Bay Curious A Ford Factory Changed Milpitas, Then it Became a Mall
May 15, 2025
Gabriela Glueck, a producer with a keen eye for history, explores the fascinating transformation of Milpitas from a sleepy agricultural town to a bustling city. She highlights the key role of the Ford factory, which opened in 1955 and sparked significant social change. Listeners will hear personal anecdotes from former workers that illustrate the factory's impact on their lives. The discussion culminates in the nostalgic transition from the factory to the Great Mall, a major milestone for the community.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Carl Cortese's Factory Memories
- Carl Cortese worked 15 years on the Ford assembly line inside the Milpitas factory before it became the Great Mall.
- He vividly remembers stations like upholsterers and chassis areas and the intense heat without air conditioning.
Why Ford Chose Milpitas
- Ford moved to Milpitas in 1955 because the Richmond plant was too small and outdated post-WWII.
- The new factory was nearly 25 football fields in size, vastly expanding production capacity.
Assembly Line Workers' Experiences
- Former workers had specific assembly line tasks like installing glass or pinstripes on Mustangs.
- The repetitive work was physically demanding and aged workers quickly.