Shelby Charter Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Vincent Family
Home at the Proving Grounds
By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
1. The Vincent Family: Home at the Proving Grounds Marker
It wasn't just an industrial testing facility.
The Proving Grounds was also home to superintendent Charles H. Vincent and his family, from its opening in 1928 to 1942. Charlie and his wife Lucille raised three daughters in the Lodge at the Proving Grounds — Cornellie, Dorothea, and Roberta. Charlie was the brother of Packard Chief Engineer Jesse Vincent, and he once joked that his brother Jesse designed and built the automobiles and Charlie would do his best to break them at the Proving Grounds.
You Auto Know
Charlie Vincent set up a golf driving range at the Proving Grounds for his recreation and for visiting dignitaries.
Erected by MotorCities National Heritage Area, National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the MotorCities National Heritage Area series list.
Location. 42° 39.68′ N, 83° 2.091′ W. Marker is in Shelby
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
2. The Vincent Family: Home at the Proving Grounds Marker - far left image
Charlie Vincent with his foot on the running-board of a 1935 Twelve sedan.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Quality First" (a few steps from this marker); Base of Operations (within shouting distance of this marker); Packard Proving Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Packard Motor Car Company / Packard Proving Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); In Times of War (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Packard Takes Flight (approx. 0.2 miles away); Extreme Testing (approx. 0.2 miles away); Made for Speed (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shelby Charter Township.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
3. The Vincent Family: Home at the Proving Grounds Marker - near left image
Roberta, the youngest of the three Vincent daughters, at the main gate.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
4. The Vincent Family: Home at the Proving Grounds Marker - near right image
Lucille Vincent with baby Roberta in a stroller in front of the Lodge garage.
Photo courtesy of The Packard Motor Car Foundation.
5. The Vincent Family: Home at the Proving Grounds Marker - far right image
Charlie Vincent was an early ham radio buff and had a complete radio setup in his upstairs study in the Lodge.
By Joel Seewald, August 3, 2019
6. The Vincent Family: Home at the Proving Grounds Marker
This marker is the one on the left, next to the gate on South Proving Ground Boulevard.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 6, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
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