Bike Tour Stop #2 - Dodge Brothers Marker

Dodge bros portraits
Left to right: Horace and John Dodge

Famous automakers John (1864-1920) and Horace ( 1868-1920) Dodge were born in Niles to parents Daniel and Maria (Casto) Dodge. Their father ran a local machine shop and foundry called the Dodge Railroad Stand Pipe and Machine Company with his brothers, Caleb and Edwin.

The brothers attended the local school system. John Dodge graduated from Niles High School in 1882 and shortly after, the family moved to Battle Creek. They stayed in that area for a short period of time before settling in Port Huron around 1886 and then, Detroit where John and Horace eventually started making bicycles before getting into the automobile business. In 1913 the brothers founded the Dodge Motor Car Company. 

The Dodge Brothers' parents, siblings and other family members are buried at the local Silverbrook Cemetery. 

The historic marker was placed here to commemorate the Dodge Brothers' early beginnings in the community. It is believed that they were born in a small home on North 5th Street. 

Niles High School program 1882
Niles High School graduation program from 1882. John Dodge  graduated with this class.
During the ceremony, he read an oration titled "Triumphs of Power."

Back
userway