Before automobiles were common on American roads, they were found in the barns and workshops of tinkerers who explored their mechanics. In Flint, Judge Charles H. Wisner and Dr. Hiram H. Bardwell worked on their own automobiles in their spare time. Circuit Court Judge Wisner built three one-cylinder automobiles in his carriage barn from 1898 through 1900. Physician Bardwell purchased a complete automobile kit in 1901 from the A. L. Dyke Automobile Supply Company. After finishing the assembly, he wrote that the car was running right along and working like a charm. Wisner also dabbled in photography, oils and water colors, architecture, and for a short period manufactured his own line of fishing reels.