AMC A LOOK BACK: Check these Images of Kenosha's long automaking legacy
Thomas Jeffery planted seed for automaking in Kenosha
Thomas Jeffery planted seed for automaking in Kenosha
Thomas B. Jeffery at work
Thomas B. Jeffery works at his desk, circa 1905 to 1910. The Thomas B. Jeffery Co. was founded in 1900 and was famous for the one-cylinder Rambler. The company produced various automobiles such as the modern station wagon, Rambler camper and Quad trucks until 1916, when the company was sold to Charles Nash for $5 million. The Thomas B. Jeffery Co. also invested more than $1,000 to put up the first road signs in Kenosha County.
Charles Nash at work
Nash Motors founder Charles W. Nash was photographed at his desk, circa 1920.
Nash seats six
This is the view through an open roof of a six-passenger Nash automobile, circa 1930.
HISTORIC PHOTO
A gathering of auto workers
Thomas B. Jeffery Co. factory workers assemble outside the Jeffery plant in 1900. Famous for the one-cylinder Rambler, the company (founded by Thomas B. Jeffery in 1900) produced various automobiles such as the modern station wagon, Rambler camper and Quad trucks until 1916, when the company was sold to Charles Nash. Although famous for many innovations in the car industry, the Thomas B. Jeffery Co. also invested more than $1,000 to put up the first road signs in Kenosha County.
HISTORIC PHOTO
Working at Nash Motors
An auto factory worker is shown in the Die Casting Department of Nash Motors’ Kenosha plant, circa 1952.
HISTORIC PHOTO
Mixing metal at Nash Motors
A worker mixes molten metal in the die casting department at the Nash Motors plant, circa 1952.
HISTORIC PHOTO
Working at Nash Motors
A factory worker moves sand cast molds at Nash Motors in June of 1952.
Nash Motors building goes up
Nash Motors Building 45, Service and Export, is shown being constructed in May 1952. The view is looking east on 52nd Street across the Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Electric Railroad tracks.
Die casting at Nash
A worker in the Die Casting Department works at the Nash Motors plant in 1952.
Inside Nash Motors
This is a view of the Heat Treating Department of the Nash Motors’ Kenosha plant in 1952.
Nash Ambassador for all seasons
A spokesmodel poses for an advertising photograph with a Nash Ambassador circa 1953.
Working at Nash Motors in 1952
Workers are pictured in the Die Casting Department of the Nash Motors Co. Kenosha plant in 1952.
HISTORIC PHOTO
Working at AMC
Workers assemble vehicle parts at the AMC factory in the 1950s.
chrysler
The former American Motors (later Chrysler) Lakefront Assembly Plant in Kenosha is shown. More than 10,000 people worked in the plant at one time. It was shuttered in 1988. The land is now home to HarborPark condominiums, museums, a streetcar line and green space.
HISTORIC PHOTO
A spotlight shines on a 1956 Hudson on center stage at an American Motors Corp. exhibition introducing the new AMC automobile and Kelvinator appliance lines.
HISTORIC PHOTO
Mighty Mite made by AMC
This U.S. Marine Corps Mighty Mite 4x4 was manufactured by American Motors Corp. circa 1960.
AMC Marlin at plant
Steven Wojciechowicz took this photo of his 1965 AMC Marlin at the old AMC Lakefront Plant. Kenosha has evolved from its automaking days to boast a more diverse economy.
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Movie director Ron Howard, right, tours the Kenosha plant in 1984. From left are Larry Rusk and Bob Fesko. Howard scouted the plant for his movie “Gung Ho,” about an American automaking plant taken over by the Japanese. However, another plant was eventually chosen.
Chrysler history
Chrysler workers react angrily when the decision not to sue the automaker for closing its Kenosha assembly line was announced by local politicians in September 1988.
Chrysler history
ARCHIVES - Kenosha Harbor
Kenosha Harbor 1960’s AMC Plant
CHRYSLER SPECIAL
Funtional Audit station on the 3.5L production line at the DaimlerChrysler Kenosha Engine Plant in May of 2004. These engines go into the Chrysler Pacifica. Kenosha News photo by Brian Passino
From Ambassador to Alliance, Kenosha made milestones
Vince Ruffolo , in his Kenosha driveway in 2010 with a restored 1940 Nash pedal car, a red 1963 Rambler American and a light blue 1967 AMC Ambassador convertible.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
The AMC exhibit at the Kenosha History Center in 2019 featured six cars with red, white and blue liveries.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
1970 Trans Am Javelyn Street Car in the AMC exhibit at the Kenosha History Center in 2019.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
1970 Rebel Rambler Machine in the AMC exhibit at the Kenosha History Center in 2019.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
1969 B Trim Rambler Scrambler in the exhibit in 2019 is one of only 500 left.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
1970 Rebel Rambler Machine in the AMC exhibit at the Kenosha History Center.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
The 1976 State Farm Bicentennial Pacer is one of only 12 ever built.
AMC AT HISTORY CENTER
Topel's Rambler in the AMC exhibit at the Kenosha History Center in 2019.
Kenosha welcomes home its cars
Bob Lichter of Kenosha photographs a car while an orange 1971 AMC Javelin AMX 360 V8 provides a colorful background at the Kenosha Homecoming car show at Kennedy Park Saturday.
Kenosha welcomes home its cars
Carol DeBeaussaert, left, and Dennis Thurman have a shady spot during the Kenosha Homecoming car show at Kennedy Park Saturday. DeBeaussaert\'s 1977 AMC Pacer DL wagon is at right.
AMC PARADE
A line of classic AMC vehicles stretched down the streets in Downtown Kenosha during the 2022 AMC Homecoming parade. The city will host the return of the AMC Homecoming this week with special events, including this year’s parade on Friday afternoon.
AMC PARADE
Classic AMC cars make their way through Downtown and Harborside during the parade on Friday, July 29, 2022.
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The Nash badge is shown on the 1948 Nash pickup truck currently on display at the Kenosha History Center in 2020.
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The 1948 Nash pickup truck on display at the Kenosha History Center in 2020.
CLASSIC CRUISE-IN
A Nash hubcap reflects the action at a previous Kenosha Classic Cruise-In.
Classic cars galore will take the streets of Kenosha on Friday, rolling through Downtown and along the lakeshore during a lengthy parade.
The 17th annual Charity Week helped hundreds of students and area businesses during November. The week included cash donations to more than 200 people, donations of more than 2,000 to businesses, and the delivery of food and gift bags to more than 700 recipients, including cross guards, small businesses and more.
The Salvation Army of Kenosha County is in the final stretch of its 2025 Red Kettle Campaign and closing in on their target goal of $135,000. The campaign helps to support essential year-round programs. Donations are still being accepted.
