legacy spring 2009
DESCRIPTION
The Journal of the Reno County Historical SocietyTRANSCRIPT
I N S I D E
T H E J O U R N A L O F T H E R E N O C O U N T Y H I S T O R I C A L S O C I E T Y
LEGACY
18scoutingmemorabiliaaboundsin collections
SPRING 2009
4salt museum
celebratesits second
anniversary
hutchinson’s airport…helping shape history...page 2
HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF
Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs [email protected]
Frank Alexander, project manager, kusm [email protected]
Jamin Landavazo, chief curator, kusm [email protected]
Gayle Ferrell, director of operations, kusm [email protected] Tonya Gehring, volunteer coordinator, kusm [email protected]
Gaylon Green, operations assistant, kusm [email protected]
Teri Johanning, facility assistant, rchs [email protected]
Lynn Ledeboer, curatorial assistant, rcm [email protected]
Heidi Martin, administrative assistant, rcm [email protected]
Colleen McCallister, visitor services coordinator, kusm [email protected]
Jolene Mora, exhibit technician / assistant director of development, rcm and kusm [email protected]
Rachael Shedd, housekeeping, kusm [email protected]
Dave Unruh, maintenance supervisor, kusm [email protected]
Kim Waybright, director of administration, rcm, kusm [email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Patty Foss, president • Dr. Mike Wesley, vice president
Shannon holmberg, secretary • Charles Studt, treasurer
John Doswell, president-elect • Kim Moore, past president
Michael Armour • Mike Carey • LeAnn Cox • E. Francis Habiger
Gary Hughes • Sherry Mundhenke • Brad Rayl • Barbara
Withrow • Jerry Wray • Bruce Buchanan • Myron Marcotte,
ex-officio • Carl Myers, ex-officio • Lee Spence, ex-officio
Cynda Wright, ex-officio
2 hutchinson airport shapes history ...playing major role in two wars
4 kusm celebrates two years ...of continuing progress
6 rcm garage sale in july ...back issues of “legacy” also for sale
7 meet jamin…our new chief curator ...diving into strategic planning
11 rcm closing for summer ...so challenges can be addressed
12 girl scouts delve into history ...of hutchinson and reno county
13 creativity is everywhere ...third thursday inspires artistry
14 dr. vreeland returns ...potential disaster turns into success
18 scouting memorabilia abounds ...can you identify this boy scout?
21 watch for new kusm exhibits ...sign up for a scout overnight!
Volume 21, No. 2
Legacy is published quarterly by The Reno County Historical Society, Inc.
100 S. Walnut St., P.O. Box 664, Hutchinson, Kansas 67504-0664
Distribution is free to RCHS members.
For advertising or membership information, call 620-662-1184.
© 2009 The Reno County Historical Society, Inc. ISSN 1045-3423
All rights reserved. The RCHS disclaims responsibility for statements of fact or opinion made
by contributors. Third class postage paid at Hutchinson, Kansas.
THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2
RBy Joseph F. Novak, Jr., Project Geologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
The author is a Proj-ect Geologist with the U.S. Army Corps of En-gineers, Kansas City District. Mr. Novak routinely performs historical research of former military instal-lations in Kansas and Missouri in support of the Defense Environ-mental Restoration Program – Formerly Used Defense Site pro-gram for the U.S.
eno County and the City of Hutchinson have a fas-cinating historical connection with both World War II and the Korean War. Many residents of Reno County are well aware that the United States Navy built the Hutchinson Naval Air Station (HNAS) located near Yoder in 1942. Created as part of the military build-up dur-ing World War II, the Navy operated the HNAS through 1946. From 1952 through 1958, the HNAS was again brought to life in response to the Korean Confl ict. HNAS was fi rst utilized for primary fl ight training for newly recruited Naval Air Cadets, and then later for operational patrol aircraft fl ight training. Few residents may recall, however, that the Hutchin-son Municipal Airport (HMA) was also once utilized by the Navy as well. The HMA was used as the fi rst loca-tion where the Navy initially began primary fl ight training operations in the Hutchin-son area. The HMA was also utilized by the Navy to com-mence fl ight training opera-tions until the HNAS could be fully constructed.
The HMA began in 1929, funded by a $75,000 bond passed by the citizens of Hutchinson in June of that year.
The original 262-acre tract of land purchased by the city was located at the present airport site, 3.5 miles east of Hutchinson’s downtown business district. By the spring of 1930, the HMA included a graded sod fi eld, a hangar composed of large panes of glass, an air-port offi ce, and fi eld lighting equipment. The City of Hutchinson became a common stop for barnstorming pilots such as Wiley Post and James Doolittle. During the Depression years of the 1930s, develop-ment of the HMA was fund-ed through the Works Project Administration (WPA).
The WPA was the gov-ernment agency created by President Franklin Roos-evelt’s administration during the Depression to improve
economic conditions in the U.S. through construc-tion projects. Fully funded by the U.S. government, these projects typically in-cluded schools, hospitals, bridges and much more. Several improvements were made at the HMA by the WPA. In 1936 a system of channels and dykes was constructed near the airport to improve drain-age. In 1939 three run-ways were paved with a
bituminous material (a type of asphalt).
THE WPA FUNDED
CONSTRUCTION
OF CHANNELS,
DYKES AND
RUNWAY PAVING
AT THE HUTCHINSON
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.
Hutchinson airport…
Shaping U.S. and aviation history
(See TRAINING, page 10)
below is a photo of how
the hutchinson municipal
airport appears today.
pictured here is the
wells aircraft facility.
By 1940 the system con-sisted of a north-to-south runway that was 3,198 feet long; a northwest-to-south-east runway, 3,150 feet; a northeast-to-southwest run-way, 3,620 feet; and a turf runway aligned east to west, measuring 3,298 feet. In 1940 the WPA also constructed the hangar that is located just north of the present day terminal build-ing. The cantilever doors, high ceiling, and supporting trusses of this hanger are conspicuous aspects of han-gars of the early 1940s. In 1941, the first airport master plan was developed and completed. From 1941 through 1943, 993 acres of
land were purchased for airport use and expansion. In 1940 a Civilian Air Patrol unit was established at the HMA.
NAVY TRAINING During World War II, the Navy occupied and utilized the HMA for training purposes. In 1942 the Navy entered into a lease with the City of Hutchinson to use the airport for military purposes. The city leased the HMA to the Navy for $1.00 per year. Initially the Navy used the HMA as the temporary location of the HNAS until construction of the perma-nent base near Yoder was
sufficient to allow training to begin there. Hutchinson city officials assured the Navy that there were sufficient housing and facilities for the large number of naval personnel to be stationed at the HNAS. However, it soon became evident that this promise was unrealistic. In early September, 1942, the Navy took immediate and absolute control of the HMA. At that time all civilian use of the HMA was termi-nated. All three facilities and equipment of the HMA were given to the Navy to conduct primary flight training opera-tions.
COVERTHE MAIN HANGAR AND SEVERAL
PLANES ARE SHOWN IN THIS 1930s
PHOTO OF THE HUTCHINSON
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. (1987.128.49)
Hutchinson airport…
Shaping U.S. and aviation history
COVERTHE MAIN HANGAR AND SEVERAL
PLANES ARE SHOWN IN THIS 1930s
PHOTO OF THE HUTCHINSON
MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. (1987.128.49)
W
the official oscar
mayer weinermobile
arrives at kusm’s
front door
KUSM two years old!By Gayle Ferrell, Director of Operations
E ARE NOW OFFI- CIALLY TWO YEARS OLD!!! It seems that only a few months have passed since I shared observations and memorable milestones from our first year of operation. So here are my high-lights, in no particular order, from Year #2:■ An actual lobby com-pleted that comfortably accommodates a busload of visitors■ Four additional toilets installed in the women’s restroom■ Delivery of a penny machine with four different designs for souvenirs■ Engine No. 2 decorated
with white lights outlining its body and wheels ■ Moved into “the cube,” an office in which four employees can sit without touching each other■ A visit from the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, earn-ing us an official Oscar Mayer Weiner Whistle■ A special visit to the artifact storage area of the Cosmosphere■ Signage installed on the front of our building■ Trees planted to provide a windbreak■ Hosted a catered evening meal (with door prizes) for all our wonderful volunteers■ Obtained a load-haul-dump machine from Un-derground Vaults & Storage to display in our museum■ Received permission to
show our visitors the “Dirty Jobs” episode filmed in this mine■ A trip underground with Dr. Vreeland to collect rocks for his studies look-ing for live microbes in our salt bed (If successful, we would lay claim to the oldest living organism ever found!)■ Watched a tornado cloud come straight at the build-ing then pass directly over.■ Last year’s record week surpassed by 502 when we greeted 2,986 visitors in one week!!!■ A record DAY of 642 visitors, breaking the previous record of 624■ Salty, the Saltasaurus, KUSM’s new mascot, visit-ing underground!
(See THE STAFF…page 8)
Gayle Ferrell
4
5
6
WRCM stuff for sale ith garage sale season upon us, the Reno
County Museum will be joining environmen-
tally concerned and cost-conscious shoppers
by holding a Summer Garage Sale.
Join us Friday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 4
p.m., and Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. to
noon, to help us clean out our closets!
Craft items, display mountings, furniture,
electronics and many, many more items will
be available for sale.
Rest assured that no artifacts will be sold.
Missing an issue in your Legacy collec-
tion? Researching a favorite topic? The Reno
County Museum has back issues of Legacy
in excellent condition available to you for
$1 each.
We can’t guarantee that we will have ev-
ery issue in stock, but we will do our best
to locate any issue for you. Hurry in and
get them while supplies last!
rest assured
that no museum
artifacts
will be sold.
GARAGE SALE9 am to 4 pm friday, July 179 am to 12 noon, saturday, July 18no museum artifacts will be sold!
GARAGE SALEGARAGE SALE9 am to 4 pm 9 am to 4 pm 9 am to 12 noon, saturday, July 189 am to 12 noon, saturday, July 18no museum artifacts will be sold!no museum artifacts will be sold!
7
T
he Reno County His- torical Society is pleased to announce the arrival of our new Chief Curator, Jamin Landavazo. We are excited by the fresh perspective that Jamin brings to the curator posi-tion thanks to her varied academic and work-related experiences. Growing up in the Topeka area, Jamin completed both a bachelor’s degree in his-tory and a master’s program in museum studies at the University of Kansas. Jamin admitted that ear-lier she had not even been aware of the museum pro-gram. She described hearing about it, however, as “a light bulb moment,” realizing that it fi t perfectly with her love of museums. While president of KU’s museum studies organization, Jamin was actively involved in an outreach program to re-cruit museum studies alumni to work with KU students on their career paths. While at KU, Jamin’s stud-ies focused on 20th century history, but she admits to having a soft spot for the Civil War era.
Interning at the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics in Lawrence also satisfi ed Jamin’s interest in the politi-cal realm of history. Curious about the inner workings of a larger mu-seum, Jamin received a post-graduate internship with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Bos-ton, Mass.
NEW APPRECIATION She described working at the Kennedy Library as an interesting experience due to the segmentation of the various departments. Jamin explained that although she knew other employees, she often didn’t know what they were working on. Her experiences at the larger museums led to an ap-preciation of the opportunity to work in a smaller museum where she is able to work in a variety of areas. History and museums aren’t the only subjects that hold Jamin’s interest. She is a huge KU basket-ball fan who dutifully fi lls out her NCAA bracket with KU as the ultimate cham-pion, of course. Jamin also
enjoys cooking, baking and reading. Another very important subject in Jamin’s life is her high school sweetheart and spouse, Matt Landavazo. Married in May, they make their home in Wichita where Matt works as a fl ight-test engineer for Hawker Beech-craft. Jamin feels right at home right here, however, as we continue to move forward into the Reno County His-torical Society’s fi ve-year strategic planning process. Jamin already envisions several long-term goals for the two museums, including an intense refocus on the actual collections themselves. She said that through the strategic planning process she is “...excited to meet members of the community and get a better feel for what they want in their museums.” All of us here at the Reno County Historical Society look forward to our new curator’s outlook and enthu-siasm to help guide the mu-seums into their next phase of history.
Welcome, Jamin!
Meet Jamin…
By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant
RCHS’s new chief curator
Jamin already
envisions several
long-term goals
for the two museums,
including an intense
refocus on the
actual collections
themselves.
8
The staff stands in trenches…through sunshine and snow(Continued from page 4)
■ Hunting salt rocks with Mike Carey, Emerson Carey’s great-grandson and RCHS board member■ Our inclusion in the sales tax renewal that was passed.■ The scout overnight event canceled due to a blizzard in late March. One major reason that I continue to look forward to each day is the great staff that stands in the trenches with me through sunshine and rain, snow and howl-
ing wind, joy and sorrow. We have learned a lot together and continue to work as a team to keep our visitors safe while be-ing allowed the privilege to show them our “cool” world 650 feet under-ground. I’d like to introduce you to a few:
Tonya Gehring, Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Director of Operations, is hooked on salt rocks. Starting out as a volunteer, she has been an employee
almost two years. Tonya understands what the mu-seum needs to accomplish and spends much of her time scheduling volunteers so that we can be success-ful in addition to every other aspect of operations. She is patient, dedicated and multi-talented. She is my right hand I’d rather not work without.
Dave Unruh, Maintenance Supervisor, is very passion-ate about this salt mine. He is one of the most versatile persons I’ve ever known when it comes to the broad and unique scope of main-tenance that our facility requires. What he doesn’t know, he will research. When he can’t figure it out, he will find someone who can. He understands, without a doubt, that our visitors are our number one priority. Dave, who started as a volunteer, has now been here two years. He is my “left hand,” always there to support.
Gaylon Green, Opera-tions Assistant, may be a part-time manager but he’s actually a full-time advi-sor. Gaylon planned to be a volunteer but became as hooked as the rest of us and ended up retiring earlier than planned to join our team. I admit to twist-ing his arm a bit, but I rely
“we have learned
a lot together
and continue to
work as a team to
keep our visitors
safe while being
allowed the privi-
lege to show them
our “cool” world
650 feet under-
ground.”
9
gayle ferrell, director
of operations, helps salty
stay on the tram for a ride
through the mine.
The staff stands in trenches…through sunshine and snowon him for objective advice. He is always professional, friendly, well informed, and willing to pitch in wherever help is needed. This sum-mer will mark his two-year anniversary.
Colleen McCallister, Visitor Services Coordinator, joined our team in August to monitor and order gift shop merchan-dise, sell tickets and answer the phone. She hit the ground running by coming in the day after her interview with only one hour’s notice when another em-ployee called in sick. Colleen loves to talk to visitors and it shows. She has willingly taken on multiple duties, and the highest compliment I can give is that “she gets it.”
Teri Johanning, FacilityAssistant, is totally our Girl Friday, defined as “an indispensable, resourceful female assistant.” She is in charge of housekeeping and assists with events, but does so much more for us both topside, underground, in the gift shop and mail-room, and everywhere and anywhere else there is a need. It’s hard to keep up with her high level of energy.
Kim Waybright, Direc-tor of Administration and Finance, and Linda Schmitt, Executive Direc-tor, both have full plates of administrative duties but also work as managers in the weekend rotation. They
are always “on call” for those moments when we need an extra set of hands. Their willingness to drop everything and pitch in is a valuable asset.
Kourtney Krehbiel, Rachael Shedd and Car-mel White are all part-time employees who, thankfully, work the weekends. Kourtney spends her time at the ticket kiosk, substitutes in the gift shop, and steps in to keep tours running on schedule. She will once again work full-time this summer. Rachael works in house-keeping and has handled some gruesome tasks with the comment, “Well, that happens.” Her gentle spirit is a blessing to all. Carmel has worked weekends in the gift shop since we opened. We are lucky that she is willing to spend her days off with us.
The operations staff is supported by a host of other individuals, including some volunteers who are on-site each week almost as much as we are.
Everyone I’ve introduced here is such a valuable piece of the puzzle because their attitude mirrors what I’ve always believed – SALT ROCKS!!!
salty, the saltasaurus,
(volunteer jay brown)
shows off his new tee-
shirt from the kusm
salt cellar gift shop.
salty, left, meets the
dark knight, batman,
650 feet underground.
(See HUTCH, page 15)
The aircraft utilized for primary flight training at the HNAS was the Stearman Model 75. This aircraft was a two-seater bi-plane with a single radial piston engine as the sole powerplant. Navy designations for the Model 75 aircraft were N2S-1 through N2S-5. The versions of this model used by the Navy at the HNAS included N2S-2, N2S-3 and N2S-5. The plane was commonly referred to as the “Yellow Peril” due to the air-craft’s color scheme and its dubious flying reputation. Later in the war, HNAS utilized the Privateer for operational flight training. The Privateer, designated by the Navy as PB4Y-2, was basically a modified B-24 Liberator bomber aircraft. The mission of the Privateer was to serve as a land-based maritime patrol aircraft. It had four radial piston engines and twelve .50-caliber machine guns at various locations throughout the aircraft, plus up to 12,800 pounds of other weaponry. In addition to the facilities and equipment already pres-ent at the HMA, the Navy also expanded the HMA’s infrastructure. The Navy built five build-ings for the flight-training ground school. As with other World War II era military
buildings, these structures were most likely of the theater-of-operation type, composed of wood and tar paper. They were temporary in nature and had a use ex-pectancy of only five years.
In addition to the five buildings, the Navy also provided other im-provements that were quite extensive in nature. Improvements to the HMA cost the Navy $600,000 and included widening the runways, con-structing taxiways, strengthening pave-ment, and installing
sewer systems and utilities. Additionally,
plans were drawn up to enhance the HMA beacon system. Various buildings in Hutchinson were utilized to support the Navy personnel stationed at the HNAS while the HMA was utilized as the temporary HNAS.
Buildings were used for various administrative purposes as well as for liv-ing requirements of naval personnel stationed at the nascent HNAS. Some obvious uses of municipal facilities were the use of the city jail as the brig and the main post office as the military post office. Other Hutchinson facili-ties utilized include the First National Bank building and old post office building as HNAS headquarters and administrative offices. Sup-plies sent to HNAS for use by naval personnel were stored in a warehouse at 321 Main Street. The city hospital was used as the sick bay. Buildings recently built on the Kansas State Fairgrounds were used to quarter the sailors and officers stationed at HNAS. The first commanding offi-cer, Commander W. C. King, spent several months at the fairgrounds upon assuming command of the HNAS.
Training exercises ...cont. from page 3
the
navy
made
numerous
improvements
to the
hutchinson
airport.
the stearman model
75, navy designation
N2S-2, below right,
was also known as
the “yellow peril”
due to its color. its
dubious reputation
was typical of the
planes flown at the
hma during the war.
(photo courtesy
of mid-atlantic air
museum)
10
11
Linda SchmittExecutive Director,
Reno County Historical
Society
[email protected]@undergroundmuseum.org
n May the Reno County Historical Society Board and I made the very diffi cult and painful decision to close the Reno County Museum for the summer. This decision was not made lightly but with the realization that we could not quickly or easily overcome the challeng-es that we are facing. The Reno County Mu-seum (RCM) comprises two separate buildings that were linked together by a relative-ly modern structure when RCM moved to 100 South Walnut in 1986. The older buildings were built in the early 1900s and were originally designed for much different purposes. The Rosemont, the red brick building on the east side, was originally a board-ing house. It currently houses the administrative offi ces and serves as storage for the majority of RCM’s artifact collections. The Kline, the blonde brick building to the west, began as the Great American Life Insurance building whose symbol was the eagle that still graces the top of the building. It currently houses the public galleries, children’s area and the conference room. The linking structure houses the lobby, the RCM gift shop, the research room,
and fi rst- and second-fl oor restrooms. Within a two-week period, we learned about two dif-fi cult challenges that affect both older buildings. First, after an architect walk-through, it became apparent that the Rosemont building could no longer support the weight of the artifacts on the second fl oor.
WEIGHTY ISSUES In the past 20 years, more than 20,000 items have been added to the Reno County Museum’s collections. Al-though these artifacts have enhanced the museum’s collections, they have also caused sagging fl oors and cracks in the walls that have made the Rosemont unsafe, both for RCM personnel and the objects themselves. Secondly, at the beginning of the summer the air condi-tioning system in the Kline building quit working. After investigating the problem, it was determined that the cost to replace the condenser and other crucial parts of the Kline air condi-tioner, which cools all public areas of the museum, is be-yond our means at this time. In 2007 we made the deci-sion that the Reno County Museum could no longer operate at a defi cit, as had
been the case for many years. As a result, the board adopted a spare and dis-ciplined budget, and RCM broke even in 2008. Even with this success, this belt-tightening budget al-lowed little room for the two obstacles that were suddenly forced to the forefront. We are also in the fi nal stages of completing a new fi ve-year strategic plan that will shape the direction of the mu-seum. Certainly the urgency of rectifying the building issues will take top priority. So now the question is: Where do we go from here? As the historical society approach-es its 50th anniversary in 2011, we have an opportunity to en-vision a museum that preserves, interprets and excites the next generations about the history of Reno County. It is our hope that this will not just fall to the board and staff of Reno County Histori-cal Society to construct, but to the community as well. We hope that you be-lieve, as we do, that history should be safeguarded and preserved, accessible to the public, relevant and vibrant. We welcome your ideas, and, with your help, we will get though this challenging time. I am confi dent that the Reno County Museum’s best days are still to come.
RCM closing for summer
the rosemont,facing avenue a, left, and the kline building,facing walnut, have problems that are forcing the museum to close through the summer. reopening is scheduled for september 29.
a newer
structure
links the
two older
buildings.
I
12
irl Scouts! Girl Scouts! Girl Scouts! Those seem to be popular words these days at the Reno County Museum. Girl Scout cookies just went out, and the girls are back to working on fulfi ll-ing badge requirements and community service projects. So, the Reno County Museum’s recent develop-ment of programs for Girl Scouts couldn’t have come at a better time. This March we have seen quite a few of those girls coming through the doors of RCM to participate in learning some Reno County history. Local troops have come from Lyons, Buhler and Hutchinson to earn the re-quirements for the Brownie badge, “Listening to the Past,” and the Junior Scout badge, “Local Lore.”
Heidi Martin, RCHS Administrative Assistant, is the Girl Scout Leader for Troop 50290, and has recently volunteered to be a delegate for the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. In that role she will attend the annual meeting where she will be able to con-tribute local opinion to the regional board of directors and attend-ees. Heidi will also be able to vote on current issues affecting Girl Scouting today.
The girls learned about the architecture in our neighborhood and com-pared the different archi-tectural styles throughout time.
We also taught the scouts about Vada Watson, a memorable Reno County woman who was crowned Kansas Wheat Girl in 1925. Junior Scouts created posters to advertise Vada’s travels during her reign as Kansas Wheat Girl. They also created posters of what they thought the City of Hutchinson would look like in 25, 50 and 100 years. Junior Scouts examined aerial photographs of Hutchinson from 1970, 1993 and 2002. These photographs
helped show the girls the changes that have been made to the mall area as well as to the fairgrounds and the Dillons area at 30th Avenue and Plum.
The Brownies compared photographs of Hutchinson from the 1920s to today’s cityscape. They also played games from the past, such as Hide the Thimble, Tic-Tac-Toe and Simon Says. To fi nish the Brownie program, the girls went into the Oodleplex, dressed up as Vada Watson, and shared something they remem-bered learning about her. It seems that the Reno County Museum’s Girl Scout programs are des-tined to become as popular as those infamous cookies!
scouts, left, comment on
photos of early hutchinson
buildings with chief curator
jamin landavazo; and, below,
they discuss county history.
GBy Heidi Martin, RCM Administrative Assistant
Scouts explore local history
13
800-760-5315 620-662-5315
By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant
he Reno County Museum’s contribution to the Downtown Hutchinson Third Thurs-day event April 16 sparked quite a bit of artistic talent. RCM events featured a Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest, musicians and a local artist. The RCM courtyard came alive with chalk drawings, music and lights. Dozens of attendees succumbed to the lure of the chalk and deco-rated the RCM courtyard with whimsical images. The Samuel Band and guitarist Ryan Coon enter-tained the creative chalk artists while they worked. Some fi nger food was offered for refreshments, and retired art teacher, Cheri Moser, displayed her lovely artwork indoors. Each entrant in the chalk contest was awarded a small prize, and a random drawing was held for the grand prize of two tickets to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. Congratulations to win-ner Mikaela Trim! Keep your calendars open each Third Thursday for a fun night at the RCM, reopening in the fall.
Third Thursday…
Creativity abounds Creativity aboundschalk artists
of all ages
display their
talents during
third thursday
events at rcm.
T
retired art teacher cheri
moser relaxes in the rcm
courtyard while listening to
music during “third thursday.”
her artwork was on display
inside the museum.
14
What started out as a perfect plan for an unfor-gettable weekend, ended up being unforgettable…but not as planned. On March 27 at least 12 inches of snow fell on Hutchinson when Dr. Rus-sell Vreeland and his wife, Susan, were here for a series of events. As a result, a Friday night KUSM members-only reception and a surprise visit to a Boy Scout over-night at KUSM had to be canceled. KUSM’s closing was particularly disappointing to Dr. Vreeland who was looking forward to min-gling amongst our guests.
IMPROMPTU FUN Even though the week-end was beginning to look like a huge disappoint-ment, the sun fi nally came out on Saturday. By Sunday evening, we managed a last-minute impromptu staff reception for the Vreelands. It was during this recep-tion that Dr. Vreeland told us about the exciting work he was doing with the
By Jolene Mora, Exhibit Technician& Assistant Director of Development
samples he retrieved from our mine during his last visit. His lab assistants have been able to fi nd DNA and lipids in our salt, which is more stable than any other salt he has worked with in the past, he explained. The weekend was com-ing to an end but the visit was starting to look up. That momentum continued on Monday with the Dillon Lecture Series held in con-junction with KUSM. According to Alice Tritsch, Dillon Lecture Series secretary, about 175 persons attended the lecture. She also reported that Dr. Vreeland was very well received by those in attendance. Then it was “down to business.” We headed underground so that Dr. Vreeland could fi nd more samples to work with in his lab at West Chester (Pa.) University. Three hours later, the work was done and the Vreelands were on their way home. What began as a
Disaster turnsinto success
dr. vreeland discusses
a salt formation during
a visit to the mine where
he collected additional
samples of salt for his
ongoing research at
west chester university
in pennsylvania.
(See DR. VREELAND…page 19)
15
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The fairgrounds even had a kitchen and dining hall to serve as a mess hall for Navy personnel. Recreation cen-ters were established at the fairgrounds to help enter-tain the sailors. The citizens of Hutchinson provided a building for use as a U.S.O. facility. In general, the people and City of Hutchinson providedevery facility that the Navy needed to establish a tempo-rary base in Hutchinson until the actual HNAS base was
Hutch opened its doorsconstructed and operational for fl ight training. Slowly over the months, personnel and equipment were trucked to the HNAS near Yoder. The use of the HMA as the temporary HNAS ended in February 1943 when the last truck loaded with personnel and equip-ment left Hutchinson and arrived in Yoder at the HNAS’s new home. A local aviator and busi-nessman, Roland Wells, was contacted by the Navy to provide fl ight training to
Naval Air Cadets assigned to the HNAS. Wells came to the HMA about three years after fi re destroyed the Great Bend Airport where he was in charge. During that time, he provided air transporta-tion to approximately 3,000 persons and trained about 1,000 pilots. At the HMA he ran Wells Aircraft, Inc., providing air transport and aircraft mainte-nance to the City of Hutchin-son and surrounding region.
(Continued from page 10)
(See HMA, page 16)
A declassifi ed 1944 aerial
photo of hutchinson municipal
airport shows improvements
and additions to original
runways and taxiways.
16
Due to his signifi cant experience in training pilots, Wells was offered offi cer commissions in the Navy and Army, however, he turned down both offers. Following his contract work for the Navy, Wells contin-ued private pilot training at a primitive airfi eld west of Hutchinson during the war years. After the initial use of the HMA by the Navy, the facil-ity was used again. From February 1943 through the end of the war, the HMA was used as an
auxiliary fi eld for the HNAS. The Navy used two types of auxiliary airfi elds during World War II – the Naval Outlying Field (NOLF) and Outlying Field (OLF) – for take-off and landing practice and emergency fi elds. NOLFs were auxiliary fi elds with signifi cant in-frastructure improvements that often included a hard-ened runway, taxiways and aprons, hangar facility, rudi-mentary control tower, and watch house for crash land-ings. They were obtained by lease or purchased outright.
Three NOLFs were as-sociated with the HNAS: the HMA in Hutchinson, the Newton City-County Airport (also known as Wirt Field) in Newton, Kan., and Searcy Field near Stillwell, Okla. These fi elds are still be-ing used by their respective communities as each fi eld had signifi cant infrastructure that was most likely en-hanced by the Navy. OLFs were auxiliary fi elds that were very rudimentary in nature. The only improve-ments made to these airfi elds were a graded sod fi eld, un-lined drainage ditches, and perimeter fencing.
LAND LEASED They were obtained via leases with individual land-owners, although no lease records were submitted to the Register of Deeds offi ce. Cooperative private landowners leased 19 OLFs to the Navy. However, one landowner refused and destroyed the check given to him for the lease of his land. The government was forced to exercise its power of emi-nent domain for this tract of land and deposited the lease money in a Topeka bank for the landowner. The 19 OLFs were located in a variety of areas through-out Reno County, near roads such as Willison & Avenue G, Kent & Rayl, Haven & Fountain Green, and Par-tridge Road & Trails West, among others.
(Continued from page 15)
HMA auxiliary fi eld
the navy created two types of auxiliary fi elds during ww ii for take-off and landing practice and to serve as emergency fi elds. the hma served as one of these naval outlying fi elds.
the navy created two auxtake-off and landing practice to serve as emergency fi elds. the hma served as one of theoutlying fi elds.
17
this photo from a 1957
promotional booklet was
intended to persuade the
u.s. government to keep
the hnas open. (1990.107.02)
interested
in becoming
a volunteer?
please call
tonya gehring
at 620-662-1425
or heidi martin
at 620-662-1184.
In 1944 the mission of the HNAS changed from primary fl ight training to operational training of land-based patrol aircraft. This required a change from basic-trainer aircraft to bomber-sized aircraft. As the larger aircraft could not utilize the graded sod fi elds, there was no need to main-tain the OLFs. Control of the OLFs, primarily farmland, reverted back to the original owners. The NOLFs were used by the Navy throughout the war. In 1948 the govern-ment terminated its lease for the HMA with the City of Hutchinson via a Quitclaim Deed.
HNAS REACTIVATED From 1952 through 1958, the Navy reactivated the HNAS in response to the Korean Confl ict. There is no evidence to indicate that the Navy utilized the previously mentioned NOLFs. During that time, the HNAS was the only fi eld used by the Navy. In 1958 the HNAS was closed by the Navy for the fi nal time and was given to the Kansas Air National Guard (KANG) for use as an airbase. Both F-80 Shooting
Star fi ghter aircraft and B-57 Canberra reconnaissance aircraft were stationed at HNAS during the time the KANG owned and operated the former HNAS. EXPANSION CONTINUES Following World War II, improvements and expan-sion to the HMA continued. In 1950 the City of Hutchinson constructed the terminal building and pro-vided surface maintenance to the runway system. Other improvements during the 1950s included construction of a number of hangars and improvements to the runway lighting system. The 1960s and 1970s saw further hangar construction and the acquisition of prop-erty for the installation of a medium intensity approach lighting system with runway alignment indicator lights (MALSR). This approach lighting system supported an instrument-landing system (ILS) approach for Runway 13. The ILS was partially funded through the FAA Facilities and Equipment program. A master plan for the air-port was completed in 1980, and a number of airfi eld
improvements were recom-mended. Ongoing surface mainte-nance was undertaken, and Runway 13-31 was reduced from 200 to 100 feet wide. The 200-foot width was required by the Navy for its modifi ed B-24 Libera-tor, known as the Privateer PB4Y-2 and used for training at the HMA. Two aviation businesses are based at the HMA – Wells Aircraft, Inc. and Mead Aircraft Service, Inc. Both companies perform aircraft maintenance. Roland Wells, the local aviation pioneer who had
(See BUSINESSES…page 20)
18
SCOUTINGIN RCM’S COLLECTION
FOCUS ON COLLECTIONS
Thank you!
Scouting! Just the mention of the word conjures up images of camaraderie, adventure and excitement for men and women alike. Reno County has a long-standing tradition associ-ated with scouting as evidenced by these artifacts in the Reno County Museum collection. From pins to advertisements, these items are sure to elicit fond memories for many.
our thanks to our
advertisers and
contributor,
cannon valuation
services,
for their support of
the legacy magazine.
it is that support
that makes legacy
possible. if you’d
like to support legacy,
please call us.
620-662-1184
this candy bar ad appeared in the boy scout “handbook for boys.”
the fellow on the boy scout pin, above left,
seems very happy to be in scouting. (1987.78.18)
the girl scout pin, above right, from the 1950s
and enameled in blue and gold, carries many
symbols associated with the world associa-
tion of girl guides and girl scouts. (1989.44.04)
19
(Continued from page 14)
disappointment ended as a whirlwind of activity that we will never forget. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who had planned to attend the March 27 reception, and to apologize that we could not make it happen. It is because of the
interest you take in the pro-grams we provide that we continue to work so hard. We can also say with certain confi dence that this will not be the last visit from Dr. Vreeland. Before he left, Dr. Vree-land expressed the desire to share his knowledge with our staff, volunteers and members.
If you have a question for Dr. Vreeland, please contact me, Jolene Mora, and I will pass it on. A future Legacy article will contain Dr. Vreeland’s answers to your questions.
620-662-1184P.O. Box 664
Hutchinson, KS 67504-0664 [email protected]
Dr. Vreeland will answer your questions
do you recognize this
reno county boy scout
who so proudly wears
his sash with numerous
badges and pins?
(1989.119.12)
if so, call lynn at
620-662-1184 or e-mail
answer in the next
issue!
at left is the 1949-50 membership card of robert valdois of haven. the front of the card sports a norman rockwell illustration. (2001.31.08) above is the boy scout “handbook for boys” ca. 1930. the boy’s profi le is shadowed by that of abraham lincoln.
20
been associated with the HMA since the early 1940s, provided flight instruction and air transportation to citizens of the Hutchinson area. Wells Aircraft was incor-porated in 1964 when Wells purchased Skycraft Aviation that he integrated into Wells Aircraft, Inc. Wells is a full-service fixed-base operator and is FAA-certified. Wells currently has 15 employees and is owned by Don Rogers.
WORLD CLASS The Wells facility is leased from the City of Hutchinson and is composed of five full-sized hangars and eight “T hangars” (a compact struc-ture whose walls are built in the shape of a “T”). Two of the full-sized hangars are the primary locations for aircraft maintenance. Wells is also a world-class repair facility for Sirrus aircraft.
Mead Aircraft Service, Inc. has been located in a 1940s-era hangar north of the HMA terminal building since it began its operation in September 1998. The company is owned by Cynthia and Kevin Mead and has a long-term lease with the City of Hutchinson to operate at this hangar.
HAND TOOLS ONLY Providing service to Piper aircraft, both the piston and turbine models, Mead con-centrates its operation on air-craft repairs using hand tools only. It has a world-class reputation for Piper aircraft repair and currently employs nine mechanics. A former tenant of the HMA was an aviation unit of the Kansas Army National Guard attached to the 161st Field Artillery Unit stationed at Hutchinson. This unit utilized both fixed-wing air-craft (L-19s) and helicopters (OH-13s) to perform artillery
spotting training. This unit reportedly left the HMA in the early 1970s.
CITY-OWNED The Hutchinson Municipal Airport, owned and operated by the City of Hutchinson, is the only publicly-owned airport in Reno County. The daily operations of the air-port are managed by a full-time Airport Manager who reports directly to the Assis-tant Parks Superintendent for the City of Hutchinson. The city also employs two additional full-time persons responsible for routine main-tenance and upkeep.
ADVISORY BOARD The airport management and city are advised by an eight-member Airport Advi-sory Committee. Members of the com-mittee, who meet once a month, are elected by a vote of the committee, and are eligible to serve two full three-year terms and an ad-ditional partial term.
Hutchinson and Reno County residents can be proud that they have access to a first-class airport that meets their aviation needs. They can be even more proud, however, of the role the Hutchinson Municipal Airport has played in helping shape world events and avia-tion history in the region.
(Continued from page 17)
Businesses based at airport
two world-class
aviation maintenance
companies, wells
aircraft and mead
aircraft service,
are housed at the
hutchinson municipal
airport.
21
KANSAS UNDERGROUNDSALT MUSEUM
SUMMER HOURS
9 am–6 pm Tues–sat
Last tour: 4 pm
1–6 pm Sunday
Closed Mondays
Reservations
strongly recommended
Call us or check our
web site for holiday
hours and weather
closings.
adults: $14.35
seniors (60+): $12.75
active military: $12.75
children (4-12): $9.05
Children under 4
not admitted
due to mine safety
regulations.
Special pricing for
groups over 28 and
school groups
3504 e. Avenue G
(at airport road)
hutchinson, ks 67501
620-662-1425
toll-free 866-755-3450
EXHIBITS
RENO COUNTYMUSEUM HOURS
closed temporarily
june 8 to sept. 28
reopening sept. 29
at our regular hours
9 am–5 pm tues-sat
closed sunday
and monday
100 S. Walnut
620-662-1184
Try an Overnight Scouting Event for an exciting underground adventure. The following Saturdays are still open for an over-night event: August 22,September 26, October 17,November 7, and in 2010, January 30 and February 20. Scouts must be 10-18 years of age, and cost is $25 per
person. There must be at least one adult chaperone for each fi ve scouts. Make your reservations before these dates fi ll up. Please contact Tonya Gehring or Gayle Ferrell for reservations or more
information.
620-662-1425 Toll-free: 866-755-3450
THE IODINE DEFIENCY DISORDER (IDD) STORY…explore the efforts of Kiwanis International and UNICEF in using salt to combat the IDD problem around the world.
MINE CORRIDOR (ongoing)Explore the general history of salt mining in Hutchinson, including fascinating mining equipment. See the mine shuttle car in photo, right.
AT THE KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM
TAKE IT WITH A GRAIN OF SALT – LIFE IN PERMIAN PERIOD FLUID INCLUSIONS (ongoing)Discover how live bacteria were extracted from ancient Permian salt.
THE STORY OF UNDER-GROUND VAULTS & STORAGE (ongoing)View costumes and props from your favorite movies on loan from Warner Brothers
and – most recently – Sony Pictures.
WATCH FOR THIS
Work to fi nish the GE Switch Engine
outdoor display has been scheduled.
The exhibit is expected to be completed
sometimethis fall!
Sign up for an overnight
don’t forget the summer garage sale 9 am to
4 pm friday, july 17, and 9 am to noon saturday,
july 18, at the reno county museum. remember,
no museum artifacts will be sold. details page 6.
don’t forget the sum
4 pm
july 18, at the reno county museum. remember,
no museum artifacts will be sold. details page 6.
mine shuttle car
NEW!
reno county historical societyp.o. box 664hutchinson, kansas 67504-0664
if you’re not a member and wish to join, please call us at 620-662-1184.
and don’t forget to check out our web site at www.undergroundmuseum.org.
return service requested
Non-profi t Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDPermit No. 135Hutchinson, KS
67501
READ HOW HUTCHINSON’S AIRPORT HELPED SHAPE
U.S. AND AVIATION HISTORY
PAGE 2
If your address changes, please call us at 620-662-1184.