Living in the Lodge: Packard Proving Grounds 1930 Census Lodgers
The Packard Proving Grounds was more than a vehicle testing site – it was home, and a chapter in the lives of those who lived and worked there.
This blog series provides a glimpse into the lives of those listed as residents of the Packard Proving Grounds in the 1930 census. Among them were mechanics, support staff, and family members of the onsite superintendent, Charles Vincent.
We begin the series with Sophie Smolinski Miller, a resilient woman whose story stretches from Detroit’s immigrant neighborhoods to the California coast.
Proving Grounds Lodge Resident: Sophie Barbara Smolinski (Skrobiszewski) Miller
May 26, 1907 – March 19, 1998
The 1930 census listed Sophie Smolinski as a 21-year-old resident housekeeper at the Packard Proving Grounds, though she was actually 23. She lived in a dorm room above the lodge garage.
Early Life in Detroit
Sophie was born on May 26, 1907, in Detroit, Michigan, at 15 Traverse Avenue, to Polish immigrant parents. She didn’t learn English until she was 14 and never lost her Polish accent. Her family only allowed her to attend school through 8th grade because she was a girl.
Sadly, her father died young, leaving her mother a widow with three children: Sophie, Ignatius, and Marion.
Sophie and Lucile Vincent’s mother, Mary, with baby Roberta Vincent in the carriage.
Working for the Vincent Family
To support herself and ease her mother’s burden, Sophie found employment with the Vincent family as a housekeeper and laundress. Sophie became a close friend of the Vincent family, staying in touch long after she married and left the Proving Grounds. She was so close that she named her daughter after the middle child of the Vincent family. Sophie’s daughter met her namesake twice.
Sophie’s daughter, Cornella B. Miller, named after Cornella Vincent.
Marriage and Family Life
Sophie married salesman John Skrobiszewski on April 21, 1931, eloping a year before their public wedding. They lived at 7509 Strong Street in Detroit, where Sophie worked as a factory worker, possibly for Packard, given her connection to the Vincent family.
John changed their last name to Miller, believing “Skrobiszewski” was too difficult to pronounce. He worked as a vehicle painter, likely for Packard Motor Car Company, although there is no formal documentation.
Sophie was resourceful–she made all her children’s clothing and kept a tidy home. Despite her efforts, the family eventually fell into poverty. John would often bring home part of his lunch to share with the kids. Even if it smelled of paint, they eagerly fought over it. They lost their home and had to rely on welfare.
Struggles and Relocation
Due to Sophie’s severe allergies, they moved to Arizona and then to California.
Sadly, her husband, John, died at 64 from lead poisoning due to his painting work.
Later Years and Legacy
After his death, Sophie worked as a waitress, while her daughter Cornella took care of her siblings. Cornella became a beloved schoolteacher and had four sons, one of whom tragically died in a drunk driving accident.
Sophie’s brother, Ignatius, who stuttered, served in the Army, and Marion, her sister, became a ballerina.
Sophie spent her final years at 91724 Covina in Los Angeles, California, and passed away at 91.
