August 01, 2024
One Day In 1912
Ever wonder what it would be like to work at the Ford factory making Model Ts in 1912? Today we do just that with a diary entry from a worker named Marco Price. One of the most interesting parts is he talks about a different color car coming down the line. I thought this couldn't be true, but after doing some research, the black-only car policy wasn't started until 1914! I hope you enjoy this glimpse into Mr. Price's life on a Tuesday in March of 1912.
Diary of Marco Price - Tuesday, March 12th, 1912
Morning Shift: 7:00 AM
Today started like any other day at the Ford car factory. I woke up at 5:00 AM, had a quick breakfast, and caught the tram to the factory. The air was crisp, and the city was just beginning to stir. The factory was already alive with the sounds of machinery and the chatter of workers preparing for the day. As I stepped into the assembly line, the familiar smell of oil and metal greeted me. It's comforting in a way-this is my life, and it's what I know best. My role in the factory is to install the wheels on the Model T. It's repetitive work, but it pays well enough, and I'm proud to be part of something as groundbreaking as Ford's assembly line.
First Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM
The first few hours flew by. Each Model T that comes down the line is identical, and it's my job to make sure every wheel is perfectly aligned and secured. I work with a few others in my section, and we've become a well-oiled machine ourselves. We hardly need to talk; we've been doing this long enough to anticipate each other's moves.At around 9:00 AM, I noticed something unusual-a car came down the line with a different color than the usual black. I later found out that it was part of a special order. It's rare, but sometimes we get requests for different colors or custom features. It's a reminder that not all cars are the same, even if they look it from where I stand.
Break Time: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break time is a brief respite from the noise and monotony of the line. Today, I had a quick sandwich and chatted with some of the guys about the latest news. There's been talk of the factory expanding and hiring more workers. It's a good sign-more jobs mean more people can support their families, and it means the company is doing well. Some of the older workers worry about the changes. They say the pace is getting faster, and the demands are higher. I can see it, too. The line moves quickly, and we have to keep up. But I'm young, and I can handle it. I just hope the pay increases with the workload.
Midday: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
The midday hours are usually the toughest. The initial energy wears off, and it's a long stretch until lunch. Today, though, we had a visitor-Mr. Ford himself walked through the factory. It's not the first time I've seen him, but it's always a bit of a spectacle. He has a way of commanding the room, even in a place as large and noisy as the factory. He stopped by our section, watching us work. There's always a bit of tension when the higher-ups come through. Everyone wants to make a good impression, and there's always a fear that they're looking for reasons to let someone go. But today, Mr. Ford seemed in good spirits. He talked to our foreman and even complimented our efficiency.
Lunch Break: 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch was a welcome break. I had packed a simple meal-bread, cheese, and an apple. It's not much, but it keeps me going. Some of the guys joked about the fancy meals they would have if they could afford it. We laughed, but there's a truth to it. The pay is good compared to some other jobs, but it's not enough to live luxuriously. During lunch, there was talk about the recent labor strikes in other industries. Some of the guys think we should organize and demand better pay and working conditions. It's a risky move, and not everyone agrees. The factory is a good job, and no one wants to jeopardize it. But the idea is in the air, and it's not going away.
Afternoon: 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
The afternoon went smoothly. There's a rhythm to the work that I've come to appreciate. It's like a dance, and when everyone is in sync, it's almost beautiful. But it's also tiring. By the end of the day, my arms ache from lifting and fitting the wheels, and my back is stiff from standing. As the day drew to a close, I felt a sense of accomplishment. We finished ahead of schedule, and there were no major issues. The foreman was pleased, and that always makes for a good end to the day. I packed up my tools and headed out with the rest of the workers. The sun was setting, casting a golden light over the factory.
Evening: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
On my way home, I stopped by the general store to pick up a few things. The streets were busy with people finishing their own workdays. It's a different kind of energy than in the factory-more relaxed, but still purposeful. Everyone has their own life and their own worries, but we're all part of the same city, the same community. At home, I had dinner with my family. We talked about our days, and I listened to my kids chatter about school. It's moments like these that remind me why I work so hard. It's for them, for their future. I want them to have more opportunities than I did, to be able to choose their own paths.
After Supper: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
As I sit here writing in my diary, I think about what the future holds. The world is changing so quickly. The Model T is revolutionizing transportation, making cars affordable for the average person. It's exciting to be part of that, but it also feels like we're on the edge of something bigger. There's talk of new technologies, new ways of doing things. It's both thrilling and a little scary. I wonder what the factory will look like in ten years, twenty years. Will we still be doing the same work, or will machines take over? It's hard to imagine, but change is inevitable. All I can do is keep working, keep supporting my family, and hope that the future is kind to us. For now, though, I'm content. It's a hard life, but it's an honest one. I'm proud of the work I do, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do it. Tomorrow is another day, another shift. I'll be ready for it.