I opted to steer clear of images of the iconic cars that bear the Duesenberg family name and head in a less obvious direction for the first official entry on Fred and August Duesenberg, my 1st cousins, 3x removed. More than one hundred years after their introduction, Duesenberg automobiles still show up in the headlines thanks in large part to avid collector Jay Leno and the occasional gathering of Duesenberg car enthusiasts.

The Library of Congress recently added images and schematics of the second Duesenberg Automobile Factory to its collection of historic buildings. According to their website, the company relocated its operations from Newark, New Jersey to this site in Indianapolis in 1921. Located at 1501 West Washington Street, the factory holds historic significance having produced “America’s first vertical eight cylinder passenger car”. I am not much of a car person but I know that means those cars could really get up and move.

The factory’s office building:

The factory site plan – note the Duesenberg logo:

The 1st and 2nd floors of Building 1:

For the record, like Jay Leno, I own a Duesenberg which I’ve restored. Mine, however, is the Matchbox version. It’s supposed to be sitting on top of my desk. But, having just moved, I realized that it was still packed away and not where it belongs. This morning I found it and have since restored it to it’s rightful place.

Kenfolk: Tranthams
Relations: 1st cousins, 3x removed
Common ancestors:  Fred and August Duesenberg’s paternal grandparents, Johann and Katherine (Nacke) Duesenberg, are my 3rd great grandparents.

References:
http://www.loc.gov/photos/?fa=segmentof%3Ahhh.in0283.sheet%2F%7Ccontributor%3Ahistoric+american+buildings+survey&c=150&st=gallery&sb=shelf-id