Items displayed on the middle shelf
This shelf displays photographs of Clarence Spicer and Charles Dana, Dana and Wyllis advertisements and an original drawing, the Spicer Universal Joint Patent, and a letter of objection to changing the Spicer company name (to Dana).
Spicer patent
1903
Patent, Spicer Universal Joint, 1903. Dana Corporation Records, MSS-242.
This is the patent for Clarence Spicer’s first universal joint, developed while he was a student at Cornell University.
Original ad drawing
1953
Original drawing and advertisement for the Willys Aero, 1953. Ward M. Canaday Collection, MSS-072.
The Willys Aero was a sleek passenger car produced from 1952-1955. Production of this vehicle ceased when Henry J. Kaiser decided to focus his company solely on the production of the Jeep.
Spicer drive line
The advertisement presents the new drive line made for the Willys Forward Control Jeep FC-150, its drive train, and feature description.
Clarence Spice
n.d.
Photograph, Clarence Spicer, n.d. Dana Corporation Records, MSS-242.
This photograph depicts a young Spicer, creator of the universal joint and founder of C.W. Spicer (later renamed Dana).
Charles Dana
ca. 1930
Photograph, Charles Dana, ca. 1930s. Dana Corporation Records, MSS-242.
A photograph of the man who came to the rescue of the Spicer Manufacturing Company whose name would eventually be given to the company.
Company name change
1946
Letter to Spicer Manufacturing Corporation concerning the change of company’s name, 1946. Dana Corporation Records, MSS-242.
In 1946, Spicer officials decided to rename the company, choosing to honor Charles Dana. This is a letter of complaint from an automobile business man who objected to the name change.
Dana advertisement
1958
Advertisement of Dana non-slip differentials, 1958. Dana Corporation Records, MSS-242.
By the mid-20th century, Dana had expanded far beyond the universal joints that made the company famous. This ad depicts an example of the many parts Dana produced for both light and commercial vehicles.