The Dirty Little Secrets of Ford: How Harry Bennett and the Service Department Shaped the Company
Ford Motor Company has long been a cornerstone of American industry, but the organization's darker aspects have often been hidden. Excerpts from The Arsenal of Democracy: FDR, Detroit, and an Epic Quest to Arm an America at War by A.J. Baime reveal the hidden truths behind the scenes, focusing on the role of Harry Bennett and the Service Department in shaping the company's culture and power structure.
Henry Ford and Harry Bennett: Unlikely Allies
Henry Ford, the legendary founder of Ford Motor Company, met the enigmatic Harry Bennett in a New York hotel room. Harry, born in 1892 and a year older than Henry's son Edsel, quickly became a close confidant and personal helper to Ford. Bennett, a former deep-sea diver, boxer, and troublemaker, was known for his fearless and sly personality traits that earned him a unique place in Ford's inner circle. Actually, Bennett developed a private security force, the Service Department, which played a crucial role in shaping the company's internal culture and operations.
The Service Department: A Mysterious Force
The Service Department, Bennett's creation, was a group of ex-boxers, ex-cops, and characters from Detroit's La Cosa Nostra. These men were known for their rough language, resilience, and a level of intimidation. Bennett described his Service Department as a "Gestapo," and it operated largely in secret, often mediating conflicts and ensuring company loyalty. A notable event occurred when a hoodlum threatened Henry II. Bennett resolved the issue with force, disposing of the threat with an outcome that remains shrouded in mystery (one version reports the culprit found floating in a river).
The Economic and Political Turmoil of the 1930s
The 1930s brought significant changes to the automotive industry and the Ford Motor Company itself. The Great Depression devastated Detroit, with banks failing, unemployment soaring, and a general air of despair. Despite this, Henry Ford seemed unconcerned, advocating for a laissez-faire approach and expressing a view that economic failure was a necessary part of progress. However, his eldest son, Edsel, saw the crisis differently, implementing wage increases and facing financial pressures as the company struggled.
The Shadow of Harry Bennett
While Edsel grappled with the economic downturn, the influence of Harry Bennett continued to grow. Bennett's Service Department grew in power and began to control not just company security but aspects of employee activities like voting and personal relationships. As Edsel lost control over the company, he turned his attention to his role as a father, engaging in activities like sports with his children. However, the underlying tensions and pressures of the Service Department became a constant source of stress, leading to health issues for Edsel and the eventual separation of Henry and Edsel, dubbed the "dirty little secret of the Ford family."
Conclusion
The story of Ford in the 1930s is a complex one, marked by power struggles, economic crises, and a shadowy network of personal security that operated far beyond its primary function. Harry Bennett and his Service Department played a significant role in shaping the company's internal culture and power structure, highlighting the darker, less glamorous side of one of America's most iconic industrial dynasties.