Packard Barn Mural
The Packard Automobile Ohio History Barn mural in Champion Township, Ohio. This mural is a partnership between the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, the Packard Museum, the Trumbull County Historical Society, and Ohio History Connection to showcase the legacy of the Packard Automobile. Don and Helen Fenstermaker's barn is located near the company’s original location in Warren, Ohio.
This is the eighth in a series of barns that will showcase innovators, innovations or accomplishments from Ohio history. Previously completed Ohio History Barns include: President Rutherford B. Hayes (Sandusky County), Annie Oakley (Darke County), Zoar Village Bicentennial (Tuscarawas County), Massillon Tigers vs. Canton-McKinley Football Rivalry (Stark County), Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry (Ottawa County), Tecumseh (Greene County) and first-ever Medal of Honor recipient Jacob Parrott (Hardin County). The Ohio History Connection plans to continue this project with other barns and important topics across Ohio.
Mr. Fenstermaker also has a personal connection to Packard: he worked there for 35 years, as did his mother and many other relatives. He says that he feels lucky to have worked at Packard during its heyday and adds, “we are proud to have been chosen to have the barn painted and we would like to thank the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, the state of Ohio, and painter Scott Hagan for working with us on the project.”
Mary Ann Porinchak, Executive Director of the National Packard Museum in Warren, said, “The first Packard Motor Car was built in Warren in 1899 at the Packard Electric Company. The manufacturing of this successful automobile brought about the formation of the Ohio Automobile Company, which evolved into the Packard Motor Car Company in 1902. The Packard Motor Car Company was a major automobile manufacturer in the United States during the first half of the 20th century that produced elegant, expensive, and top-of-the-market cars.”
The mural is the work of barn artist Scott Hagan, who also painted the 88 Ohio Bicentennial Barns. Hagan employs hand painting techniques he has developed over several years to recreate designs formulated by Columbus-area graphic designer David Browning.
Beth Kotwis Carmichael, Executive Director of the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, says, “We’re very excited to have the opportunity to share both our area’s story and its ties to the larger story of Ohio history through this large-format art installation.” She continues, “We’re thrilled that we were selected so early in the Ohio History Connection Project. This barn painting will prompt visitors to explore this and other sites in Trumbull County, and we encourage both visitors and residents alike to take in the legacy left by the Packard family to this area.”
