The Update | Packard Museum Acquires Car; Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit Opens
WARREN, Ohio – The National Packard Museum has taken possession of its latest acquisition, a 1948 Packard Super Eight 7-Passenger Sedan, a gift from Michael and Julia Cosgrove of Carey, Ohio. The car is in original, unrestored condition.
Its interior of the car is in excellent condition but the exterior needs some minor work, says Jill Brutsche of the museum.
This particular vehicle has an interesting history to share with museum guests, having been used by the Bellevue Hotel in Washington, D.C., as a limousine for more than 30 years. During its long years in service, the elegant sedan shuttled senators, congressmen and VIP guests to Capitol Hill from Union Station and Washington’s National Airport. This car was also used in presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton’s inaugural parades.
“One of the museum’s most important objectives is to tell the story of the historic vehicles and artifacts in our collection in an interesting and educational manner,” said Mary Ann Porinchak, executive director of the museum. “If we accomplish this goal and engage our guests, we might inspire them to learn more about Packard history.”
The 1948 Packard sedan has “a fascinating story to tell about our nation’s postwar culture and the political and diplomatic environment in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “Hopefully, by telling these stories, we will offer guests a thought-provoking lesson in history that will ensure the Packard legacy endures.”
The 1948 Packards were significant as they were the luxury automaker’s first all-new post-war models and featured the streamlined, rounded body design called “free flow styling.” While panned by some automotive critics as bulky and unattractive, the all-new 1948 Packard was nevertheless named “Fashion Car of the Year” by the Fashion Academy of New York.
Packard Motor Car Co. of Detroit introduced the model in 1947. Designed for personal use or livery service, the spacious sedan featured a full rear seat, wide arm rests, plush upholstery, and two forward facing jump seats in the rear passenger compartment.
It was powered by a new 327 cubic inch L-head straight-eight engine. The car sold new for $3,500 ($43,000 in today’s dollars). Only 1,742 units of this model were produced that year.
Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit to Open
YOUNGSTOWN – Mahoning Valley Historical Society will open its annual Memories of Christmas Past exhibit at Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Ave., today at noon.
The exhibition features seven rooms adorned with vintage decorations, Christmas trees, lights, and other holiday decor. The exhibit also includes two gift shops featuring new and vintage decorations and ornaments, and “Santa’s Village,” where children and families can enjoy historically themed hands-on activities.
The exhibit runs through Dec. 31. Regular hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from noon to 4 p.m. and until 7 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays in December. The museum also will be open on Monday, Dec. 26, from noon to 4 p.m. and on New Year’s Eve from noon to 7 p.m. Hours and admission details are available at mahoninghistory.org/mocp/.
MVHS once again will be participating in WFMJ-21’s Project Feed Our Valley. From Nov. 19 through Nov. 27, visitors who bring canned goods to support Second Harvest Food Bank will receive half off admission. This offer is good for one canned good per person. Coupons for admission and the gift shop discounts may also be found throughout the season in local newspapers and magazines.
In addition to the regular exhibit, MVHS will be adding a special event to this year’s Memories of Christmas Past programming. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, MVHS will host a screening of “Feast of the Seven Fishes” at 6 p.m. in the Thomas Ballroom at Tyler History Center, 325 W. Federal St., downtown.
The 2018 holiday comedy follows an Italian-American family preparing for its traditional Christmas Eve dinner. The event will include a live, in-person Q&A session with writer and director Robert Tinnell after the film.
Pictured at top: The National Packard Museum in Warren has recently been given this 1948 vehicle and will put it on display.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
