Los Angeles herald., 1910-10-09
RIDES IN CAR Of PARTNER
OF EARLY CALIFORNIA DAYS
Famous Maker of Automobiles
Once Partner in Blacksmith
Shop at PIacerville

In September there was celebrated in
Placerville, Cal, by the pioneer resi-
dents of that town, the siNty-ninth
birthday of Michael Mayer, one Of the
Oldest residents of Ell Dorado county,
around whom could be written quite
rmance and with which by reason OF
Mayer early ventures would also be
associated to a certain extent the his
tory Of one of the greatest organiza-
tions in the country-that of the Stude-
baker.
Through an unkindTy fate Mayer
must spend the rest Of his days In
darkness, having been rendered total
ly blind. His first accident came forty
years ago while he was working over
blacksmith forge, when he lost his
right eye. The second accident oc-
CURED last March while splitting kim
ding, a splinter being forced into the
left eye shutting out the light forever.
But Mayer, despite the fact that he Is
deprived of his eyesight and thereby
rendered practically helpless Is an in
spiration to all who know him and
come into his presence.
His years of usefulness" are not
over as he says, but he Is doing much
good. His cheerfulness, warm hand
grasp and kindly words for everyone
is a striking example of a man who
no matter what his circumstances are,
places others above himself and seeks
to do good. He accomplishes this by
radiating kindness and love, which he
says, is the best he can do.
In the early f1fties, when California
was young, John M Studebaker, now
in his 18th year and the only surviv-
ing member of the original five broth
ers who started the Studebaker organ
ization, drifted to the Pacific coast,
lured here by tales of CALIFORNIA; s
golden wealth. John Studebaker led
the life OF a prospector only few
months after which he went to Placer
vile where he established black
smith shop.
Michael Mayer, then a young man in
his teens became John Studebaker's s
partner. Their shop became a very
busy one, employing nine men of whom
only three live today-John Stude-
baker, Ed. Christian and Mayer. the
latter two residing in P acerville.
Studebaker returned to his home town,
South Bend. Ind, in 1859 after whi h
Mayer continued as proprietor OF the
establishment and managed the shop
until last spring when he was rendered
totally blind.
One OF Mayors fondest recollections
is his early associations with John
Studebaker. He rejoices in the manu-
facturer's great success and looks upon
it as an example of thrift and many
years of hard work.
In his own home circle Mayer is
surrounded by his wife. a most de-
voted woman, his daughter and SON
in-law, Mr.. and Mrs. r. E. Adkins.
Their home is one of the prettiest IN
sun-l1issed Placerville. The spirit with
in that humble home vies with the
sunshine outside. Flowers of many
descriptions and pretty lawn sur
round the house.
Adjoining the yard OF the Mayer
: home stands the old original Stude-
baker shop. 1t has been leased to a
new firm. The ring OF the hammer
and anvil still goes on and in the
musical tones that come from the old
shop today, to those, who listen, can
be heard the echoes OF those OF half
a century ag when Mayer and John
Studeba.;er worked side by side over
the forge.