Legacy Spring 2009

LEGACY 

SPRING 2009

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

hutchinson’s airport…helping shape history...page 2

I 4 salt museum celebrates its second anniversary

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E 18 scouting memorabilia abounds in collections

HISTORICAL SOCIETY STAFF

Linda Schmitt, executive director, rchs lindas@undergroundmuseum.org

Frank Alexander, project manager, kusm falex@undergroundmuseum.org

Jamin Landavazo, chief curator, kusm jamin@undergroundmuseum.org

Gayle Ferrell, director of operations, kusm gayle@undergroundmuseum.org

Tonya Gehring, volunteer coordinator, kusm tonya@undergroundmuseum.org

Gaylon Green, operations assistant, kusm gaylon@undergroundmuseum.org

Teri Johanning, facility assistant, rchs tjohanning@cox.net

Lynn Ledeboer, curatorial assistant, rcm lynn@renocomuseum.org

Heidi Martin, administrative assistant, rcm heidi@renocomuseum.org

Colleen McCallister, visitor services coordinator, kusm colleen@undergroundmuseum.org

Jolene Mora, exhibit technician / assistant director of development, rcm and kusm jmora@renocomuseum.org

Rachael Shedd, housekeeping, kusm beamrayray@hotmail.com

Dave Unruh, maintenance supervisor, kusm dave@undergroundmuseum.org

Kim Waybright, director of administration, rcm, kusm kim@undergroundmuseum.org

THE JOURNAL OF THE RENO COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

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?

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

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.

Hutchinson airport…

Shaping U.S. and

By Joseph F. Novak, Jr., Project Geologist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

R The author is a Project Geologist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District. Mr. Novak routinely performs historical research of former military installations in Kansas and Missouri in support of the Defense Environmental Restoration Program – Formerly Used Defense Site program for the U.S.

eno County and the City of Hutchinson have a fascinating 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 during 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 Conflict.

HNAS was first utilized for primary flight training for newly recruited Naval Air Cadets, and then later for operational patrol aircraft flight training.

Few residents may recall, however, that the Hutchinson Municipal Airport (HMA) was also once utilized by the Navy as well. The HMA was used as the first location where the Navy initially began primary flight training operations in the Hutchinson area. The HMA was also utilized by the Navy to commence flight training operations 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 WPA FUNDED CONSTRUCTION OF CHANNELS, DYKES AND RUNWAY PAVING AT THE HUTCHINSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.

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 field, a hangar composed of large panes of glass, an airport office, and field 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, development of the HMA was funded through the Works Project Administration (WPA).

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The WPA was the government agency created by President Franklin Roosevelt’s administration during the Depression to improve economic conditions in the U.S. through construction projects. Fully funded by the U.S. government, these projects typically included 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 drainage. In 1939 three runways were paved with a bituminous material (a type of asphalt).

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COVER THE MAIN HANGAR AND SEVERAL PLANES ARE SHOWN IN THIS 1930s PHOTO OF THE HUTCHINSON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. (1987.128.49)

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aviation history By 1940 the system consisted of a north-to-south runway that was 3,198 feet long; a northwest-to-southeast runway, 3,150 feet; a northeast-to-southwest runway, 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 building. The cantilever doors, high ceiling, and supporting trusses of this hanger are conspicuous aspects of hangars 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 permanent 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 terminated. All three facilities and equipment of the HMA were given to the Navy to conduct primary flight training operations.

(See TRAINING, page 10)

below is a photo of how the hutchinson municipal airport appears today. pictured here is the wells aircraft facility.

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KUSM two years old!

By Gayle Ferrell, Director of Operations

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the official oscar mayer weinermobile arrives at kusm’s front door

E ARE NOW OFFICIALLY TWO YEARS OLD!!!

It seems that only a few months have passed since I shared observations and memorable milestones from our first year Gayle Ferrell of operation.

So here are my highlights, in no particular order, from Year #2: ■ An actual lobby completed 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, earning 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-hauldump machine from Underground Vaults & Storage to display in our museum ■ Received permission to

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show our visitors the “Dirty Jobs” episode filmed in this mine ■ A trip underground with Dr. Vreeland to collect rocks for his studies looking 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 building 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, visiting underground!

(See THE STAFF…page 8)

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GARAGE SALE 9 am to 4 pm friday, July 17 9 am to 12 noon, saturday, July 18 no museum artifacts will be sold!

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RCM stuff for sale W ith garage sale season upon us, the Reno

County Museum will be joining environmen-

rest assured that no museum artifacts will be sold.

Rest assured that no artifacts will be sold.

Missing an issue in your Legacy collec-

tally concerned and cost-conscious shoppers

tion? Researching a favorite topic? The Reno

by holding a Summer Garage Sale.

County Museum has back issues of Legacy

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!

in excellent condition available to you for $1 each.

We can’t guarantee that we will have ev-

Craft items, display mountings, furniture,

ery issue in stock, but we will do our best

electronics and many, many more items will

to locate any issue for you. Hurry in and

be available for sale.

get them while supplies last!

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Meet Jamin…

RCHS’s new chief curator

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant

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he Reno County Historical 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 position thanks to her varied academic and work-related experiences.

Growing up in the Topeka area, Jamin completed both a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s program in museum studies at the University of Kansas.

Jamin admitted that earlier she had not even been aware of the museum program. She described hearing about it, however, as “a light bulb moment,” realizing that it fit perfectly with her love of museums.

While president of KU’s museum studies organization, Jamin was actively involved in an outreach program to recruit museum studies alumni to work with KU students on their career paths.

While at KU, Jamin’s studies 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 satisfied Jamin’s interest in the political realm of history.

Curious about the inner workings of a larger museum, Jamin received a postgraduate internship with the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, 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 appreciation 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 basketball fan who dutifully fills out her NCAA bracket with KU as the ultimate champion, of course. Jamin also

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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 flight-test engineer for Hawker Beechcraft.

Jamin feels right at home right here, however, as we continue to move forward into the Reno County Historical Society’s five-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 enthusiasm to help guide the museums into their next phase of history.

Welcome, Jamin!

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Jamin already envisions several long-term goals for the two museums, including an intense refocus on the actual collections themselves.

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The staff stands in trenches…

(Continued from page 4)

“we have learned a lot together and continue to work as a team to keep our visitors safe while being allowed the privilege to show them our “cool” world 650 feet underground.”

■ 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 being allowed the privilege to show them our “cool” world 650 feet underground.

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 museum needs to accomplish and spends much of her time scheduling volunteers so that we can be successful 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 passionate 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 maintenance 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, Operations Assistant, may be a part-time manager but he’s actually a full-time advisor. 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 twisting his arm a bit, but I rely

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gayle ferrell, director of operations, helps salty stay on the tram for a ride through the mine.

…through sunshine and snow on him for objective advice.

He is always professional, friendly, well informed, and willing to pitch in wherever help is needed. This summer will mark his two-year anniversary.

Colleen McCallister, Visitor Services Coordinator, joined our team in August to monitor and order gift shop merchandise, 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 employee 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, Facility Assistant, 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 mailroom, and everywhere and anywhere else there is a need. It’s hard to keep up with her high level of energy.

Kim Waybright, Director of Administration and Finance, and Linda Schmitt, Executive Director, 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 Carmel 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 fulltime this summer.

Rachael works in housekeeping 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!!!

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salty, the saltasaurus, (volunteer jay brown) shows off his new teeshirt from the kusm salt cellar gift shop.

salty, left, meets the dark knight, batman, 650 feet underground.

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Training exercises

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)

The aircraft utilized for buildings, these structures primary flight training at the were most likely of the HNAS was the Stearman theater-of-operation type, Model 75. This aircraft was composed of wood and tar a two-seater bi-plane with a paper. They were temporary single radial piston engine as in nature and had a use exthe sole powerplant. Navy pectancy of only five years. designations for the Model In addition to the five 75 aircraft were N2S-1 buildings, the Navy also through N2S-5. The provided other improvements that were versions of this model the quite extensive in used by the Navy at navy nature. the HNAS included made Improvements to N2S-2, N2S-3 and the HMA cost the N2S-5. numerous Navy $600,000 and The plane was improvements commonly referred included widening to the to as the “Yellow the runways, conhutchinson Peril” due to the airstructing taxiways, airport. craft’s color scheme strengthening paveand its dubious flying ment, and installing reputation. sewer systems and Later in the war, HNAS utilities. Additionally, utilized the Privateer for plans were drawn up to operational flight training. enhance the HMA beacon The Privateer, designated system. by the Navy as PB4Y-2, Various buildings in was basically a modified Hutchinson were utilized to B-24 Liberator bomber support the Navy personnel aircraft. The mission of the stationed at the HNAS while Privateer was to serve as a the HMA was utilized as the land-based maritime patrol temporary HNAS. 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 present at the HMA, the Navy also expanded the HMA’s infrastructure.

The Navy built five buildings for the flight-training ground school. As with other World War II era military

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...cont. from page 3

Buildings were used for various administrative purposes as well as for living 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 facilities utilized include the First National Bank building and old post office building as HNAS headquarters and administrative offices. Supplies 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 officer, Commander W. C. King, spent several months at the fairgrounds upon assuming command of the HNAS. (See HUTCH, page 15)

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.

RCM closing for summer

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n May the Reno County Historical Society Board and I made the very difficult 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 challenges that we are facing.

The Reno County Museum (RCM) comprises two separate buildings that were linked together by a relatively 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 boarding house. It currently houses the administrative offices 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 first- and second-floor restrooms.

Within a two-week period, we learned about two difficult 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 floor.

WEIGHTY ISSUES In the past 20 years, more than 20,000 items have been added to the Reno County Museum’s collections. Although these artifacts have enhanced the museum’s collections, they have also caused sagging floors 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 conditioning 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 conditioner, which cools all public areas of the museum, is beyond our means at this time.

In 2007 we made the decision that the Reno County Museum could no longer operate at a deficit, as had

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been the case for many years. As a result, the board adopted a spare and disciplined budget, and RCM broke even in 2008.

Even with this success, this belt-tightening budget allowed little room for the two obstacles that were suddenly forced to the forefront.

We are also in the final stages of completing a new five-year strategic plan that will shape the direction of the museum. Certainly the urgency of rectifying the building issues will take top priority.

So now the question is: Where do we go from here? As a newer the historical society approachstructure es its 50th anniversary in 2011, links the we have an opportunity to entwo older vision a museum that preserves, buildings. 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 Historical Society to construct, but to the community as well.

We hope that you believe, as we do, that history Linda Schmitt should be safeguarded and Executive preserved, accessible to the Director, public, relevant and vibrant.

Reno County We welcome your ideas, Historical and, with your help, we will Society get though this challenging time. I am confident that the lindas@undergroundmuseum.org Reno County Museum’s best days are still to come.

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scouts, left, comment on photos of early hutchinson buildings with chief curator jamin landavazo; and, below, they discuss county history.

Scouts explore local history

By Heidi Martin, RCM Administrative Assistant

G 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 contribute local opinion to the regional board of directors and attendees. Heidi will also be able to vote on current issues affecting Girl Scouting today.

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 fulfilling badge requirements and community service projects.

So, the Reno County Museum’s recent development 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 requirements for the Brownie badge, “Listening to the Past,” and the Junior Scout badge, “Local Lore.”

The girls learned about the architecture in our neighborhood and compared the different architectural styles throughout time.

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.

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

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, TicTac-Toe and Simon Says.

To finish the Brownie program, the girls went into the Oodleplex, dressed up as Vada Watson, and shared something they remembered learning about her.

It seems that the Reno County Museum’s Girl Scout programs are destined to become as popular as those infamous cookies!

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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.

 Third Thursday…

Creativity abounds

By Lynn Ledeboer, RCM Curatorial Assistant

T

he Reno County Museum’s contribution to the Downtown Hutchinson Third Thursday 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 decorated the RCM courtyard with whimsical images.

The Samuel Band and guitarist Ryan Coon entertained the creative chalk artists while they worked.

Some finger 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 winner Mikaela Trim!

Keep your calendars open each Third Thursday for a fun night at the RCM, reopening in the fall.

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chalk artists of all ages display their talents during third thursday events at rcm.

800-760-5315

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620-662-5315

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.

Disaster turns into success

By Jolene Mora, Exhibit Technician & Assistant Director of Development

What started out as a perfect plan for an unforgettable weekend, ended up being unforgettable… but not as planned.

On March 27 at least 12 inches of snow fell on Hutchinson when Dr. Russell 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 overnight at KUSM had to be canceled.

KUSM’s closing was particularly disappointing to Dr. Vreeland who was looking forward to mingling amongst our guests.

IMPROMPTU FUN Even though the weekend was beginning to look like a huge disappointment, the sun finally came out on Saturday. By Sunday evening, we managed a last-minute impromptu staff reception for the Vreelands.

It was during this reception that Dr. Vreeland told us about the exciting work he was doing with the

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samples he retrieved from our mine during his last visit.

His lab assistants have been able to find 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 coming to an end but the visit was starting to look up.

That momentum continued on Monday with the Dillon Lecture Series held in conjunction 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 find 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 (See DR. VREELAND…page 19)

A declassified 1944 aerial photo of hutchinson municipal airport shows improvements and additions to original runways and taxiways.

Hutch opened its doors (Continued from page 10) The fairgrounds even had a kitchen and dining hall to serve as a mess hall for Navy personnel. Recreation centers were established at the fairgrounds to help entertain 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 provided every facility that the Navy needed to establish a temporary base in Hutchinson until the actual HNAS base was

constructed and operational for flight 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 equipment left Hutchinson and arrived in Yoder at the HNAS’s new home.

A local aviator and businessman, Roland Wells, was contacted by the Navy to provide flight training to

Naval Air Cadets assigned to the HNAS. Wells came to the HMA about three years after fire destroyed the Great Bend Airport where he was in charge. During that time, he provided air transportation to approximately 3,000 persons and trained about 1,000 pilots.

At the HMA he ran Wells Aircraft, Inc., providing air transport and aircraft maintenance to the City of Hutchinson and surrounding region.

(See HMA, page 16)

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Charles M. Williams

F.F. Prigg

the navy created two types of auxiliary fields during ww ii for aux take-off and landing practice and to serve as emergency fields. the hma served as one of the these naval outlying fields.

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HMA auxiliary field (Continued from page 15) Due to his significant experience in training pilots, Wells was offered officer commissions in the Navy and Army, however, he turned down both offers.

Following his contract work for the Navy, Wells continued private pilot training at a primitive airfield west of Hutchinson during the war years.

After the initial use of the HMA by the Navy, the facility was used again.

From February 1943 through the end of the war, the HMA was used as an

auxiliary field for the HNAS. The Navy used two types of auxiliary airfields during World War II – the Naval Outlying Field (NOLF) and Outlying Field (OLF) – for take-off and landing practice and emergency fields.

NOLFs were auxiliary fields with significant infrastructure improvements that often included a hardened runway, taxiways and aprons, hangar facility, rudimentary control tower, and watch house for crash landings. They were obtained by lease or purchased outright.

Three NOLFs were associated 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 fields are still being used by their respective communities as each field had significant infrastructure that was most likely enhanced by the Navy.

OLFs were auxiliary fields that were very rudimentary in nature. The only improvements made to these airfields were a graded sod field, unlined drainage ditches, and perimeter fencing.

LAND LEASED They were obtained via leases with individual landowners, although no lease records were submitted to the Register of Deeds office.

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 eminent 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 throughout Reno County, near roads such as Willison & Avenue G, Kent & Rayl, Haven & Fountain Green, and Partridge Road & Trails West, among others.

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this photo from a 1957 promotional booklet was intended to persuade the u.s. government to keep the hnas open. (1990.107.02)

HNAS REACTIVATED From 1952 through 1958, the Navy reactivated the HNAS in response to the Korean Conflict. There is no evidence to indicate that the Navy utilized the previously mentioned NOLFs. During that time, the HNAS was the only field used by the Navy.

In 1958 the HNAS was closed by the Navy for the final time and was given to the Kansas Air National Guard (KANG) for use as an airbase. Both F-80 Shooting

Star fighter 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 expansion to the HMA continued.

In 1950 the City of Hutchinson constructed the terminal building and provided 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 property 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 airport was completed in 1980, and a number of airfield

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(See BUSINESSES…page 20)

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In 1944 the mission of the HNAS changed from primary flight 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 fields, there was no need to maintain 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 government terminated its lease for the HMA with the City of Hutchinson via a Quitclaim Deed.

improvements were recommended.

Ongoing surface maintenance 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 modified B-24 Liberator, 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

interested in becoming a volunteer? please call tonya gehring at 620-662-1425 or heidi martin at 620-662-1184.

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FOCUS ON COLLECTIONS

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SCOUTING IN RCM’S COLLECTION 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 associated 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.

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 association of girl guides and girl scouts. (1989.44.04)

Thank you! 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.

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620-662-1184

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 profile is shadowed by that of abraham lincoln.

Dr. Vreeland will answer your questions (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 programs we provide that we continue to work so hard.

We can also say with certain confidence that this will not be the last visit from Dr. Vreeland.

Before he left, Dr. Vreeland expressed the desire to share his knowledge with our staff, volunteers and members.

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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.

620-662-1184 P.O. Box 664 Hutchinson, KS 67504-0664 jmora@renocomuseum.org

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 lynn@renocomuseum.org. answer in the next issue!

Businesses based at airport (Continued from page 17) been associated with the HMA since the early 1940s, provided flight instruction and air transportation to citizens of the Hutchinson area.

Wells Aircraft was incorporated 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. two world-class aviation maintenance companies, wells aircraft and mead aircraft service, are housed at the hutchinson municipal airport.

WORLD CLASS The Wells facility is leased from the City of Hutchinson and is composed of five fullsized hangars and eight “T hangars” (a compact structure 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 concentrates its operation on aircraft 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 aircraft (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 airport are managed by a fulltime Airport Manager who reports directly to the Assistant Parks Superintendent for the City of Hutchinson.

The city also employs two additional full-time persons responsible for routine maintenance and upkeep.

ADVISORY BOARD The airport management and city are advised by an eight-member Airport Advisory Committee.

Members of the committee, 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 additional 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 aviation history in the region.

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don’t forget the sum 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.

 EXHIBITS  AT THE KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT MUSEUM

! THE IODINE DEFIENCY NEW 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.

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 UNDERGROUND 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 finish the GE Switch Engine outdoor display has been scheduled.

The exhibit is expected to be completed sometime this fall!

mine shuttle car

KANSAS UNDERGROUND SALT 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

RENO COUNTY MUSEUM 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

Sign up for an overnight Try an Overnight Scouting Event for an exciting underground adventure.

The following Saturdays are still open for an overnight 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

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person. There must be at least one adult chaperone for each five scouts.

Make your reservations before these dates fill up.

Please contact Tonya Gehring or Gayle Ferrell for reservations or more information.

620-662-1425 Toll-free: 866-755-3450

3504 e. Avenue G (at airport road) hutchinson, ks 67501 620-662-1425 toll-free 866-755-3450

Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage

READ HOW HUTCHINSON’S AIRPORT HELPED SHAPE U.S. AND AVIATION HISTORY PAGE 2

PAID

reno county historical society p.o. box 664 hutchinson, kansas 67504-0664

Permit No. 135 Hutchinson, KS 67501

return service requested

If your address changes, please call us at 620-662-1184. 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.