Okay, here’s a simple question: Who invented the automobile? Bet most of you, if you’re in the U.S., said Henry Ford who invented the Model T. If you did, you’re wrong. Look, my headline (and the photo here) is a bit of a clue, okay?
In fact, Wikipedia will tell you that a German named Karl Benz invented the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1885. (Ford developed the first mass-produced (assembly line) automobile, the Model T in 1896.)
Wikipedia is a little bit off the mark. It ignores the role played by Benz’s wife, Berta. Karl used Berta’s dowry for his various ventures including the invention of the horseless carriage, but he applied for the patent for his horseless carriage in his own name since back then married women could not apply for patents.
Not The Whole Story
It also glosses over the guts of the story because it was Karl’s wife Berta who was the driving (literally and metaphorically) inspiration behind the invention. And, that is the subject of a book that has been turned into an animated movie by producer Deborah Hutchinson (pictured) whom I met last week when she was the speaker at the first lunch of the new season at the Palm Beach Writers Group.
Deborah, told PBWG members how she was “stalked” (not literally, of course, Deborah hastens to add) by Mindy Bingham, author of Berta Benz and the Motorwagen when they both lived in Santa Barbara, California. Mindy gave Deborah a copy of the book (which is for ages 7-12, illustrated in water colors by Itoko Maeno) because she knew Deborah had connections in Hollywood as a former casting director and filmmaker.
“Mother” of Automobile Transportation
“Two years later, I met Mindy at a lunch, ” Deborah said, “and I had to admit, I still hadn’t read her book.” (So much for Mindy’s “stalking!”) Deborah said that when she finally read the book, she was bowled over and decided to make the movie, financing it with her own money. “I wanted all girls to know, we are here and we’ve done some pretty cool things. It struck me that Berta was the “mother” of automobile transportation.”
According to the book, movie — and history, Berta took the horseless carriage on the road — when it was illegal to do so — to show people its usefulness and to prove that it was a valid invention. She drove 60 miles (when there were no gas stations or fast food stops) with her two teenage sons to her mother’s house — and changed transportation and the world.
Local Talent
Deborah, founder of the motivational group, Gutsy Gals Inspire Me, made the movie when living in Santa Barbara where she found local talent — animators, voices and a director. “I took my community and made this film,” she said. The movie has won a number of awards including Best in Fest Animation Award at the Los Angeles Women’s International Film Festival.
Deborah’s hope is that the movie will be shown in schools together with an accompanying lesson plan — and that it is the first of a series that “celebrates women who shaped the modern world.”
How To Use A Hatpin!
The movie is adorable and short — and has a villain (the burgermeister) who threatens Karl Benz and his family with dire consequences if he takes his vehicle on the road. It’s also eye-opening as to the different uses for a hatpin!!!!
This was A Good One!
Thank you for saying so, John. And, thank you for reading the blog.