Henry S. Koppin | Free CCO Credit
Henry S. Koppin | Free CCO Credit
From 1913 to 1914, Fenton had auto manufacturing!!!
Detroit businessman Henry S. Koppin purchased the A.J. Phillips Factory in 1912 for the purpose of making his cycle cars there.
The cycle car, which was small enough to travel down the sidewalk, was designed from various motorcycle components, and featured a 96-inch wheel base, weighed 675lbs, and cost $375 to purchase.
Only a handful of Koppin cycle cars were manufactured before the factory burned down in 1914.
As remembered by the Tri County Times, "Firemen wrapped themselves in wet blankets and sprayed a heavy stream of water on nearby homes and businesses. At the height of the fire, it was said the glow from homes could be seen for miles."
As for Koppin, he collected his insurance check and returned to Detroit.
We've got some photos, as well as a 1914 writeup of the fire. Enjoy!!!
Original source can be found here.
Alerts Sign-up