The LES' Very Own Car

from July 31, 2006 from pseudo-intellectualism

From the NYTimes: The Noma was assembled, but not manufactured, in a plant at 155 Avenue D on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. In contrast to Ford’s business plan for the Model T, in which the automaker took control of every stage of production beginning with the raw materials, Noma made cars from parts produced by suppliers that made components for a number of automakers. Continental or Beaver engines were used, and exterior panels for the Noma were produced by a related firm, the Walton Body Company. The Noma’s ovoid radiator shell was a distinctive feature; the model line included a speedster as well as four-, five- and six-passenger models. More than 600 were built before the factory closed in 1923.
Here's where 155 Ave D is on a 1893 map. The area was industrial (only a block away from the East River). In 1893 a Tobacco Factory occupies the spot. Today it is the school yard of PS34

Here's a slide show with images of some of the other cars mfg in New York in the early 1900's. It's set to the tune of a song popular at the time, but with 1940 adapted lyrics. These are the original:
In My Merry Oldsmobile
Words by Vincent Bryan, Music by Gus Edwards
Verse 1: Young Johnnie Steele has an Oldsmobile. He loves a dear little girl.
She is the queen of his gas machine. She has his heart in a whirl.
Now when they go for a spin, you know, she tries to learn his auto, so
He lets her steer while he gets her ear, and whispers soft and low;
Chorus: Come away with me Lucile in my merry Oldsmobile
Down the road of life we’ll fly automo-bubbling you and I.
To the church we’ll swiftly steal, then our wedding bells will peal,
You can go as far you like with me, In my merry Oldsmobile.
Verse 2: They love to spark in the dark old park, as they go flying along,
She says she knows why his motor goes; his sparker’s awfully strong.
Each day they spoon to the engine’s tune, their honeymoon will happen soon,
He’ll win Lucile with his Oldsmobile and then he’ll fondly croon;
Chorus: Come away with me Lucile in my merry Oldsmobile
Down the road of life we’ll fly automo-bubbling you and I.
To the church we’ll swiftly steal, then our wedding bells will peal,
You can go as far you like with me, In my merry Oldsmobile.
Patter Chorus: Come away Lucile ‘cause if I may Lucile I want to take you for my bride,
And we’ll chug along and always sing a song as down the road of life we fly
Even though my car is old and squeaky now it’s better than a horse or train.
When I pull the throttle out and put her into third you think you’re in a plane.
To the church we’re heading for a quiet wedding then I’ll crank her up and take the wheel
And away we’ll go my honey, they will know my honey that our love is real.
You can go as far you like with me, In my merry Oldsmobile,
My merry Oldsmobile.