Ford, Cadillac, Overland, Thomas and others. Another story......

[Rob]

Dr. John F. Reddy was an investor, entrepreneur, police chief and mayor in both Washington and Oregon in 1902. His story is long, and will involve our Fords as well as many more vehicles. This starts with his political elevation to the Chief of Police in Spokane, WA. At that time it was a political office:

This ones gong to take some time, and will take us through many years of the early 20th century.

[DHort]

Bring it on. I love reading the stories that you research for us.

[Rob]

Thanks Dave,
Today's going to be hectic, but I'll try to keep prepping and adding through the day........

In 1903 the election of a new Mayor in Spokane, Dr. Reddy is no longer Chief of Police. By 1904, his interests in mining and hotel ownership have taken him to Medford OR, known for it's fruit orchards and growing mining prospects:

In January, 1907 Dr. Reddy is featured in a Portland newspaper:

And in early 1907 he again holds public office, as Medford's newly elected mayor. Here his caricature appears in a Medford city promotional brochure:

Next, the "motorized mayor."

[Rob]

In June, 1907, the mayor buys an automobile. A 40 hp Thomas:

I find it interesting when a competitor names an opponent, as this advertisement below, as a measure of the quality of their own car. While unrelated to this story, this 1907 Thomas 40 ad promotes the speed of the Thomas, writing "and passed them all like a rocket, even a big Ford six cylinder." Considering they were almost equal in price, and rated the same horsepower, I'm not sure why the Ford six was named:

So, the good mayor has a large motor car, and is quoted in this July 1907 article about the large per capita number of cars in Medford:

Dr. Reddy went on to say in the article "where else can a man lead such an ideal existence, the life of a gentleman farmer, travel half the year, ride in motor cars....."

I think there may be another auto in Dr. Reddy's near future......

[Fordwright]

I believe the article is referring to the Ford Model K, a car with 40 hp motor that had 6 cylinders and a displacement of 405 cubic inch.
It sold for $2500 - $2800 but it was still one of the most popular cars in 1906-1907. Ford would never again return to a 6-cylinder car until 1941.

[Rob]

Greg, I like how you think...............

Yes indeed, it is a Ford six (Model K). He purchased it sometime prior to this early August 1907 article:

Also in early August, Medford held a "Fruit Fair," including a decorated car parade and contest:

Fortunately, we have a few photos of the award winning cars. The photos were included in the Medford brochure noted above, "The Sketch." A Thomas 40 won the overall prize. The photos have been colorized:

A few other award winning cars:

And one more. We know which car the Reddy's chose for the parade. Mrs. Reddy is driving:

[Rob]

And another of the Reddy six cylinder Ford, seen in a Portland newspaper:

Next, moving on through 1907, into 1908 and 1909.

[Fordwright]

And another of the Reddy six cylinder Ford, seen in a Portland newspaper:


502287D6-CAA3-4858-9837-451A8EDBAB95.jpeg


Next, moving on through 1907, into 1908 and 1909.

Looks like a taxi from Pakistan.

[Rob]

Finishing out 1907, Medford ads the Ax Throwing sport. Actually, the head of a railroad throws an axe at Mayor Reddy. Never a dull day in Medford:

During the summer of 1908, the local newspaper reported an embarrassing moment for the mayor, when his Ford broke down:

Not much more of note for 1908. The 1907 Ford Six is "getting up there in age," and this is about the time I often see cars pass along to second and third owners. Mayor Reddy is one of the wealthiest men in southern Oregon by this time, and with two cars has demonstrated a desire for large fast cars.

I'll be away the rest of today, and will get back to this tomorrow.
Thanks,
Rob

[Rob]

Back to the story. 1909


Our next "clue" about Dr. Reddy and his Model K came from our own forum when Lyndon Moore posted the photo below. It shows a Model K along with other vehicles, in Medford OR. The postcard is postmarked August 1, 1911, and was sent to Earl H. Davis in Lincoln, NE.

A little research found that Earl H. Davis graduated from Lincoln High in 1907, and graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1915. He moved on to work in Library Science, first in ND, then to St. Louis. He served in WWI, and last I found on him he was working in WY after the war.

Meanwhile, I was able to find another copy of the same postcard, and colorized it below. This raised more questions than answers. Was this Dr. Reddy's Ford? Was the photo taken in 1911?

This is what we learned. The photo was taken in June, 1909. There were over 50 Medford area cars in this procession, and they met a group of 100 Californians returning from the Exposition in Seattle (Ocean to Ocean race destination) via special train. The Medford Commercial Club coordinated for the train to drop the Californians at Medford, and then be taken by car for a tour of area Orchards, meeting the train again in Ashland to continue back to San Francisco. One other unique feature of this trip, the train was equipped with wireless telegraph, and had been in touch "at all times" with a wireless station in San Francisco:

So, we know the Model K in the photo was in Medford in June, 1909. But, was it Dr. Reddy's? Did he still own the Ford, or had he moved on to another car, or still own his Thomas 40?


Next, it ain't over til it's over.............

[Rob]

Finishing out 1909, we find out Dr. Reddy did indeed still own his Model K. In fact, it's the fastest car in a local hill climb:

The old Ford still has it. Below, "Dr. Reddy's motor car was the first to make the trip from this side this year (Crater Lake), and it showed it's condition by winning the touring car race Monday in record time:

In 1940, the win makes the paper one more time, although the time is incorrect:

Is suspect it was a rugged run in 1909:

Meanwhile, Dr. Reddy, having served out his 2 year term, is no longer mayor of Medford. He is, and will remain, a promotor of the city and area. He has also amassed an incredible amount of wealth. Next and last, 1910 and beyond.

[Rob]

In January 1910, Dr. John F Reddy is acclaimed by a wealthy railroad builder to be the "biggest booster" of Medford. Dr. Reddy, who owns the Nash Hotel, is building a new hotel, as well as continuing to invest in mining and orchards:

The Reddy's moved into their new home in 1910, living there until 1924. The home is still standing and now on the National Register:

In May, 1910 Mary Reddy, president of the "Greater Medford (ladies) Club is featured in a "Greater Oregon" news article about the groups civic betterment efforts, and we get our first good glimpse of her:

At the same time, on May 15, 1910 the Medford Cadillac agent runs an ad listing 17 men in Medford who have purchased a Cadillac "30" over the last several months. Dr. Reddy is one of the new Cadillac owners.

Usually this would mean the end of the Ford Six. Time and technology moved quickly regarding automobiles.

[Rob]

In late May, 1910, Mrs. Reddy is again covered in the news as one of several women drivers in Medford:

In this article we learn that the Reddy's do indeed own a Cadillac "30," a newly acquired Overland. Oh, and still an old six cylinder Ford:

Mrs. Reddy will go on to be involved in the women's suffrage movement:

Dr. Reddy will continue to make deals, and money, hand over fist. At the bottom a note about the Reddy's going to Europe, shipping on the Lusitania, a ship that will become world famous a few years later:

And the old police chief, even in 1919, is not to be trifled with. This is the same person who made national headlines when an ax was thrown at him as mayor of Medford years before:

As fo their Model K, it appears to have faded into history. That's about all I know............

[Lyndon]

Wouldn't it be nice to know if the car is still around somewhere. What a great story. Thanks Rob.

[Rob]

Lyndon, thank you! With about 2.5% of Model K surviving we are fortunate to know of several K from the factory to now. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. Regardless, thank you for bringing back the car, and more importantly, the people who possessed them. At the end of the day, it’s the people who matter.