Updated 8/3/2015 with video.
Our multi-year project to build a memorial to EAA Chapter members and Brodhead Airport pioneers finally came to fruition on Saturday, July 18, 2015, when a dedication ceremony was held for the Airway Beacon Tower Memorial. There three Eagle Scouts that brought the project together were honored, as were the families of the EAA Chapter 431 members who have “Flown West”.
Memorial plaques showing EAA Chapter 431 charter members who have “Flown West”.
Memorial plaques showing EAA Chapter 431 charter members who have “Flown West”.
The memorial itself is a series of plaques on a restored antique airplane rudder, which is housed in a replica generator shed for the accompanying airway beacon tower. The tower was restored and erected by Sebastian Adams for his Eagle Scout project. Holden Whitledge built the replica shed and Brett Hammon completed all landscaping for their respective Eagle Scout projects.
Displays inside the generator shed describing the history of airway beacons.
Displays inside the generator shed describing the history of airway beacons.
A Thank you to those who helped make the memorial happen.
EAA Chapter 431 secretary Brian Law speaks while president Mike Weeden, Sebastian Adams, Holden Whitledge and Brett Hammon look on.
Family members of Chapter 431 charter members and airport pioneers were in attendance for the ceremony as well as attendees of the Pietenpol/Hatz Fly-In that was taking place at Brodhead Airport.
Betty and Jerry Earleywine. Jerry’s brother Bill started Brodhead Airport in 1946 as Bill’s Air Park.
Jim Green and Gary Saunders chat before the ceremony. Jim’s uncle Bob Green was an early airport pioneer and flew his Waco UPF-7 and Taylorcraft at the airport for many years.
From left, Steve Saunders, Gary Saunders, Jeff Knezel and Mark Saunders. Saunders’ father Francis was instrumental in the formation of EAA Chapter 431 and was active in fly-in events for many years. Jeff’s father Vern Knezel was secretary for many years and hand painted many of the signs around the airport.
Tim Earleywine stands next to his father’s plaque on the memorial. Bob Earleywine was a charter member and son of airport founder Bill Earleywine. He flew his Aeronca Chief for many years.
Mike Williams’ 1928 Stearman C3B air mail plane served as a period backdrop for the ceremony.
Holden Whitledge, Sebastian Adams and Brett Hammon.
John & Sandy Adams, Tiffany Griffin, Sebastian Adams, Brett Hammon, Holden Whitledge, Carol Whitledge and Mary Hammon. Scoutmaster Mike Visger kneels in front.
Here is a video of the complete ceremony.
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