Since 1992, America’s Packard Museum has been a must-see attraction for Dayton visitors and Daytonians alike. With two buildings, 50 unique automobiles, and numerous artifacts, America’s Packard Museum remains a cultural and historically relevant piece of Dayton’s downtown and automotive history.
Packard, a forgotten American Icon
Most people when they think about the name “Packard” they wonder why their printer isn’t working. While nothing to do with today’s tech giant, Packard once was synonymous with American Luxury. Based out of Detroit from 1903 to 1956, the Packard Motor Car Company built its reputation on fine craftmanship and engineering, even outselling their main competitor—Cadillac—for several years. Packard firsts include air conditioning and the first steering wheel on a production car! Many great figures from history owned or used a Packard. Warren G Harding was the first U.S. President to go to his inauguration in an automobile, and it was in a Packard!
An Ohio Automobile Company
Started by the Packard brothers in Warren, Ohio, Packard was originally called The Ohio Automobile Company before moving to Detroit. The Packard brothers got to work on their first car and successfully drove it on November 6, 1899. In 1901 James Ward Packard was asked by his secretary what he should tell a potential buyer who was inquiring about a Packard car. Believing the cars spoke for themselves, he replied “just tell him to ask the man who owns one.” That would become Packard’s Slogan for the next fifty-five years.
Location, Location, Location
“A Packard Museum? In Dayton? Downtown?” Ah yes, a ponderous set of questions with a simple, yet elegant answer. America’s Packard Museum’s unique location was chosen as it was home to The Citizen’s Motor Car Company, Dayton’s original Packard dealership. Citizen’s built and operated the facility from 1917 through 1937. It has been automotive related since, first selling Pontiacs, then Buicks, finally becoming the warehouse for Genuine Auto Parts. Local Packard collector Robert Signom II acquired the facility, creating it as a non-profit museum in 1992.
The Packard Company and The Great Dayton Flood
Alvan Macauley brought prestige to Packard in the Roaring ‘20s as the Company’s most notable president. However, years before, he was a patent attorney for the National Cash Register Company in Dayton. During the Great Dayton Flood of 1913, Maccauley used every resource he had to deliver eighteen Packard trucks by train to help the relief effort, some of which were used at the Packard Factory. In unison with established NCR Packards, the “Packard trucks have rendered invaluable and continuous service.” No doubt, Packard saved many Daytonian lives in those fateful weeks.
A Place to Visit, A Place to Party
Here at America’s Packard Museum, we often consider ourselves one of the more unexpected places in Dayton. So how does one experience the Museum? First, follow us on social media! We are always trying to educate about the Museum, our exhibits and events through Facebook and Instagram. Second, host your party here! We are a great venue for any event. We host about sixty events per year, and you may have already been to a swanky soiree here! Third—and quite obviously—come visit! America’s Packard Museum is a great place to bring friends and family visiting Dayton. If you have never been before, now is the time!
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