The Packard Family

Although the Packard Family of Warren, Ohio is perhaps best known for their company which manufactured automobiles from 1899 to 1958, they contributed much more to the world than just automobiles. Father, Warren, was involved in the lumber industry, forged iron manufacturing, and real estate while brothers, James and William, were in car and electrical businesses - even creating a precursor to the modern light bulb.  Alaska, the oldest of three sisters, became the first female FBI agent at the age of 54, forging new territory for women. And, for a time, the Packard family made Lakewood NY part of their lives.

The Packard Motor Car Company was a leader in the production of luxury automobiles in the United States for nearly sixty years. The company saw profitable years during the Depression and became a leader in the wartime production of engines for not just cars, but airplanes and boats as well. The Packard family stepped back from the business in the early part of the twentieth century, leaving it in skilled and capable hands that kept it alive until 1958. Today, Packard automobiles and engines can be found all over the world.

All of the Packard’s had a strong sense of community and were well known philanthropists. While Warren initially brought his young family to Lakewood, New York in Chautauqua County to spend their summers, the Packard’s continued to live there until 1960. They invested in the community, developing homes and a hotel. They made significant donations to support their home town of Warren as well as their adopted home, Lakewood. Their donations went to support churches, purchase fire trucks and land for a new fire station, education, and much more. The city of Warren and the village of Lakewood still benefit from James and Bess Packard’s philanthropic spirit. This love of community and generous spirit preserved the gifts and structures they left behind.