Largest Stove in the World Refurbished with Chrysler's Help
25 August 1998
Largest Stove in the World Refurbished with Chrysler's HelpAUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 24 -- Everyone knows that Detroit is the Motor Capital, but many didn't know that it was once considered the Stove Capital. As Detroit's rich history shows, the infrastructure established by the stove industry's manufacturing power ultimately led to manufacturing the automobile in Detroit. Thus, it is fitting that Chrysler used its automotive technology to assist in refurbishing the "World's Largest Stove" for the 150th anniversary of the Michigan State Fair. Chrysler was responsible for recreating the shields that read "Garland Stove Ranges," which flank the stove. Computer-aided design (CAD) tools along with hands-on skills of tradesmen were used to recreate the original shields. Employees worked from drawings and pictures of the original panels to create a CAD model. A clay model for the garland was also scanned into CAD to complete the computer recreation. The final step for Chrysler included the milling of the computer creations into mahogany. The 6'10" by 5'1" panels took Chrysler's employees approximately 3 weeks to complete. "Again, Chrysler has an opportunity to give back to the Detroit Community and participate in the revival of a significant historic symbol," said W. Frank Fountain, Chrysler's Vice President of Government Affairs. "After all, the stove industry, like the motor vehicle industry, has contributed to the growth of the City. They were both born, raised and grew to maturity in Detroit." The stove will be unveiled today at 6:30 p.m. at the Michigan State Fairgrounds in a special ceremony with Governor John Engler. The Fairgrounds displayed the stove, originally built in 1893, from 1965 until 1974 when the condition of the stove deteriorated. It was dismantled and placed into storage until now. The historic stove will remain on display at the Michigan State Fair Grounds. Visit Chrysler's Media Relations Web Site at http://www.media.chrysler.com for additional Chrysler news.