John Carey

John Carey, an aeronautical engineer, won the 1935 mayoral election against Clyde Ford and was the second Mayor to preside over consolidated Dearborn. Due to increased manufacturing at the Rouge plant, Dearborn’s economy strengthened during his time in office.

Carey would serve as mayor until 1941. Some of the most significant events to happen during the Carey administration were attempts to unionize Ford Motor Company. During the Battle of the Overpass, Dearborn police notably did not play a role when Ford security officers attacked union organizers in full view of a Detroit News photographer. Four years later in 1941, Carey drew criticism when he deputized Ford Security officers into Dearborn Police units guarding areas during a major Ford Strike.

Ribbon worn by Mayor Carey at the 1940 Memorial Day Parade
Ribbon worn at the Demonstration of the Ford Tractor, June 29th, 1939
Delegate badge for the 23rd Convention of the MI Federation of Post Office Clerks, 1941
Various ribbons and badges from the Museum’s collections worn by Mayor Carey at a number of events.
John Carey at Henry Ford Museum, Armistice Day – 1936 or 37
John Carey at City Hall – May 30th, 1940
An invitation requesting the presence of Mayor John L. Carey at the arrival of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at the Windsor Canadian National Station in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on June 6th, 1939 from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Dearborn’s next mayor, Orville Hubbard, shakes hands with John Carey.
John Carey at his Clarkston home, c.1970
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