The first vehicle in Michigan was the "Thing" built in Memphis in late 1884. The vehicle was disassembled and the engine was sold to a creamery.
what can i see today?
The Sylvan Lake Creamery is believed to be the creamery who bought the engine from the "Thing". Address: 326 Water (Southeast corner of 4th and Water Street), Port Huron, MI 48060
the story
In the winter of 1884-1885, the first known vehicle in Michigan was built in the shop of John Clegg and Son in Memphis, MI...
The "Thing" as it was known was steam-powered. Although the vehicle no longer exists, this model was built by Larry Wilson according to the specs that were known. from interviews...
The vehicle was dismantled in late 1885 and the engine was sold to George Granger of Port Huron for his creamery. It is believed that the Sylvan City Creamery was the recipient since it is the only one to exist at the time. Clegg was friends with Ransom Olds as they both built vehicles around the same time. They and others who embraced the idea that automobiles were the future were thought of as "crazy" as stated in this article from the Detroit Free Press...
You can find out more about the "Thing" and the vehicle's significance here.
