The Mechanical Boy; An Aviation Enthusiast at Henry Ford's Wayside Inn Boys School

The Mechanical Boy tells the extraordinary true story of how Henry Ford's Wayside Inn Boys School transformed the life of one fortunate boy. The narrative follows Joseph Ochedowski, an orphan, whose selection to the school in 1929 unleashed his creativity and set him on a path to realize his dreams. At the heart of the story is Joseph's ambition to build an airplane, a passion that not only defined his time at the school but also epitomized Ford's belief in hands-on learning and the power of nurturing individual potential. Joseph's inspirational story reveals how Ford's educational vision shaped the life of one of his students, leaving a legacy that extended far beyond the classroom. Winner of the 2026 Henry Ford Heritage Association Book of the Year Award.