Key Takeaways
- The automobile industry marks its 140th anniversary since the first patented car in 1886, with E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. being established five years earlier in 1881.
- E.E. Ward is the oldest African-American-owned business in the U.S., evolving from a two-horse operation to a modern company with 45 trucks and 75 employees.
- The company demonstrates a commitment to innovation, transitioning from horse-drawn wagons to integrating contemporary truck models, including potential future shifts to electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Milestones of E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co.
The automobile celebrates its 140th birthday in 2023, tracing back to the first patented “horseless carriage” created in 1886. However, E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Co. began operations five years earlier, in 1881, under the leadership of John T. Ward and his son, William. Initially starting with just two horses and a wagon, E.E. Ward has grown significantly over its 144 years, now boasting 45 trucks and 75 employees.
E.E. Ward is notable for being the oldest African-American-owned business in the United States. The company, which arose from a single location on the Underground Railroad, has transformed into a respected name in the moving industry. Remarkably, the Ward family maintained ownership for 120 years until John’s great-grandson Eldon sold the company to the current owners, Brian and Dominique Brooks, in 2001.
In its early years, E.E. Ward functioned with minimal resources, operating solely with horses and a wagon. Despite the advent of the automobile in 1886, the company retained its last horse until 1921, approximately 40 years after its inception. By this time, the Ford Model T had already changed the automotive landscape.
Records regarding the specific models E.E. Ward utilized during the early 1920s are scarce, but it likely included vehicles from prominent manufacturers such as Mack, International Harvester, GMC, and Ford. The company has shared historical images, including a photo from 1951 featuring several trucks from American marques like Dodge and Mercedes, reflecting a shift from domestic to European designs in its fleet.
Today, with 45 trucks of diverse sizes and specialties, E.E. Ward looks forward to further modernization and innovation. Anticipating the evolving landscape of transportation, the company is positioned to explore future vehicle options such as electric and hydrogen-powered trucks, securing its legacy in the moving and storage industry for decades to come.
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