Images of the Packard Proving Grounds, 1927

View of the lodge at the Packard Proving Grounds in Utica, Michigan. Tudor-style l.odge was designed by Albert Kahn. Typed on back: "Proving grounds, lodge views." Handwritten on back: "Packard Motor Car Co. Proving Grounds, Utica, Michigan. 1927. Lodge shortly after completion. Designed by Albert Kahn, Inc.”

View of construction of the track at Packard Proving Grounds in Utica, Michigan, several male workers pictured with shovels. Handwritten on back: "Packard Motor Car Co. Proving Grounds, Utica, Michigan. Track construction, 1927-28.”

Packard Co. file photograph of two 1928 Packard race cars on track at proving grounds. Inscribed on photo back: "Packard Motor Car Co. Proving Grounds 2.5 mile concrete speedway, Utica, Mich., inauguration ceremonies 14 June 1928; Leon Duray, 91-cubic inch front drive Miller special #4, & Norman Batton, #22, coming out of curve at 140-mph."

OK, folks, I am back after a long hiatus and am beginning a study of proving grounds. I’ll be presenting text, photos, and bibliographies on this blog. I hope to provide homework product daily.  This effort is in part the result of a call for presentations for a gathering next year in honor of Johns Hopkins retirees Professors Bob Kargon and Bill Leslie.  I count Bill as a very good friend and want to to contribute work for a festschrift on “Spaces of Inquiry,” Let us hope this project is not just a "flash in the pan."