11/08/2023
November 7, 1923- Shadwell Bowyer, proprietor of Bowyer Packard of Tucson, drove you to the Grand Canyon to deliver you to your proud new owners on their honeymoon- Mrs. Isabella Greenway & Gen. John Campbell Greenway. Youâve lived in Ajo during itâs formative years, and you accompanied Mrs. Greenway on her move to Tucson in 1927 where she established the Arizona Hut, and later the esteemed Arizona Inn in 1930. Youâve gracefully transported President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt on their trips to Arizona. Perhaps some new deal legislation was discussed in your stately passenger compartment? If only you could talk!
After a rest at your garage in Ajo, you returned to Tucson in 1954 to be displayed at Bowyer Motorcars- a testament to new Packard buyers of the durability of their ensuing car purchase. In the 60âs, you moved to Tombstone to live with a Greenway cousin and continued to traverse our beautiful state. The 80âs found you home in Tucson, where your caring owner of more than 40 years gave you fresh paint and a motor rebuild.
The past decade has been spent at your forever home here at the Franklin Museum, where I am sincerely honored to be your caretaker every day. Weâll see that youâre around to celebrate 150 years⌠We ought to start planning!
But today, November 7, 2023, youâve joined an elite few as a fully operational Centenarian. We tip our hats to you, our beautiful Packard, for there is not a vehicle more deeply rooted in our stateâs history than you are. Poignantly, we can conclude that they donât build them like they used to.
Stop by the Arizona Inn this Sunday 11/12 from 11A-2P to take great pictures and to see the car at itâs âhome away from homeâ.
-Anthony Warren, Curator
