By Tony Mollica
Garfield Arthur Wood was a man of many talents and great determination. He was born in Iowa in 1880 to staunch Republican parents who named their son for America’s newly elected Republicans, President James Garfield and Vice President Chester Arthur. Young Gar was the second oldest of the twelve Wood children. When just ten years old, his father decided to move the family to the Minneapolis, Minnesota, area where he would become the captain of the ferryboat, Manitoba. It was here that Gar’s father introduced him to the fascinating world of boating and the importance of achieving speed on the water.
As an energetic member of this large and spirited family, it was only natural for Gar to develop the qualities that would serve him well to become a successful adult. Even as a youngster he was resourceful, enterprising and self-assured. He was also adventuresome and learned always to be well prepared for any eventuality. Frequently encouraged by his father, Gar developed a remarkable understanding for the operation of engines and a wide range of mechanical devices. After high school, he refined these skills at the Armour College of Technology in Chicago.
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