So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Monday, September 9, 2013

Kissel Car Company's Industry Influence

By Cecile Ingram


Ever since the introduction of the very first automobile, there have been several companies that have had substantial impact on the industry. Whether it be a new and innovative technology, a revolutionary feature or an amazing design quality, certain models have influenced those that followed them. The Kissel Motor Car Company is one such manufacturer and many of their ideas are still being used today.

In June of 1906, an engineering pioneer, Louis Kissel, along with his sons Otto, Adolph, William and George, started up a new car company in Hartford, Wisconsin. They began manufacturing a wide variety of vehicles including utilities, cars, taxi cabs, hearses, fire engines and trucks. Their reputation centered around their ability to produce high quality products that were not only stylish, but dependable and affordable.

In twenty-four years they produced over 35,000 vehicles before having to file in bankruptcy court in 1930. Their products were famed for being so dependably built that some of them are still being driven by descendants of the original purchasers. Unfortunately, only about one hundred and fifty of these cars are still around today and not all of them have been cared for and maintained in the fashion befitting such classic beauty.

This company was known for manufacturing vehicles that were completely customized to the preferences of their new owners. Each one that was produced was specially ordered for an individual. Customers were able to make certain option choices such as whether to have pancake drum or bullet style headlights, running boards or step brackets, how many bumper bars they desired, leather or fabric upholstery, spare wheels on mounted on the side or the rear and were even given the opportunity to have golf bag brackets installed.

Allowing customers to customize their new car in this way was just one of the multiple innovative idea they introduced to the industry. They brought many changes to body style as well as engine design. The company claims to have created the concepts of selective sliding gear transmissions as well as illuminated dashboards.

The company's initial twelve years were focused on taking the time to perfect the engineering of vehicles that were highly dependable with craftsmanship that was beyond reproach. With the changing of society's demands, they did not give up their primary concerns but began enhancing those cars with more stylized appearances. They were often adorned with creative options such as tires on solid rubber on wheels of wooden spokes, removable hard tops and curtains in the windows.

One of their more popular models was the Speedster. This vehicle had several advanced engineering technologies that appealed to those who desired speed and style features that gave it a sleek and attractive appeal. It caught the eye of many well known personalities of the era such as Fatty Arbuckle, Al Jolson, Greta Garbo and Amelia Earhart.

Kissel cars were not only respected during the early 1900's but have remained treasured, especially by modern day collectors. The company has made many contributions to the industry including the illuminated dashboard and several technological advances, and their design ideas are still inspiring designers today. There is no denying the massive impact this early manufacturer had on the field of automotive production.




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