Things looked a lot different a century ago. There was no pre-sliced bread, running water was prevalently lacking in rural communities, and every automaker was considered a fledgling start-up business. Fast forward to 2014, and it’s apparent that’s no longer the case. Now as we roll into July, Dodge->ke28 celebrates its centenary of making some of the most memorable vehicles in American history.

Technically happening July 1, 2014, Dodge’s 100-year celebration falls in a time of corporate reorganization that puts Dodge and SRT together. Dodge, owned by Chrysler,->ke21 is tasked with building “mainstream performance” cars while SRT,->ke4431 is to build Dodge’s “ultimate performance” lineup. The consolidation of the two should play well for the company. But back to the party.

The company is offering specialized merchandise including car decals, key fobs, pens, coffee mugs, and clothing. There’s even a “Dodge 100 Years” book that depicts the brand’s rich history. Perhaps the biggest way Dodge is celebrating its heritage of building legendary street machines comes in the form of horsepower; that’s 707 horsepower, to be exact.

Now the reason Dodge has been holding out of the 2015 Challenger Hellcat’s performance stats makes sense.

Click past the jump to read more about Dodge's centenary.

Dodge short history

Brothers Horace and John Dodge founded the Dodge Brothers Company back in 1900 and built engine and chassis parts for other automakers, like Olds Motor Vehicle Company and Ford Motor Company.->ke31 Then in 1914, the brothers build the Dodge Model 30, a competitor to the Ford Model T. The Model 30 came with such new and innovative parts like an all-steel body and a 12-volt electrical system. With more horsepower and a better transmission than Ford’s Model T, the Dodge quickly became America’s second-best-selling car. It never quite topped Ford for production volume.

Sadly, both brothers died at different times in 1920 and the company was then led by their widows who then appointed long-time employee Frederick Haynes as the new president. After a number of generally unsuccessful years, Dodge was sold to Chrysler Corporation in 1928. The rest, as they say, is history.

Special items for the 100th anniversary

Dodge is offering some pretty interesting swag to help commemorate the special event. Take for example, this seat belt buckle belt. Though it won’t likely protect you in a crash, it will help keep your pants from crashing to your ankles. Other goodies include coffee mugs, swanky pens, leather jackets, a 20-inch neon clock for the man cave, and of course decals and stickers. A full list of items is available HERE and on Amazon.

Why It Matters

So why does it matter? Well, consider all the car companies that aren’t with us these days. American Motors Corporation; Duesenberg; Hudson; Nash; Packard; Studebaker; and more recently Oldsmobile; Pontiac; Plymouth – all relegated to the pages of history, local junk yards, and hopefully museums.

Dodge has survived and sometimes even thrived through the last 100 years, so that in itself, if cause for celebration. Plus, without Dodge, the late 1960s wouldn’t have been so fun.