Shelby Charter Township in Shelby Township in Macomb County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Vincent Family
Home at the Proving Grounds
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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.
Location. 42° 39.68′ N, 83° 2.091′ W. Marker is in Shelby Township, Michigan, in Macomb County. It is in Shelby Charter Township. Marker is on South Proving Grounds Boulevard west of Van Dyke Avenue, on the left. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 49965 Van Dyke Avenue, Utica MI 48317, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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 Township.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 6, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 355 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 6, 2019, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.