Sermon Illustrations

It was a sweltering August day in 1937 when the Cohen brothers entered the posh Dearborn, Michigan, offices of Henry Ford, the car maker. "Mr. Ford," announced Norman Cohen, the eldest of the three. "We have a remarkable invention that will revolutionize the automobile industry."

Ford was skeptical, but he was interested. "We would like to demonstrate it to you in person." They brought Mr. Ford outside and asked him to enter a black automobile parked in front of the building.

Hyman Cohen, the middle brother, opened the door of the car.

"Please step inside, Mr. Ford."

"What!" shouted the tycoon, "Are you crazy? It must be 200 degrees in that car!"

"It is," smiled brother, Max, "but sit down Mr. Ford, push the white button."

Ford pushed the button. All of a sudden a whoosh of freezing air started blowing from vents all around the car, and within seconds the automobile was not only comfortable, it was quite cool.

"This is amazing!" exclaimed Ford. "How much do you want for the patent?"

Norman spoke up, "The price is one million dollars, but there is something else: The name 'Cohen Brothers Air-Conditioning' must be stamped next to the Ford logo!"

"Money is no problem," retorted Ford, "but no way will I have a Jewish name next to my logo on my cars!'

They haggled and compromised, the Cohens' name would be left off. However, their first names would be forever emblazoned upon the Ford console in AC vehicles.

And that is why, even today, you will see those three names clearly printed on the air conditioning control panel: NORM, HI and MAX. [www.nopes.com].

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