The Flivver King: A Story of Ford-America

For the Shutts, the only problem with the bonus system is the increase in consumer prices that soon follows. Their rent increases from $12 a month to $20, and when Abner searches for a less expensive house he learns that landlords are raising prices all over Highland Park. Abner and Milly decide to buy a home but learn that the prices have doubled since the Ford Company’s bonus scheme was introduced:

If only Abner could have bought before the announcement was made! If only he had had a tip! Some of Mr. Ford’s associates had known, and hastened to buy land—and now they were ‘holding it’ at such and such a high price, and making it nearly as hard for the Shutt family as if there hadn’t been any bonus! (58).

The price of groceries increases, too, and Milly is unable to find a store where she can buy food at the old prices.

While ordinary workers like Abner and his family find life harder after the bonus, Ford finds his easier: he gains fame as “America’s Number One employer” (58) serves as advertising for the company, and people view buying from the company as a way of taking part in “a great philanthropic experiment” (59).