Fisher Automobile Company
Fisher Automobile Company, was an automobile dealership in Indianapolis, Indiana. It carried multiple models of Oldsmobiles, Reos, Packards, Stoddard-Daytons, Harry C. Stutz and others.
Background
[edit]In 1891, Carl Graham Fisher (1874–1939) opened a bicycle shop with his two brothers.[1][2] Regarded as a promotional genius, Fisher was also involved in bicycle racing and stunts.
Around 1900, the national bicycle craze turned to a newer invention: the automobile. In partnership with his friend Barney Oldfield,[3] Fisher converted the bicycle shop to handle automobiles, telling his fellow racer, "I don't see why the automobile can't be made to do everything the bicycle has done."
Promotion
[edit]Fisher promoted the automobile dealership as he had his bicycle shop with carefully planned stunts. He flew an automobile over Indianapolis supported by a hot air balloon, and pushed another off the roof of his four-story building in downtown Indianapolis.[1]
Fisher made millions with the sale and manufacture of an early form of headlights, became involved with automobile racing and was a principal in the building of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Lincoln Highway and Dixie Highway, two of the earliest paved roads across the United States.[citation needed]
Fisher Automobile Company was sold to Gibson Automobile Company in 1911.[4] Fisher re-incorporated a new Fisher Automobile Company in 1913,[4] but little is known of its fate.
References
[edit]- 1 2 Boomhower, Ray (Spring 2004). "Carl G. Fisher: The Hoosier Barnum". Traces of Indiana and Midwestern History. 6 (2). Indiana Historical Society: 24–27. Retrieved January 26, 2018.
- ↑ "Carl and Jane Fisher | American Experience | Official Site".
- ↑ https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-star-barney-oldfield/144301562/
- 1 2 "Fisher Automobile Company - 1909". Mark Dill Enterprises, Inc. Retrieved January 26, 2018.