Breakdown:

In the early 20th century, the automotive industry was booming, with new companies emerging across the United States. Yet, among the sea of innovators, the black-owned CR Patterson & Sons stood out, competing with industry giants like Henry Ford. This is the story of how Charles Richard Patterson, a former slave, and his son Frederick Douglass Patterson, forged a legacy in an era of fierce industrial competition.

1. From Enslavement to Entrepreneurship

• Charles Richard Patterson’s Journey: Born into slavery, Charles escaped to Greenfield, Ohio, in 1861. There, he began working as a blacksmith and carriage maker, eventually establishing his own successful business, CR Patterson & Sons.
• High-End Carriages and Innovation: Patterson’s company quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality carriages and had a strong slogan: “It’s a Patterson—it’s a good one.” The company’s innovative designs attracted various clients, including doctors in the South.

2. A Vision for the Automotive Future

• Frederick Douglass Patterson’s Leadership: After Charles passed away in 1908, his son Frederick took over. Observing the rapid rise of automobiles, Frederick pivoted from carriages to the emerging car market.
• The Patterson-Greenfield Car: The company developed two models, the two-door roadster and a four-door touring car. Unlike Ford’s Model T, Patterson’s cars were luxurious, equipped with every convenience available in automotive manufacturing at the time.

3. The Competitive Challenge with Ford

• Quality Over Quantity: While Patterson’s automobiles were high-quality, they faced the Ford assembly line’s mass production power, which reduced manufacturing time significantly and enabled Ford to sell cars at a much lower price.
• Market Pressure: Ford’s ability to cut production costs allowed him to sell vehicles for as low as $350, while the Patterson-Greenfield retailed at $850. This price difference made it challenging for Patterson to stay competitive, despite the car’s superior quality.

4. Adapting and Persevering

• Shift to Auto Repair and Bus Manufacturing: In 1920, CR Patterson & Sons pivoted again, moving into auto repair and later bus manufacturing. They remained active and prosperous throughout the 1920s, creating custom bus bodies for schools and municipalities.
• A Lasting Legacy: Although Frederick passed away in 1932, CR Patterson & Sons continued for another seven years, closing in 1939 after an impressive 74-year run in the transportation industry.

Conclusion:

The story of CR Patterson & Sons is a powerful testament to resilience and innovation. Born into slavery, Charles Patterson defied the odds to build a thriving business, and his son carried on that legacy by adapting to the times. Although the company eventually closed, their contributions to automotive history—rivaling even Ford’s—represent a unique and often overlooked legacy of Black entrepreneurship in America.