Packing ’em in for Packard
By Sean Barron
A variety of model vehicles were on display at the 19th annual show.
WARREN — What is little more than a nondescript grassy knoll will soon be transformed into a building that will be home to several dozen vintage Packard vehicles.
The reality of a project to expand the W.D. Packard National Museum came into sharper focus during Sunday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the museum, 1899 Mahoning Ave.
“Packard has always been a pillar of our community,” Mayor Michael J. O’Brien said of the museum after the 90-minute program.
O’Brien was one of several dignitaries to participate in the ceremony, which capped off several days’ worth of events ushering in an annual car show as well as the groundbreaking ceremony, set up to celebrate what will be an 80-foot-by-120-foot expansion designed to display 35 Packard vehicles.
Construction of the $1 million building, funded largely through a Federal Highway Transportation grant, should get under way by September or October, noted Bruce Williams, the building committee’s chairman. About 80 percent of the cost will be picked up through the grant; the rest will come via the museum’s expansion fund, Williams explained.
The Ohio Department of Transportation is expected to approve the blueprints, then the city of Warren will review them, he said. Afterward, bids will be taken, and the status of the blueprints should be known in a few weeks, Williams added.
The L-shaped addition will feature, among other things, two offices, computer-controlled lighting, and easier access to the museum. A nearby pumping station will house archives and records, Williams noted.
The museum has about 25 vehicles, including a 1941 touring limousine bought by Elizabeth G. Packard for $5,595.
The oldest car is a 1900 Model B, with features that include reversible seats, pneumatic tires, a three-speed transmission and top speed of 30 to 35 mph.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Bishop George V. Murry of the Diocese of Youngstown; Charles Ohlin, director of operations; and Terry Martin, a founding board member. Giving a proclamation was a representative from the office of U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th.
After the ceremony, nearly all models and makes of vintage cars found their way to the area as part of the 19th annual car show. They included a two-door 1955 Mercury Sedan owned by Roger Davis of North Bloomfield.
Davis, who retired from Packard Electric, said a co-worker sold him the vehicle with roughly 9,400 miles on it. About four years and several car shows later, the odometer reads around 12,200 miles.
“I took a look, seen it and said, ‘I guess I have to have this,’” he said with a chuckle.
With the exception of redone bumpers, Davis said, nearly all of the components — such as the 289-cubic-inch engine and seats — are original, he added.
Among the models car enthusiasts were treated to were a 1909 Reo with a one-cylinder, 10-horsepower engine and top speed of 26 mph; a 1940 Chevrolet four-seat car; a yellow and brown 1939 Model 1700; and a 1926 two-door Buick.
The event also featured a Chinese auction, fine arts show, trophy presentation and a coloring contest for children. The cruise-in wrapped up with entertainment from the W.D. Packard concert band.
A few organizers were unable to provide attendance figures.