Main Street Downtown Greenfield awarded $20,000 T-Mobile Multicultural Grant
By Kyle Barr
Executive Director
Main Street Downtown Greenfield
A 501©(3) Nonprofit Organization
Main Street Downtown Greenfield is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $20,000 grant from T-Mobile’s Multicultural Grant Program.
This generous grant will be used to create a story board in honor of C.R. Patterson, a significant figure in Greenfield’s history and the founder of the first African American-owned automobile company in the United States.
The story board will be prominently displayed in Hays Court, thanks to the generous donation of space by Elaine and Pat Hays. This display will provide an overview of the history of C.R. Patterson and his sons, highlighting their remarkable achievements and contributions to the automotive industry.
About C.R. Patterson: Charles Richard Patterson, born in 1833, was an extraordinary individual who escaped slavery and settled in Greenfield, Ohio. He initially worked as a blacksmith and later partnered with J.P. Lowe to establish a successful carriage-building business. In 1893, Patterson bought out Lowe’s share and reorganized the company as C.R. Patterson & Sons.
The company eventually transitioned to automobile manufacturing, producing the Patterson-Greenfield car in 1915. C.R. Patterson & Sons became the first African American-owned automobile manufacturer in the United States, leaving a lasting legacy in Greenfield and beyond.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pat Hays and Elaine Hays for their generous donation of space in Hays Court to display the story board. Their support is invaluable in preserving and sharing the rich history of our community.
A huge shout out to the Economic Vitality Committee for their dedication and hard work in applying for and securing this grant. Their efforts have made this project possible, and we are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our community.
For more information, please contact: Kyle Barr, Executive Director, Main Street Downtown Greenfield, at director@mainstreetgreenfield.com.