factory placed in operation before present location in lipe shop disturbed. number of employees increased 300 during 1903 , increased 350 1904. factory used jointly in manufacture of both automobiles , die-castings.

construction 1904

a charging station planned may 29, 1904, in south geddes street. contractor william j. burns , architect m. c. conway. building constructed of brick , steel , one-story high , 60 feet (18 m) 130 feet (40 m). used testing facility automobiles.

the second new building of year announced july 1904, when franklin announced addition automobile factory in south geddes street. robert j. reidpath, architectural engineer, of buffalo, new york, hired once again design 66 feet (20 m) 160 feet (49 m), five-story building. including equipment, project cost $75,000. w. j. burns contractor.

in august 1904, arrangements made construction of large power plant in connection series of factory buildings in south geddes street. architect architectural engineer, robert j. reidpath of buffalo , contractor william j. burns of syracuse. building brick construction , sufficiently large house engines , boilers capacity of 300-horsepower. new equipment, including boilers, engines , generators installed in new building. present plant inadequate company s needs dismantled. proposed have building , equipped , new factory, known letter c of series, ready occupancy before end of 1904.

there transfer of property on november 8, 1904, henry b. gifford , others herbert h. franklin of lot 6, block 3, farm lot 252, gere map, geddes $1. franklin transferred same property h. h. franklin manufacturing company $1.

a petition received city common council on october 24, 1904, h. h. franklin manufacturing company asking permission delaware, lackawanna & western railroad company extend company s plant in south geddes street spur track being extended kemp & burpee manufactuiong company s plant. following petition, alderman mcglade offered ordinance granting permission, unanimously adopted. railroad started work @ once , extended track additionally straight line engine works , kemp & burpee manufacturing company @ same time. necessary place 1,000 feet (300 m) of track @ cost of no less $25,000.

construction 1905

the h. h. franklin manufacturing company established gifford street entrance plant @ geddes, marcellus , gifford streets october 28, 1905. @ entrance lodge built accommodation of employees , others have occasion enter , leave works means of automobile.

the company bought 2 residences @ 714 , 716 gifford street removed make way new entrance. building erected 50 feet (15 m) 80 feet (24 m), one-story high , of artistic frame construction. contained lounging room, reading room , writing room. make comfortable place automobile owners rest while cars being charged or repaired.

previously, entrance factory grounds, repair shops , buildings on geddes street. company graded marcellus street property , built high board fence plant present attractive appearance.

construction 1906

automobile industries, 1906

the h. h. franklin manufacturing company awarded w. j. burns contract building reinforced concrete , brick building 65 feet (20 m) 100 feet (30 m) , five-stories high used general factory purposes. company going build one-story shipping building west of harbor brook served branch tracks. work cost $45,000. new building connect group of buildings on north wing. additional space , equipment increase in production of @ least 300 cars acquired.

in september, 1906, company announced plans construct fireproof freight house. additionally, company built both sawmill used in working material used in sills of franklin automobiles, , narrow-gauge railway throughout entire factory yards , buildings facilitate handling of materials. freight house constructed wide platforms, covered protruding roof. spur of lackawanna railroad complete, , tracks laid passed on each side of building, 1 side receiving goods , other dispatching them. equipment of department included, shipper s office, accumulating room, crating room , sundry packing department.

the construction , design of sawmill building similar of freight house, of different dimensions. sawmill 45 feet (14 m) 68 feet (21 m) , 30 feet (9.1 m) high. situated in lumber yard, parallel lackawanna tracks, lumber received passed directly through.

franklin factory night shift, 1906

a plan beautifying of grounds in operation. called grass plots, flower beds , climbing vines various buildings , many other features.

repair shop

by july, 1906, new garage established h. h. franklin manufacturing company in connection factory repair shop. every comfort in shape of waiting , reading rooms provided visitors.

construction 1912

factory yard of h. h. franklin automobile factory in 1906

the ground first broken in 1912 first of 2 large buildings located on gifford street @ cost of $50,000. r. j. reidpath, architect, of buffalo, new york, prepared plans. building 200 feet (61 m) 150 feet (46 m) , had 30,000 square feet (2,800 m) of floor space. new structure adjoined main factory building , devoted chiefly production of sundry parts.

a second building planned following year, 1913, , constructed next gifford street building. both buildings built of steel , brick , considered modern , fireproof. built accommodate repair shop, blacksmith shop , first chassis testing room.

during time, franklin employed 1,300 men, however, departments working until 9:00 pm. sales had grown 40 percent since 1911 , major growth , expansion anticipated.

construction 1915

in june 1917, company using 6.5 acres (26,000 m) of floor space building cars @ rate of 3,500 per year. comprehensive plan of expansion adopted @ time , large addition begun.

construction 1916

during period ending june 1916, 4 other additions begun. floor area of company increased more 16 acres (65,000 m), increase of on 150 percent in 1 year. then, company producing 75 cars per day.

construction 1917

the month of march 1917, biggest in history of franklin automobile company. company had added 5 new additions relieve congestion , able produce 1,000 cars in 233 working hours of month. rate of 1 car every 14 minutes, or 12,000 per year. according local newspaper; car production has gone ahead faster floor area. company had 200 percent increase in orders since september 1916, , books showed demand still ahead of supply.

the firm had secure space , leased crouse-hinds company building on jefferson street use making of tops , curtains open cars , assembling , testing of transmissions , storage. additionally, three-stories of heffron & tanner company s building in richmond avenue used storage of completed car bodies.

the largest building constructed used largely assembly plant. first floor occupied stockrooms, final inspection of cars, offices of traffic department , shipping. 6 covered railroad tracks facilitated handling of incoming , outgoing freight. fifteen steel oil tanks located underneath shipping platforms, protected fire , convenient uploading tank cars run on sidings. 6 of tanks of 12,000 gallons capacity , held entire contents of tank car. 4 of tanks held 2,000 gallons, 2 held 1,000 gallons , 3 had capacity of 3,000 gallons. engine oil, fuel oil, paints , other oils used in plant each had individual tank piped departments used. second floor of building devoted chassis testing department. on same level magnolia street on west side of plant, making convenient run out cars road work.

the third floor used final assembly, complete chassis coming down second floor bodies. assembly, axle, sill, transmission , steering device assemblies , storing of batteries occupied fourth floor. fifth floor used painting cars.

construction 1919

franklin square - converted apartments , office space in 1987

by 1919, firm set expansion after stock issued hiked $2,000,000 authorization of $7,000,000.

construction of new $500,000 addition plant , opening of large building body factory leasing of many thousand square feet of additional storage space in works august, 1919.

the expansion called immediate employment of 500 men possible addition of 500. franklin automobile company issued statement saying tremendous expansion policy result of determined effort lift production of franklin cars keep pace increasing demand , point yearly output 18,000 completed cars, or 1 car every 7 minutes of each working day.

the ground broken on august 2, 1919, new seven-story, re-enforced concrete manufacturing building. other expansion changes included leasing six-story manufacturing building near franklin works, work begin on manufacture of enclosed bodies franklin cars.

the company closed long term lease on edwards building in wholesale section of city gave factory 40,000 square feet (3,700 m) additional floor space used storage.

when changes , construction work completed, franklin company possessed 250,000 square feet (23,000 m) of additional floor space. new building, total of 160,000 square feet (15,000 m), located on same site original auto works on corner of marcellus , magnolia streets, adjoining building occupied paint shop, assemblies , inspection departments. large expanse of glass on sides make strictly daylight plant. 1920, company employed between 5,000 , 6,000 men in city.

dealerships

elmer lovejoy makes in wild goose chase in july 1909 in franklin purchased dealer in laramie, wyoming in stockholder

a number of carload express shipments of automobiles made in december, 1906 h. h. franklin manufacturing company san francisco dealers, boyer motor car company. returns on 1 of these shipments in form of c.o.d. (cash on delivery) received united states company, amounting $15,000, paid in gold. largest cash on delivery through syracuse office.

franklin first company establish district sales managers in charge of separate territories.

ralph hamlin became distributor franklins in southern california starting 1905. in mid-1920s, led group of franklin dealers in revolt against company, demanding freshly redesigned , uncontroversial styled car sell.

during july 1909, company opened 6 new branches around country in addition located in new york city, chicago , boston including san francisco, pittsburgh, pennsylvania, buffalo, new york, rochester, new york, albany, new york , syracuse.

herbert h. franklin made annual visit in july 1912, franklin branches , agents. itinerary included cleveland, cincinnati, chicago, salt lake city, los angeles, san diego, san francisco, portland, seattle, spokane, helena, st. paul , milwaukee.

wilkinson departs

in 1924, john wilkinson left company, allegedly though never verified, after falling-out herbert franklin on insistence franklin new designs should more other cars. company had taken lot of criticism in popular press , dealerships because of unconventional front hood didn t sport radiator. franklin had hired j. frank de causse, well-known car designer had worked on rolls royce , locomobile. wilkinson may have been alarmed when new model, designed de causse, wore fake radiator-grille shell make fact franklin cars did not have radiator. wilkinson, had strived light weight , form following function, have felt faux grille not looked out of place, weighed more traditional one-piece aluminum hood grille had designed. more likely, however, wilkinson left company before decausse car designed other reasons. since inception, engineering wilkinson s responsibility, , sales , business hh franklin s responsibility, , there tacit understanding neither interfere in other s territory. series of small instances began occur in 1920s appeared challenge wilkinson s authority—the model z affair, stromberg carburetor—culminating hhf s decision change appearance of car. these business decisions, wilkinson should have been aware not make advancements in engineering without money business, have still been more john wilkinson willing bear.

after wilkinson s departure, designs of vehicle dramatically changed on next few years, visual of front hood, became more conventional in design. de causse made many changes of car, ever increasing appeal ; however, died around 1928, leaving franklin without designer.

in 1928, franklin hired ray dietrich replace de causse. during next year, created of exquisite designs franklin had ever produced. designs attracted new breed of buyers, however, great depression took hold , production dropped.

economy , quality

h. h. franklin, president of company, interviewed on january 22, 1928, , talked value of franklin car owner; franklin cars have been economical in consumption of gas , wear on tires, due scientific light weight has been designed , built them. gasoline mileage alone not satisfy motorist, car owner desires know cost of upkeep on period of years, has come realize upkeep may become expensive part car. later year, franklin established new cross-country record of 28.8 miles per gallon (8.2 l/100 km; 34.6 mpg‑imp).

not franklin cars touted economical, had well-earned reputation quality. many upgraded features built every vehicle such casehardened crankshafts , high quality upholstery material , loose, curled hair of cushions. additionally, unusual number of lace-web springs gives cushions shape. according h. h. franklin, things insure long life determine true economy of motorcar operation.

garage , service station

in late 1909, company leased former crosby garage @ montgomery , water streets used repair purposes , display of second-hand cars. building had 3 floors equipped modern machinery , electric power two-ton elevator.

by 1930, ackerman motor car company local franklin distributor. 23 years, john connolly, secretary , treasurer, associated franklin automobile company. in new capacity, in charge of service department of company , under guidance considered automotive men 1 of efficiently operated in country. franklin service station in syracuse thoroughly equipped , employed modern machinery , corps of factory trained mechanics. company serviced 75 percent of franklin cars in area , carried large stock of parts. had own special machinery such jobs grinding valves, searching out grounds , short circuits in electrical system, , equipped complete overhaul jobs effect repairs of every nature. company advertised road car available @ times towing in cars have been in accidents or have been otherwise disabled.

airplane engine

the 1930 franklin airplane motor in series 145

the first airplane-type motor ever employed in automobile, 1 had flown in airplane, appeared in new line of franklins introduced in 1930. revolutionary step brought air-cooled motor, franklin automobile company developed down modern form represented in aviation. engine 95 horsepower , operated in range of 60 miles per hour (97 km/h) 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) smoothness of torque , power hitherto unparalleled in automotive power plants.

the body design year new in design , ultra-modern in conception match advance of age symbolized air-cooled aviation motor. new franklin presented striking appearance, each model being distinctive , characterized new type of hood gracefully arched front in mounted vertical vanes give slender effect proportions. noted same pleasing contour reflected in body design marked deep sectioned , rounded roof. entire style effect set off staggered horizontal louvers, hood , belt moldings , use of military type visor.

two series of cars included in line; series 145 mounted on 125-inch (3,200 mm) chassis , series 147 mounted on 132-inch (3,400 mm) wheelbase. shown in year’s presentation 16 standard body models including 4 sports creations such 1930 speedster, five-passenger pirate touring, , seven-passenger pirate phaeton. of these cars in standard line , inspired recent franklin models met favor among world s leading custom car designers.

some new features concealed running boards, deep cut doors, horizontal dart louvers, original treatment of windows, moldings , paneling s, , rakish slant of windshield. speedster , 2 pirate models on 132-inch (3,400 mm) chassis , pursuit on 125-inch (3,200 mm) chassis.

the new franklin engine developed more power per cubic inch of cylinder capacity power plant of other automobile, developing greater power per pound of car weight other car in class year.

test engine in air

the ability of franklin air-cooled engine maximum power under conditions conclusively proved in test @ dayton, ohio standard franklin automobile engine flew waco airplane throughout day under extremely adverse weather conditions. during test weather cold frost formed on intake manifold, while engine warming on ground.

warning signs

warning signs began appear in 1927 company headed financial trouble. firm s returns sinking. record dividend in 1925 of $5.25 per common share, company descended dividend of 92 cents year before stock market crash. in 1931, franklin operations displayed $1,000,000 loss.

lower prices again

by september 1931, franklin automobile company announced new low prices on current models low $1,795 transcontinent sedan, similar reductions on 21 other types comprising complete de luxe , transcontinent lines.

this action established lowest sedan price in company s 30 years of manufacture of air-cooled cars. brought base price under $2,000 first time , put franklin in position of lowest priced fine car on market. amount of reduction ranged high $500, representing 22 percent below previous list prices. prices of de luxe models after reductions started @ $2,395 sedan.

it emphasized reductions applied latest production constitutes series 15 franklins incorporating airplane-type air-cooled motor , latest body features, along mechanical refinements made within recent months.

the new scale of prices accomplished aim company initiated 2 years earlier, introduce established fine car standards @ prices practically on par medium price field. announced @ time new national newspaper advertising , promotional effort meeting excellent success.

v12 engine design

in 1930 franklin introduced new type of engine produced 100 horsepower (75 kw), 1 of highest power-to-weight ratios of time. in 1932, in response competition amongst luxury car makers, franklin brought out twelve-cylinder engine. air-cooled 398 cubic inches (6.5 l) developed 150 hp (110 kw). v-12 designed installed in lightweight chassis, car became 6,000-pound (2,700 kg) behemoth when franklin engineers overruled management sent in banks recover bad loans. although attractive, twelve did not have ride , handling characteristics of forebears. unfortunately, wrong vehicle building after crash of 1929 , great depression followed. cars sold poorly; 200 ever produced, , came near recouping company s investment.

bank management

franklin s vice-president , general manager @ time of fiasco, new arrival, edwin mcewen. had been sent syracuse syndicate of 7 banks. these banks had lent franklin $5,000,000 in late 1920s when franklin selling 7100-7500 cars year. herbert franklin planned increase plant capacity , develop new franklin automobiles monies. stock market crash on october 29, 1929, reduced number of automobiles franklin sold following year , company had problems repaying bank loan.

mcewen arrived in syracuse salvage banks. since h. h. franklin manufacturing company , subsidiary, franklin automobile company, in dire financial trouble, had done right away. banks had given mcewen 2 conflicting missions, first save franklin automaker , second wring cash possible out of company before went under. became clear involved, after mcewen began cleaning house franklin not survive manufacturer of automobiles. mcewen s first act lay off , fire many workers could. end result gutted engineering department , pared administrative staff bone.

it uncomfortable working relationship, because although mcewen worked banks, ended running franklin , didn t make business decisions. canceled franklin s long-standing contract principal body supplier, walker body company of amesbury, massachusetts, went out of business, , franklin built own bodies. mcewen hired number of former walker craftsmen , brought them syracuse.

his personal goal seemed turn v-12 program, although reason unclear. possibly prove franklin in charge. herbert franklin had made mind earlier in year produce version of airman series using new v-12 engine. in march 1932, 2 of new models exhibited in new york auto show. time, mcewen, dived v-12 program.

he single-handedly made decision instead of producing airman clone, decided franklin, design entirely different kind of automobile. through briggs manufacturing company s, lebaron subsidiary, mcewen acquired all-new body design v-12. decision scrap airman heritage meant every component different earlier specifications. 12-cylinder car use 144-inch (3,700 mm) wheelbase supplied parrish, opposed airman s 132-flexible-steel frame.

in end, little car produced franklin. engineering nightmare of pieced components. franklin wasn t thrilled new v-12. here h. h. franklin, boss, had run own company, being told bank employee how engineer , assemble company s newest model.

the car fraught problems. rather being stamped whole, traditional franklins, body made of 4 or 5 separate stampings butt-welded together. measurements inaccurate bodies off dimensionally more 1-inch (25 mm), side side.

the car dubbed banker s car, since mcewen bank employee. weighed 6,000 pounds (2,700 kg), 1,800 pounds (820 kg) more airman design proposed franklin.

in november 1933, edwin mcewen came down pneumonia , died in january 1934. 2 years @ franklin came end , had done nothing useful company survive , undoubtedly actions helped lead eventual demise of company.

business cycle

franklin automobiles revolutionary in day. 1 of first automobile manufacturers in market.

as 1900s drew close, franklin had moved product line middle , high end of market. company found under increasing competition likes of cadillac , packard. franklin pressured introduce new , better car every year. new franklin distinctive styling introduced in 1911 appeal markets.

herbert franklin spoke days in industry @ automobile show in madison square garden in 1906;

when american automobile first placed in market badly constructed machine---a combination of ignorance of art , fear american public not pay thing. competition on price basis threatened lower low grade, or @ least keep rising.

at period, leading american makers joined under standard of selden patent , stood solidly competitors can higher standards of making. result has been better cars, more speed, power, reliability, , public quick respond.

during 1910s, competition in auto industry ferocious, not franklin, every auto maker in america saw increasing market erosion. franklin found in competition mass-produced autos in lower price range. volume producers squeezed out smaller margins on increasing number of autos.

franklin pared back, , mid-1910s, company offered single product line priced between $2,300 , $3,400. during world war i, consumer prices escalated due exuberance buying public. short-lived, however, , country fell postwar recession, , buyer reluctance slowed new car sales.

in december 1921, company announced workforce of 3,000 employees working full-time january 3, 1922. factory officials hoping reach daily output of 44 cars per day february 1, 1922; however, take few weeks attain goal owing time required of fabricated parts assemblies. number of weeks in late 1921, on account of seasonal influences, working week fluctuated 3 days 5 days.

by 1925, average price american car $870, huge drop spelled impending doom many car makers. franklin failed largely because produced higher-priced, hand-crafted, quality, low-volume automobiles when public smitten low- moderately priced, mass-produced automobiles.

franklin production on years;

1902 - 13 units - 6th in nation
1903 - 184 units
1904 - 712 units
1905 - 1,098 units - 5th in nation
1906 - 1,283 units - 9th in nation
1907 - 1,059 units - 7th in nation
1908 - 1,895 units - 8th in nation
1916 - 3,836 units
1919 - 9,177 units
1920 - 10,100 units
1921 - 8,545 units
1927 - 8,000 units
1929 - 14,000 units - output pushed 5,000 above normal. dealers handled usual 9,000 , 5,000 stored in warehouses.
1930 - 6,043 units , franklin reported operating loss of $4,200,000.
1931 - 1,100 units
1932 - 1,898 units
1933 - 1,330 units , had operating loss of $819,000.

great depression

when company first founded 30 years earlier, ranked among largest auto makers in united states; however, in years followed many other companies long since outstripped franklin in volume. 1920s, production running 8,000 per year, soaring peak of 14,000 in 1929, although far below numbers other companies achieving. other makers of high-priced cars, franklin badly hit great depression.

in days of motor trade, air-cooled cars knox springfield, massachusetts, fox philadelphia, pennsylvania, metz waltham, massachusetts, premier of indianapolis, indiana , frayer-miller springfield, ohio , holmes, backed timken, canton, ohio common; however, 1934, franklin had survived. survived not because of winter proof feature because of quality. founder herbert franklin prized reputation fine materials , scrupulous workmanship.

h. h. franklin manufacturing company never shared in spectacular profits of automobile industry. franklin s peak in late years attained in 1925 when $2,000,000 profit reported. in 1929, earned $1,100,000. during years 1930 through 1934, company reported deficits.

the company declared bankruptcy on april 3, 1934, after reporting $2,088,000 in bank loans long overdue. 3 years franklin had doggedly fought off failure. had cajoled bankers renewing bank loans equal 3 times company s current assets. despite hopes, reorganization plans fell through, , company passed bankruptcy , hands of receiver.

in end city had ghost plant in geddes street. used inducement bring carrier corporation city 1,400 employees offset several thousand idled @ franklin. odd coincidence, air-conditioning replaced air-cooling both in plant , on thompson road property owned franklin, h. h. had envisioned future industrial park business , employees.

assets sold

assets of company bought ward canaday, toledo, ohio entrepreneur later purchased bankrupt willys-overland company. canaday sold off franklin s real estate , plant machinery , invested money willys-overland later entered profitable manufacture of wartime , postwar jeeps. carrier corporation bought franklin plant taxes , manufactured air conditioners there many years.

aircraft engines

car production did not survive, name sold , production of air-cooled engines commercial , aircraft use continued (aircooled motors of syracuse), company founded former franklin engineers, ed marks , carl doman. air cooled motors manufactured aircraft , helicopter engines during world war ii. company purchased after war preston tucker, produced 1948 tucker torpedo employed doman-marks flat 6 engine converted water cooling. company sold again after tucker dissolved.

after franklin went under, top engineer, carl doman left ford motor company , national service manager. edward marks went pratt & whitney employed consultant. together, built franklin-powered airmobile, three-wheeler concept car paul lewis of chicago reportedly paid $30,000 it.

franklin engines powered numerous light planes (thanks light weight) american-built helicopters. air cooled motors, last company manufacture air-cooled engines under franklin name, declared bankruptcy in 1975 , designs sold polish government. engines based on these designs still in production today.

smithsonian

today, franklin car resides in smithsonian museum. 1902 car first franklin ever sold , owned s. g. averell of ogdensburg, new york. third franklin ever built. h. h. franklin manufacturing company bought car in june, 1916 , smithsonian museum bought in 1937 after company liquidated.

a 1925, model 10-c four-door, five-passenger franklin sedan donated smithsonian museum henry w. mathis of washington, d.c., in 1962. mathis owned southeast cycle shop @ 638 pennsylvania avenue, s.e. @ time made donation wrote; hope franklin serve history 1 link in chain of evolution of automobile.