Packard Proving Grounds Blog

South Parkway Entrance and ElmsMark Smucker
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Packard’s Guardians: The Legacy of Bob and Sunny Turnquist

In the world of Packard automobiles, few individuals have left a legacy as profound as Bob and Sunny Turnquist.
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Packard’s Guardians: The Legacy of Russ Murphy

The Packard Proving Grounds is more than a historic landmark—it is a testament to the dedication and passion of individuals who have safeguarded its legacy.

For V-12 Packards, a Special Homecoming to the Packard Proving Grounds

In 1932, readers of such publications as The Saturday Evening Post were treated to a full-page, full-color advertisement featuring the new Packard Twin Six.
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‘Twas a Night Before Christmas 1939 at Packard Proving Grounds

Our goal is to lead up to our 100th anniversary in 2028. Following the timeline that the Vincent family lived in the Lodge allows us to recognize the years of 1928 to 1942.
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Celebrating Our Volunteers: The Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

On Sunday, November 10th, 2024, the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site was filled with gratitude and celebration as we hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

A Day to Remember at the Fall Open House

On October 20, 2024, the Packard Proving Grounds welcomed car enthusiasts, families, and community members to their Annual Fall Open House, and it was an event that exceeded all expectations. With perfect weather setting the stage, the day was filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories.
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Packard Rosies on the Homefront

On September 1, 1939, Germany invaded Poland, leading France and Great Britain to declare war against Germany. Thus began WWII.  America was hesitant to get involved after suffering many losses during the Great War, enduring the Spanish Flu, and still struggling through the Great Depression.
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Packard’s Popular Patrician

Packard produced only one four-door Senior Sedan in 1956 and that was the Patrician. Its factory introduction was held on November 3, 1955.

The Patrician’s body styling included a redesigned grille that had a mesh-type insert with a gridwork of vertical and horizontal chrome bars placed against it. The headlight hoods were extended to give a brow look. And, the bumper guards were moved directly under the headlights.
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The Packard Powered Miss America X

The first thing that one will notice upon entering our museum at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site is the 38’ by 10’, eight-ton race boat built by racing legend Garfield Arthur Wood. Its impressive size with four huge Packard engines jutting out of the top instantly draws you in to take a closer look. This race boat represents a significant piece of our local history and is significant to world history in terms of what an advancement it was in mechanical power.