Book excerpt: This comprehensive look at the heyday of automobile manufacturing in Ohio chronicles the region's early prominence in an industry that was inventing itself. More than 550 Ohio manufacturers are covered, from Abbott to Zent. There are familiar marques, such as Jordan, Baker, Peerless, and White of Cleveland, along with Packard, Stutz, Crosley and Willys. Less well-known and forgotten automotive ventures, such Auto-Bug, Darling and Ben-Hur, are documented, although many never got beyond the concept stage. Attention is given to the various ancillary industries, services and organizations which nurtured, developed with and, in many cases, survived the decline of Cleveland's automotive industry.