Packard Proving Grounds - OPEN HOUSE
From a recent press release:
The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site invites everyone to enjoy the annual Spring Open House on Sunday, April 25, 2010, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Proving Grounds are located in ShelbyTownship between 22 and 23 Mile Roads on the west side of Van Dyke. Look for the green watertower.
Admission is FREE, parking is FREE and the event is open to all.
Tour the Gate Lodge and grounds and enjoy a delicious hot dog and pop while listening to Johnny Trudell’s fabulous Big Band.
The beautiful Miss America X race boat will be a featured display. Gar Wood piloted this 38 foot, wooden beauty for a record run of 124.9 mph in 1932. Four massive Packard V-12 engines provided the power.
The Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site covers 14 acres and includes 8 historic structures, including the water tower and Albert Kahn-designed Gate Lodge, both clearly visible from Van Dyke. Pass through the massive wrought iron gates and explore the progress being made on this developing property and featured in the National Park Service-Motor Cities National Heritage Area.
We are a Michigan Historic Site and we're listed in The National Register of Historic Places.
If you have any questions please contact Tom Mitchell, Open House Chairman, at the Proving Grounds at [[586) 739-4800.
http://www.motorcitypackards.com/Spring%20Open%20House%204-25-10%20Flyer%20final.pdf
Packards, Big Band Sounds, Gar Wood, Albert Kahn and the Twin Pines, Divco milktruck will be on display. Only thing missing is YOU.
Packard Proving Ground -- OPEN HOUSE
Just wanted to remind everyone of the FREE Open House at the Packard Proving Ground next weekend - Sunday, April 25 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The PPG is locate on the west side of Van Dyke Road, between 22 Mile Road and 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township.
Packard Proving Grounds --OPEN HOUSE
Hello Rocko:
We appreciate the kind words. The group that is restoring the PPG is the Packard Motor Car Foundation www.packardmotorfdn.org.
Hopefully, we will have good weather a week from today and get a good crowd out to see our preservation efforts over the last 12 years. We've come a long way but please understand that we have a long way to go.
Coincidently, John MacArthur, a Trustee of the Packard Motor Car Foundation, will be speaking at the Great Depression lecture series at Macomb Community College. Location: Lorenzo Cultural Center. When: Tuesday, April 27 at 11:00 AM. Naturally, his topic is the Packard Motor Car Company.
Pardard Proving Ground -- OPEN HOUSE
Hello Whitehouse:
No, the track was torn out by the real estate developer and leveled several years ago -- there is nothing to drive on but dirt. What you are seeing in the Google Earth map is somewhat of an optical illusion. You are actually looking at land that is graded flat, but the work road that created by the land moving equipment it gives the appearance that the track is still there.
Notice on the right side of the map an East/West road that they label as the New York Central [[NYC) Railroad Yard. It is actually called Packard Boulevard and as you go west the road deadends at the Timing Tower and at 475' of the remaining test track. Now look how the work road is somewhat "off" the actual track.
Secondly, the land where you thought the track still existed is NOT owned by the Packard Motor Car Foundation, it is in private hands.
What you can drive on is the Packard Boulevard from Van Dyke to the Timing Tower and take a photo of you and your car there.
Anyway, come on out Sunday and we can show you around. It looks as if the weather forecast is improving.