Northern Mich~Mash Preserve
~ AREA AIRSTRIPS ~
AND
(Local Area Pilots)
The design and compilation of the text and photos on this site are copyrighted 2017.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Most posted items will enlarge by "clicking" on them.
"Clicking" on some color highlighted words may access additional information.
Please do not copy the photos on this site, many of which have been submitted by private individuals...
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos
just come back and visit the site often to view the photos
Click HERE to contact the web master with any information and/or identification of the pilot in the
photo below which was taken September 1991 while the Dundee Cement Plant property was being photographed.
photo below which was taken September 1991 while the Dundee Cement Plant property was being photographed.
The slideshow below is composed of photos of a series of posters
of the US Air Force produced by Air Force News Service celebrating
100 Years of AIRPOWER.
Click on PLAY on the upper left corner of the main photo below.
of the US Air Force produced by Air Force News Service celebrating
100 Years of AIRPOWER.
Click on PLAY on the upper left corner of the main photo below.
Article Below: Church Yeager is related to a local Petoskey Family.
1903–2003 Flight the 100th Anniversary presents the
USAF Chronology of Significant Air and Space Events of 1903–2002.
USAF Chronology of Significant Air and Space Events of 1903–2002.
~ FIRST Airplane in Petoskey ~
(Looking very much like the Wright Brothers' airplane)
(Looking very much like the Wright Brothers' airplane)
Below Labels on Aeroplane View of Petoskey and its Lake Region:
Beaver Island, Little Traverse Bay, The Arlington, The Bay View, The Howard House, Lake Park, Round Lake,
Harbor Springs, Stuttsmansville, Pleasant View, Bogardous,, Mackinaw City,
Mackinac Island, Levering, Douglas Lake, Brutus, Conway, The New Conway, Crooked Lake, Alanson,
Pickerel Lake, Epsilon, Burt Lake, Indian River, Topinabee, Mullet Lake, Cheboygan
Beaver Island, Little Traverse Bay, The Arlington, The Bay View, The Howard House, Lake Park, Round Lake,
Harbor Springs, Stuttsmansville, Pleasant View, Bogardous,, Mackinaw City,
Mackinac Island, Levering, Douglas Lake, Brutus, Conway, The New Conway, Crooked Lake, Alanson,
Pickerel Lake, Epsilon, Burt Lake, Indian River, Topinabee, Mullet Lake, Cheboygan
~ Local Crop Dusting ~
1946 Photo/Text and Three Photos Below: A.R. Gregory, of Alanson, operator of a dusting agency, said 35 sounds of dusting material is applied to the acre. Three applications of DDT and copper are made while the fourth dusting is of copper alone. The pilot in the pictures below was John L. Barden of Ithaca, MIchigan. The farmland was for insects and plant diseases on a field of potatoes owned by George Thompson on US13 south of Petoskey. The tall steeple of the church in downtown Petoskey shows in the background in the photo, over the roof of the barn. It was not until 1972 that the United States banned the use of DDT as an agricultural spray.
~ Banwell Field ~
(Never Completed)
(Never Completed)
This field was begun on property of Wayne McFall on Banwell Road. Wayne had large equipment for preparing the earth's surface for a runway (about 1986). A group worked very hard in preparing the field, but at one end were power lines. When the power company was approached regarding burying those lines, for safety, that did not happen. At that point the unfinished Banwell Field was abandoned.
Anyone with any additional information about the Charles Krussell Air Strip that was used by this "Aviator Bishop" or by anyone else, please contact the web master by clicking HERE.
~ 1945–H.F. Myers' Airport ~
Mid-Way Between Conway and Oden
Mid-Way Between Conway and Oden
The Conway Field was located just beyond the corner of North Conway Road and US31.
The hangar building still exists, and was more recently used as the warehouse for Bob Wilson's Feed Store.
The hangar building still exists, and was more recently used as the warehouse for Bob Wilson's Feed Store.
In 2019 not many people even remember this building was a hangar. Finally, located in the 1945 Petoskey Evening News, the name of the builder of the hangar was revealed... Herbert "Hub" Myers. Herb and his wife Bertha also owned the restaurant/lounge and motel just across US 31 on the shore of Crooked Lake called "The Hub".
Hub Myers in full body cast after airplane crash... Followed by other misfortunes
1946–1947
1946–1947
The Hub was sold in 1967 to Jon Meyer, by the previous owner Carl Meindl.
Then, The Hub became Mr. Jon's.
Then, The Hub became Mr. Jon's.
~ Charlevoix Area Buffs ~
~ Charlevoix Classic Flight, Inc. ~
~ Charlevoix Flying Club ~
based at the Harbor Springs, Michigan, Airport
based at the Harbor Springs, Michigan, Airport
The Charlevoix Flying Club is a local flying club of abut 25 members. The club owns and maintains one plane.
Click HERE to access the FAA Registry for the Charlevoix Flying Club Inc.
Click HERE to access the FAA Registry for the Charlevoix Flying Club Inc.
Edith L. Dale passed away in 2021, and had moved to Charlevoix in 1969 where she became an active member of the Charlevoix Flying Club.
Petoskey native Andrew Marvin credits his aviation career with Young Eagles involvement and "guys in the Charlevoix Flying Club." Marvin was active with the club through out high school and early in college. Read more about Andrew's flying career by clicking HERE to access the July 2019 "Lookin' UP" newsletter on page 11.
Terry Salmonson, a longtime member of the Charlevoix Flying Club retired from the Air Force. He and his wife opened Aartvark [photography] Studio and Gallery in 1974, which coordinates well with Terry's high-flying photographs. Click HERE to see Terry's "Once in a Blue Moon" aerial photograph capturing the 2020 Venetian.
Ralph Vern Hess, Jr. served his country in the United States Air Force with the Strategic Air Command during the Korean Conflict. He owned his self-named business Hess Furniture Company in Charlevoix, and enjoyed being a member of the Charlevoix Flying Club before passing away in 2017.
Robert L. Wise Jr. enjoyed flying so much that he was not only a member of the Charlevoix Flying Club, but also owned his own plane. Robert passed away at his Charlevoix home in 2017.
Petoskey native Andrew Marvin credits his aviation career with Young Eagles involvement and "guys in the Charlevoix Flying Club." Marvin was active with the club through out high school and early in college. Read more about Andrew's flying career by clicking HERE to access the July 2019 "Lookin' UP" newsletter on page 11.
Terry Salmonson, a longtime member of the Charlevoix Flying Club retired from the Air Force. He and his wife opened Aartvark [photography] Studio and Gallery in 1974, which coordinates well with Terry's high-flying photographs. Click HERE to see Terry's "Once in a Blue Moon" aerial photograph capturing the 2020 Venetian.
Ralph Vern Hess, Jr. served his country in the United States Air Force with the Strategic Air Command during the Korean Conflict. He owned his self-named business Hess Furniture Company in Charlevoix, and enjoyed being a member of the Charlevoix Flying Club before passing away in 2017.
Robert L. Wise Jr. enjoyed flying so much that he was not only a member of the Charlevoix Flying Club, but also owned his own plane. Robert passed away at his Charlevoix home in 2017.
Click HERE to access the Career and Technical Education Department of the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District 20 February 2023 mentions the Charlevoix Flying Club as well as other aviation industry programs.
~ Charlevoix Soaring Club ~
~ James Arnold Cone Field ~
(Blackbird Road)
(Blackbird Road)
James Cone built his family home on Blackbird Road, Petoskey.
James had his own airplane hangar and three personal-use airplanes.
James had his own airplane hangar and three personal-use airplanes.
~ Dunshee Field ~
Duane Dunshee has his own airstrip near his home off Maxwell Road. Duane built his float plane in 1997. He has skis for this plane, but no pontoons. He is able to retract the landing gear, to land the plane on its belly on the water.
~ John David DiMartino ~
John enlisted in the Navy during WWII and served as a Navy Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd class. He served as airport manager in Grand Haven, Michigan, and operated a flying service. John would often fly people to Boyne City, Michigan, while working as a pilot for Courters (Boyne City). He moved to Boyne City in 1955. John was the Plant Manager for more than 30 years for Boyne Products, then Essex Wire and finally United Technologies. John served as a flight instructor and examiner until he turned 90 years old. He kept his own plane, Cessna 172, at the East Jordan airport for many years. John passed away 28 December 2022 at 103 ½ years old.
~ Grimes Field ~
(Clarion Road)
~ Charles Krussell Field ~
(South Greenwood Street; One Mile South of Charlevoix Avenue)
Contact the Web Master with additional information about the exact locations of the above fields by clicking HERE.
Pilot Lester Bishop of Roseswift Airplane Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan...
(Clarion Road)
~ Charles Krussell Field ~
(South Greenwood Street; One Mile South of Charlevoix Avenue)
Contact the Web Master with additional information about the exact locations of the above fields by clicking HERE.
Pilot Lester Bishop of Roseswift Airplane Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan...
Lester F. Bishop
Oct. 20, 1917
"This picture was taken as per date.
It was the first picture with any kind of flying "togs".
I never had a picture taken with the German Taube, I don't know why.?"
~ Written by L.F.B. under this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a "Pioneer Aviator" web page by clicking HERE.
Oct. 20, 1917
"This picture was taken as per date.
It was the first picture with any kind of flying "togs".
I never had a picture taken with the German Taube, I don't know why.?"
~ Written by L.F.B. under this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a "Pioneer Aviator" web page by clicking HERE.
Pilot Lester F. Bishop of the Roseswift Airplane Company, utilized two fields in Northern Michigan for the 1920 Summer Season. Bishop's machinists were Joe Van Dyke and "Frenchy" Michelson. The company and men were associated from Grand Rapids, MIchigan. Bishop began his 1920 flying season on the Grimes Field on Clarion Road, Petoskey, MIchigan; later moving to the Krussell Field on the Charles Krussell Farm, one mile south of Charlevoix Road, Petoskey, Michigan. An army hangar was to be ordered to house the machine when on the field. No news articles were found to confirm or deny if the hangar actually materialized.
Pilot Bishop was so pleased with the area that he brought his wife to spend the summer in Petoskey and northern Michigan while carrying passengers, making flights to various points, and giving exhibition shows. Pilot Lester Bishop described his work in the area as "good as a vacation."
Later, Bishop's flying season came to an abrupt end when the airplane crashed into a corn field, next to its flying field, although Bishop and his passenger escaped harm.
Roseswift Airplane Co. Associates
"'Fish' Hassell, left to right Les Bishop
Bert Kenyon, Jule Clark, French'e Michelson
Mr. Arthur Rosenthal, Roseswift Airplane Co.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan"
~ Labeled by L.F.B. on this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a Pioneer Aviator web page by clicking HERE.
"'Fish' Hassell, left to right Les Bishop
Bert Kenyon, Jule Clark, French'e Michelson
Mr. Arthur Rosenthal, Roseswift Airplane Co.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan"
~ Labeled by L.F.B. on this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a Pioneer Aviator web page by clicking HERE.
Lester F. Bishop was born 12 April 1889 in Chicago, Illinois and died 28 March 1967 in San Diego, California. After Lester had brought his wife with him to Petoskey for the 1920 flying season, they divorced in 1922. Bishop's notable aviation history included him making his first flight in a Rumpler Taube on 4 August 1916.
FIRST Flight in this German Taube
"I made my 1st. flight in this German Taube August 4th. 1916.
It was powered by a 80 H.P. Sturtevant Motor.
Ashburn Field, Ashburn, Ill's.
15 miles S.W> of Chicago, on the Wabash R.R.
It was a 320 W.W. of Chicago, on the Wabash R.R.
It was a 320 acre hay field."
~ Labeled by L.F.B. on this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a Pioneer Aviator web page by clicking HERE.
"I made my 1st. flight in this German Taube August 4th. 1916.
It was powered by a 80 H.P. Sturtevant Motor.
Ashburn Field, Ashburn, Ill's.
15 miles S.W> of Chicago, on the Wabash R.R.
It was a 320 W.W. of Chicago, on the Wabash R.R.
It was a 320 acre hay field."
~ Labeled by L.F.B. on this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a Pioneer Aviator web page by clicking HERE.
Lester Bishop was a pioneer aviator who delivered air mail as in the photo below. It is interesting that this same 1919 photo was cropped and used in the local Petoskey Evening News 1920 advertisements Bishop featured for his passenger rides locally. Lester Bishop was the FIRST pilot in the aerial mail service between Cleveland and Chicago, and who was also in the government mail service between New York and Washington.
Air Mail Highlight
"Belmont Park, Long Island, N.Y.
Ready for take off for Cleveland, Ohio,
via Belefonta, Pa.,
April 4th. 1919."
~ Labeled by L.F.B. on this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a Pioneer Aviator web page by clicking HERE.
"Belmont Park, Long Island, N.Y.
Ready for take off for Cleveland, Ohio,
via Belefonta, Pa.,
April 4th. 1919."
~ Labeled by L.F.B. on this photo in the Album of Lester F. Bishop
This above photo may be accessed on a Pioneer Aviator web page by clicking HERE.
~ Hoar Family Farm Field ~
The Hoar Family Farm Field in Levering, Michigan, served as an emergency landing field when a squadron of Army planes became lost for some time in the heavy snow. After an enjoyable night on the ground, safe liftoff by several planes transpired. Lieutenant Prindle's airplane, however, encountered problems, and the plane crashed. The 1928 incident was accounted in the Petoskey Evening News article below.
Within a week Lieutenant Prindle had recovered and returned to Selfridge Field.
Within a week Lieutenant Prindle had recovered and returned to Selfridge Field.
Two articles below were previous to the article above regrding the emergency landings. The articles below announce the visit of the plane squadron in the Emmet County vicinity, and also a suggestion to ask for Major Lamphier's input for a proposed county air port.
~ Jerry Houts ~
Jerry Houts graduated from Petoskey High School in 1949 and immediately joined the Air Force. He was involved in the Korean Conflict. After discharge in about 1952 he learned how to fly at the Harbor Springs airport with Bert Rowe as his teacher. Jerry had his own airplane, and Harbor Springs had no hanger so he moved his plane to Boyne City where he had a hanger. Over the years, Jerry had four or five planes, and built one experimental plane. Jerry flew into the LaTocha field a couple of times.
~ Island Airways ~
Fly "The Islander" from Charlevoix to Historic Beaver Island.
~ Jessick Field ~
Larry Jessick has his own airstrip by Luce Street near Oden, Michigan. The airstrip has serviced well as a runway for the Lime Lizard, a Cessna 172, a helicopter, and a Lazair (twin engine) ultralight aircraft. This Lazair was owned by another pilot but, Larry Jessick had also owned a Lazair at a different time.
Also landing many years ago at Larry Jessick's field were Lance Talcott and his wife Diane, with Lance's homebuilt aircraft. They landed on skis in the winter months. Lance landed once on wheels in the summer months on the Jessick field.
Also landing many years ago at Larry Jessick's field were Lance Talcott and his wife Diane, with Lance's homebuilt aircraft. They landed on skis in the winter months. Lance landed once on wheels in the summer months on the Jessick field.
Photo Below: Dennis Jessick's Powered Parachute "Blackbird"
sits on the airstrip on Luce Street in Oden, Michigan... belonging to Dennis' brother Larry Jessick.
sits on the airstrip on Luce Street in Oden, Michigan... belonging to Dennis' brother Larry Jessick.
~ Lake Airstrips ~
The airstrip in the Emmet County area is often a lake, whether on open water or ice.
The airstrip in the Emmet County area is often a lake, whether on open water or ice.
In the late 1990s, for quite a few years, as many as a dozen planes flew on to Crooked Lake for a "Chill Thrill." The pilots landed on the ice covered lake across from the Americana The Pancake House in Conway, Michigan, on the corner of North Conway Road and US 31. Planes landed on wheels as well as on skis. The pilots and their passengers set up a tent, and then prepared chile right beside their parked planes on the ice.
Brothers Dennis and Larry Jessick often used the ice on Crooked Lake
for the "take-offs" and landings of their ParaPlanes.
~ Lake Landing Rescue Practice ~
26 February 2022
on iced-over Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey, Michigan
26 February 2022
on iced-over Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey, Michigan
Aerial photo above by Alex Childress...
The U.S. Coast Guard and local area emergency chiefs and crews planned a training session for the last 6, or more, months for their various individual tasks for evacuating a crashed plane, putting out a fire (using pallets for the fire), rescuing victims, bringing the victims to shore, and placing them in triage... all taking place on Little Traverse Bay near to the break wall. The operation took place from noon until 2PM on 26 February 2022, with the Coast Guard helicopter on scene in the last half hour, airlifting a "practice victim" from the ice, as seen in the three photos below (taken from Sunset Park). Various emergency agencies; law enforcement, fire, EMS, Coast Guard, dog teams, and National Weather Service participated in the rescue exercise. Named "Operation 45 North," the practice exercise was vital for the training and techniques shared between the units to ensure the First Responders are ready and able to respond as needed.
"Lake Landing Rescue Practice" photos below in the slide show:
Photos were submitted by Denny Jessick.
Photos also were submitted by Al Welsheimer
with the aerial photography by local pilot Charlie MacInnis and
drone and on-land photography by Alex Childress.
Click PLAY in the upper left corner of the photo below to view "Practice in Action" slideshow.
Photos were submitted by Denny Jessick.
Photos also were submitted by Al Welsheimer
with the aerial photography by local pilot Charlie MacInnis and
drone and on-land photography by Alex Childress.
Click PLAY in the upper left corner of the photo below to view "Practice in Action" slideshow.
Click HERE to access video of "Coast Guard Training on Little Traverse Bay"
taped by William T. Perkins of Petoskey News Review.
taped by William T. Perkins of Petoskey News Review.
~ LaTocha Field ~
(Oliver Du Chaine's Northgate Airfield)
South End of Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan
(Oliver Du Chaine's Northgate Airfield)
South End of Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan
The LaTocha Field location was located where in 2021 the dormitory stands for North Central Michigan College, Petoskey, Michigan. John LaTocha, a 1960 Petoskey High School graduate, lived there with his family so he attended the OLD Sheridan Elementary school on Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan. The community college bought the LaTocha home which had been built about 1950. Then the family moved to Jackson Street, Petoskey, Michigan. The LaTocha family's Howard Street home still stands; being the only house structure (cement block) on the NCMC campus in 2021. Duane Dunshee remembers his father-in-law Ralph Holland telling that Ralph, when a little boy, rode in a plane at the LaTocha Field.
Descriptions below refer to the photo above with the colored lines and arrows...
- Yellow line is Howard Street which ran up to the LaTocha house by the eventual NCMC.
- Red line is the runway.
- Blue line is a runway with the lower of the blue line directed at the office and hanger. The buildings were nothing fancy; open spaces with natural bright light inside.
- "Between the green and orange arrows is a very large traditional shaped barn with weathered, rather than painted wood, and an extension that had wood floors and windows and a regular door for storing items for the farm [see photo below]. I remember mention of having had cows in there in the past. The big barn had typical double large sliding doors on the driveway side and on the opposite side where my Dad (John L. LaTocha) stored a small Ford tractor. He also had an 8' by 12' flatbed trailer with removable sides similar to a child's wooden red flier wagon. He had a plow, discs, a potato plow blade with a chain conveyor belt to drop potatoes on top of the dirt that fell through the chains. He had 15 rows of potatoes 150 feet long. He also had probably purchased a pull mower and a curved rake to keep the fields and airstrip clear of hay. I remember riding the rake seat and his collecting the field grasses and natural weeds, using a hand fork to make haystacks." ~ Submitted by Judy (LaTocha) Kreft
Article Above: Does anyone know where this "identification painting" may have transpired? Contact web master by "clicking" HERE. The old Ford Building had "Petoskey" painted on its roof, but pictures show that painting was there as early as 1936, so before this 1947 endeavor.
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Through the Northgate Airfield, with Pilot DuChaine's skills and efforts,
many area events were achieved and chronicled, like those noted below...
many area events were achieved and chronicled, like those noted below...
~ Airview of Alanson from plane piloted by Oliver Du Chaine of Northgate Airfield in Petoskey ~
1948
For the entire article about Conway accompanying photo below "click" HERE.
1948
For the entire article about Conway accompanying photo below "click" HERE.
~ Airview of Conway from plane piloted by Oliver Du Chaine of Northgate Airfield in Petoskey ~
1948
For the entire article about Conway accompanying photo below "click" HERE.
1948
For the entire article about Conway accompanying photo below "click" HERE.
~ Airview of Waugoshance from plane piloted by Oliver Du Chaine of Northgate Airfield in Petoskey ~
1948
For the entire article about Waugoshance Shoal Lighthouse
accompanying photo below "click" HERE.
1948
For the entire article about Waugoshance Shoal Lighthouse
accompanying photo below "click" HERE.
~ Airview of Ship Graveyard from plane piloted by Oliver Du Chaine of Northgate Airfield in Petoskey ~
1948
1948
1950 Article Below Left: Northgate Airfield Statistics reported for the previous year;
500 visiting pilots landed bringing some 1500 air visitors to the city.
500 visiting pilots landed bringing some 1500 air visitors to the city.
Article Below: Oliver Du Chaine, 46, left his flying service at Northgate Airport in Petoskey in 1950.
For 7 years previous Du Chaine had operated his flying service... before flying in Mexico and Arizona,
where he died.
For 7 years previous Du Chaine had operated his flying service... before flying in Mexico and Arizona,
where he died.
Oliver Cope DuChaine was born 7 February 1907 in Coconino County, Arizona, and pass 19 May 1952 in Pinal County, Casa Grande, Arizona. Cremation location of ashes is unknown.
Below Obituaries for Oliver DuChaine's parents;
Reuben Joseph and Katherine Elizabeth Cope DuChaine...
Both were buried in Petoskey's St. Francis Cemetery.
Reuben Joseph and Katherine Elizabeth Cope DuChaine...
Both were buried in Petoskey's St. Francis Cemetery.
Photo/Text Left reads: "Robert DuChaine
Bob graduates from Barksdale Field in Shreveport, La., in June. He's attending school for training instructors in bombing and pursuits having left this city [Petoskey] last fall. He is the son of Mrs. Kathering DuChaine on Sheridan Street." Bob was a brother to Oliver DuChaine who flew out of LaTocha Air Strip in Petoksey for a period of time. Robert Joseph DuChaine (1918~1995) married Geraldine Cotton Duchaine who passed in 1998. Robert and Geraldine both were buried in Friendship Cemetery Lowndes County, Columbus, Mississippi. |
Text/Photo Below: Field formerly used by the DuChaine Flying Service still was referenced in 1958.
TOP
~ Mackinaw City Field ~
Carp Lake Township
Carp Lake Township
From the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Air Commerce:
Descriptions of Airports and Landing Fields in the United States
Airway Bulletin No. 2... September 1,1934
Page 87:
Descriptions of Airports and Landing Fields in the United States
Airway Bulletin No. 2... September 1,1934
Page 87:
Reference to above: It is not known IF a survey of this OLD airport property was ever completed.
~ Michigan State Police Air Patrol ~
(At Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, Michigan)
1966
(At Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls, Michigan)
1966
~ Miniature Aircraft Field ~
(On Powell Road, one mile east of M-119)
(On Powell Road, one mile east of M-119)
~ Petosega Airport ~
(Jim Templin)
(Jim Templin)
Follow-up Article Below: Templin only applicant for "Lease for Seaplane Base"
Article Below Left AND Photo Below Right: Both North Michigan Air Service Inc,
and Petoskey Toys, Inc
(located in 2019 in the Salvation Army Resale on Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan),
were being incorporated in 1946.
and Petoskey Toys, Inc
(located in 2019 in the Salvation Army Resale on Clarion Avenue, Petoskey, Michigan),
were being incorporated in 1946.
Article Below: "Mush" Wheelon Director of Flight, North Michigan Air Service (see advertisement above) Petosega Airport wrote a weekly column for the Northern Michigan Review newspaper. This article does have mention of Petosega Airport.
Photo Below: Posted on this Northern Mich~Mash Preserve web site only by permission from
remarkable photographer and videographer Charles Dawley of Up North Imaging.
Camp Petosega is located directly on the shores of Pickerel Lake.
The Petosega Airstrip is still visible to the right in the photo below,
in the area of the hangar which still exists.
The photo above of the original airport hangar hangs on the wall of the office/museum of Camp Petosega.
Duane Dunshee told that his brother was landing a small experimental plane onto the Petosega Airstrip around the time that Emmet County was purchasing the property. Trees were being planted on the open area, and soil had been moved, so the airstrip was covered with holes with pieces of sod sticking up. The holes created a rough landing. When the plane landed, it hit a piece of sod so that the propeller snapped off. The plane had to be hauled off the strip.
Two Photos Below: The hangar for the previous Petosega airstrip still stands in 2021 and is used as a storage facility for Emmet County.
Click HERE to access additional information on this same web site about Camp Petosega.
In 2022-23 this open field has been turned into a disc golf course.
In 2022-23 this open field has been turned into a disc golf course.
~ Petoskey Air Port ~
(1928 > 1929 discussions, but did it ever exist?)
(1928 > 1929 discussions, but did it ever exist?)
Article Below: The next article told that this article should have stated CITY, not COUNTY.
Click HERE to contact the web master with any information/photo about this Petoskey Air Port as noted in the 1928 and 1929 articles below. The 4 June 1928 article claimed, “The painting of the name ‘Petoskey’ on the roof of the Michigan Maple Block Company factory was to be finished that day.” No known aerial photo showing this roof painting is known.
Article Below Left: Emmet County Board appointed a committee to seek a site for at least one first class airport.
Article Below Center: Sub-Committee was seeking land for as many sites as possible for an airplane landing field for Emmet County. Advertising asked for 80 to 300 level acres in Emmet County suitable for an airplane landing field. By 15 March 1928, the airport committee told the convention that 15 sites were under consideration, and a report would be forthcoming.
Article Below Right: On 2 June 1928 The Petoskey Evening News reported: A temporary aviation field for Petoskey and Emmet County had been assured the previous day, by closing a lease for one year only on the Notestine farm located three miles south of the city on state trunk line M-131. The lease was made by the city, not by the county. The property was being prepared for Rotarians expected coming by plane; a large arrow pointing south painted on the roof of the main building of the Michigan Maple Block Company plant would direct the pilots. The arrangement was temporary for the current year, with standard markings on the grounds, which would enable the visiting aviators to get their property bearings for landing.
Article Below Center: Sub-Committee was seeking land for as many sites as possible for an airplane landing field for Emmet County. Advertising asked for 80 to 300 level acres in Emmet County suitable for an airplane landing field. By 15 March 1928, the airport committee told the convention that 15 sites were under consideration, and a report would be forthcoming.
Article Below Right: On 2 June 1928 The Petoskey Evening News reported: A temporary aviation field for Petoskey and Emmet County had been assured the previous day, by closing a lease for one year only on the Notestine farm located three miles south of the city on state trunk line M-131. The lease was made by the city, not by the county. The property was being prepared for Rotarians expected coming by plane; a large arrow pointing south painted on the roof of the main building of the Michigan Maple Block Company plant would direct the pilots. The arrangement was temporary for the current year, with standard markings on the grounds, which would enable the visiting aviators to get their property bearings for landing.
The 22 March 1929 article below noted that City Manager Mitchell had made arrangements for the use of the Notestine Farm south of Petoskey for a permanent landing field. It is not known the exact location of this Notestine Farm, but was noted in the above article that it was on M-!31 which now is the same as Bear River Road.
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~ Pucker Brush International "PBI" ~
Pucker Brush International was located on Plains Road south of Pellston, Michigan. Robert Schrier flew his handmade aircraft from PBI. When driving past the old farm in 2018, one can view two orange power line balls still on the power lines. The balls are used for pilot visual references, and also for the birds.
~ Talcott Field ~
Lance Talcott has his airstrip on State Road just north of Robinson Road, Emmet County, Michigan.
Lance Talcott passed away in 2023.
Lance Talcott passed away in 2023.
~ Winfield Sluyter Field ~
Winfield Sluyter has an airstrip on Stump Road off Lake Grove Road, Petoskey, Michigan. In 2009 Winfield Sluyter received the "Wright Brother Master Pilot Award" for 50 years of safe flying. He began flying when he was 15 years old.
"No stop signs, no rush, only me and my 'bird'...
Total peace and awe!"
~ Dennis Jessick
Total peace and awe!"
~ Dennis Jessick
Photo Below: Dennis Jessick was airborne in the Cessna
just south of Harbor Springs, Michigan.
just south of Harbor Springs, Michigan.
~ Pilots and Groups ~
The Petoskey Academy of Miniature Aircraft, for many years, has had a lease on Emmet County property at 2270 East Hathaway Road just west of the Emmet County Road Commission complex for their operation of miniature aircraft. The Academy uses the premises only for the conduct of recreational programs and activities of the Academy, including the operation of a model aircraft course and tournaments.
Duane Armstrong and Leo Cassidy
Beaver Island 4-H Flying Club
Martin Beer (Flew for Phillips Flying Service of Harbor Springs)
Lester Bishop
Ivar Blomberg
Andy Bowman
Stanley Cadwallader (Flew with Northgate Air Service of Petoskey)
Herb Carlson
Charlevoix BUFFS (Bunch of Ugly Flying Fools)
James Cooper (Flew with Northgate Air Service of Petoskey)
Douglas W. Coursey
John David DiMartino
Bill Dohm
Duane Dunshee
EAA = Experimental Aircraft Association (Chapter in the Harbor Springs Airport)
Donald Ernst
George Fettig
Russ Figg
Hardin, Hord II
"Rip" Hayes
Seymour Heller
Bill Hewitt Sr.
Jerry Houts
Alden Howard
Arthur Ward "Buzz" Jenks
Dennis Jessick
Larry Jessick
Keith Lamkin
Aarre "Antero" LIndholm (member of EAA)
Bruce MacArthur and Hank Schlacheter of Levering (Flying Sportsair ~a SeaBee catering to fishing parties)
Charlie MacInnis
Carl Meindl
Dr. William Harvey "Bill" Millar
Percy Penfold of East Jordan
Carl Poll
Floyd Potts
Rowe Family: Bertram Rowe, and pilot sons Thomas "Tom" Rowe, John Rowe, Jim Rowe (daughter Carolyn and granddaughter Stephanie have taken flying lessons)
Arnold Saviano
Vern Sayan
Robert Schrier
Reg Sharkey
Jim Shorter
Winfield Sluyter
Don Steffel
Harris Stevens (See information below)
Chuck Story
Lance Talcott
Connie Tanner
Ned Tanner
Dan Walker (Close to Wolverine, Michigan)
Royal Watkins
Bob Winchester (Information with Reg Sharkey below)
Pat Wingate
Beaver Island 4-H Flying Club
Martin Beer (Flew for Phillips Flying Service of Harbor Springs)
Lester Bishop
Ivar Blomberg
Andy Bowman
Stanley Cadwallader (Flew with Northgate Air Service of Petoskey)
Herb Carlson
Charlevoix BUFFS (Bunch of Ugly Flying Fools)
James Cooper (Flew with Northgate Air Service of Petoskey)
Douglas W. Coursey
John David DiMartino
Bill Dohm
Duane Dunshee
EAA = Experimental Aircraft Association (Chapter in the Harbor Springs Airport)
Donald Ernst
George Fettig
Russ Figg
Hardin, Hord II
"Rip" Hayes
Seymour Heller
Bill Hewitt Sr.
Jerry Houts
Alden Howard
Arthur Ward "Buzz" Jenks
Dennis Jessick
Larry Jessick
Keith Lamkin
Aarre "Antero" LIndholm (member of EAA)
Bruce MacArthur and Hank Schlacheter of Levering (Flying Sportsair ~a SeaBee catering to fishing parties)
Charlie MacInnis
Carl Meindl
Dr. William Harvey "Bill" Millar
Percy Penfold of East Jordan
Carl Poll
Floyd Potts
Rowe Family: Bertram Rowe, and pilot sons Thomas "Tom" Rowe, John Rowe, Jim Rowe (daughter Carolyn and granddaughter Stephanie have taken flying lessons)
Arnold Saviano
Vern Sayan
Robert Schrier
Reg Sharkey
Jim Shorter
Winfield Sluyter
Don Steffel
Harris Stevens (See information below)
Chuck Story
Lance Talcott
Connie Tanner
Ned Tanner
Dan Walker (Close to Wolverine, Michigan)
Royal Watkins
Bob Winchester (Information with Reg Sharkey below)
Pat Wingate
~ Plane Spotting Station ~
With this Plane Spotting Station existing in 1942, it was involved with WWII observation of military craft. Where exactly was this station located? Little Traverse Bay can be viewed in the background, and the text of the article left stated, Bay View Avenue? Please contact the web master with additional information by clicking HERE.
1955 news article below: T-Sgt Frank R. Seiler, air force ground observer corps officer stationed in the area, together with Leo Pemberton, Petoskey chief observer, requested an observation post be erected in Petoskey (Read the rest of the report in the article below).
|
~ Emmet Sports Flyers Club ~
~ Duane Armstrong and Leo Cassidy ~
~ Beaver Island 4-H Flying Club ~
Photo Below:
The Beaver Island 4-H Flying Club involved Jim Wojan, Keith Lamkin; 4-H Youth Agent, Dan Gillespie,
and 4-H Leader Bill Welke along with about 15 total members.
The Beaver Island 4-H Flying Club involved Jim Wojan, Keith Lamkin; 4-H Youth Agent, Dan Gillespie,
and 4-H Leader Bill Welke along with about 15 total members.
~ Lester Bishop ~
Aviator Bishop flew in the Petoskey area out of the Grimes Field and then moved to the Krussell Field... but, for only the 1920 flying season. Bishop was an extremely talented and notable pilot, having flown in the very beginnings of air mail. His flights in Petoskey were exhibitions and passenger flights as noted in the Petoskey Evening News advertisement below. Additional information about Bishop is provided above on this same web page under the Grimes and Krussell Fields information.
~ Ivar Blomberg ~
While Ivar R. Blomberg grew up at Burt Lake, he graduated from Littlefield Hig School in Alanson, Michigan. Blomberg had worked as a precision grinder for the aircraft industry. He was a pilot and flown with Charles Lindbergh. Other interests include creating Petoskey Stone jewelry, and writing books on Petoskey Stones. Mr. Blomberg passed away in Petoskey in 1994.
~ Andy Bowman ~
On 9 March 2019 Andy Bowman flew in and landed his ski plane on the ice near Petoskey's break wall. It was very near where the viewing of the underwater crucifix was taking place. Additional information can be viewed on this same web site's web page about the "Little Traverse Bay Crucifix". (Photo Below Submitted by Dennis Jessick)
~ Vera Brown ~
(Detroit Newspaper Woman and Wife of Alfred Brown)
(Detroit Newspaper Woman and Wife of Alfred Brown)
~ Douglas W. Coursey ~
1940 ~ 2020
1940 ~ 2020
"Doug Coursey's greatest pastime was aviation. He had a private pilot’s license and obtained an instrument rating requiring highly specialized training. He piloted many family trips up north and cross-country and derived immense joy from being above the clouds." [Quoted from 5 January 2020 Obituary ~ Petoskey News Review)
~ Charlevoix BUFFS (Bunch of Ugly Flying Fools) ~
called "Flying Fools"
called "Flying Fools"
~ Russ Figg ~
~ Seymour Heller ~
Photo/Text Above: Scroll down farther on this same web page to the information about the Rowe Family to read more information about Seymour Heller as well.
Also, Seymour Heller (and Bertram Rowe) taught Jim Shorter to fly.
Also, Seymour Heller (and Bertram Rowe) taught Jim Shorter to fly.
Article Below about the winter of February 1959: "Heller's plane, a Piper Pacer, was equipped with skis at the time. The skis had to be removed and wheels attached so the plane could land at Grand Rapids. Then the plane also had to be shoved by hand through a snowdrift to reach the runway." After the plane was ready the young patient 3 ½ year old Patrick John Wedlake was brought by ambulance to Phillip's Airport for the 200 mile flight south.
1959 Article Below: The original article telling of the 4 year old's accident requiring airplane flight reported in the more recent 1990 article above...
~ Bill Hewitt, Sr. ~
October 1957 Article Below: In Bill Hewitt's Piper Tri-Pacer, Bill, Bert Rowe, and Carl Meindl flew from Emmet County to the West Coast, down across the Gulf to Florida, up to New York and back by way of Niagara Falls.
~ Dennis Jessick ~
Dennis Jessick does not have a personal airstrip although his brother Larry does (See Jessick Field above). In 2018 Dennis flies two types of aircraft... a Cessna 152 (third partner) which is based out of Boyne City and a two place PPC (Powered Parachute) named Blackbird. Dennis holds a local record of flying a PPC ten times over Little Traverse Bay in the winter months from Harbor Springs to Petoskey and back... not all in one flight. When Boyne Highlands had an airstrip just east of their main entrance drive, Dennis landed there once in his Cessna 152.
Dennis has had the true honor of receiving a special certificate many years ago from the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) while in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for being within the first 1000 pilots in the world to fly a Young Eagle. The Young Eagles Program mission of giving youth their first free ride in an airplane is explained on its web site. Dennis has flown 175 Young Eagles.
Dennis' PPC adventure started many, many years ago in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, when he visited the air show one year. He took a chance, watched a video, signed a waiver, paid his $75.00 and flew a PPC that was owned by the inventor of the ParaPlane, Mr. Steve Snyder. Mr. Snyder's PPC was outfitted with a 550 sq. ft. chute of the American flag. Dennis flew it from a field 10 miles outside of the big Airshow area. Mr. Snyder had just returned from the Paris Airshow and Dennis flew Mr. Snyder's PPC for Dennis' first solo PPC flight.
Dennis has had the true honor of receiving a special certificate many years ago from the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) while in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for being within the first 1000 pilots in the world to fly a Young Eagle. The Young Eagles Program mission of giving youth their first free ride in an airplane is explained on its web site. Dennis has flown 175 Young Eagles.
Dennis' PPC adventure started many, many years ago in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, when he visited the air show one year. He took a chance, watched a video, signed a waiver, paid his $75.00 and flew a PPC that was owned by the inventor of the ParaPlane, Mr. Steve Snyder. Mr. Snyder's PPC was outfitted with a 550 sq. ft. chute of the American flag. Dennis flew it from a field 10 miles outside of the big Airshow area. Mr. Snyder had just returned from the Paris Airshow and Dennis flew Mr. Snyder's PPC for Dennis' first solo PPC flight.
"So Much Sky, So Little Time."
(Photos Below Submitted by Dennis Jessick)
Photo Below: Dennis Jessick flying the ParaPlane over Crooked Lake, Michigan, on 20 March 1994...
Low and Slow! Photo Below: Dennis Jessick flying the ParaPlane
south of the Maple River golf course... Photo Below: Dennis Jessick in Blackbird
north of Brutus Road in 2017... |
Photo Below: On 9 July 2010 in Ithaca, Michigan, Dennis Jessick had just completed his "checkride" with his instructor. Then, the instructor took Dennis' dad on his dad's FIRST Powered parachute ride.
Photo Below: Dennis Jessick was flying in
Ithaca, Michigan, for his biannual flight review. |
Photo Below: Blackbird (PPC) on Crooked Lake, Michigan, in 2015.
The 550 sq. ft. chute is in the bag on the back seat.
The 550 sq. ft. chute is in the bag on the back seat.
~ Larry Jessick ~
(Photos Below Submitted by Dennis Jessick)
(Photos Below Submitted by Dennis Jessick)
Larry and his brother Dennis Jessick eventually purchased a ParaPlane and flew it for many, many years. Larry owns his Jessick Field (See above). In 2018 Larry owns a single plane Powered Parachute (PPC) which he calls Lime Lizard.
A saying used by Larry and his brother Dennis is:
"Chute the Sky!"
"Chute the Sky!"
Photo Below: Last flight for this ParaPlane over Crooked Lake in March 2005
before brothers Larry and Dennis Jessick sold it...
~ Keith Lamkin ~
Photo/Text Below: Note that News Emmet County Fairground photo was taken by Jack Brink piloted by Keith Lamkin.
~ Charlie MacInnis ~
Charlie MacInnis of Harbor Springs has been flying since 1971. He holds a commercial pilot license and has an instrument rating. He uses his airplane to visit his grandchildren downstate, to take young people for their first flights through the EAA's "Young Eagles" program, and to fly to Mackinac Island to get fudge. His aerial photos are published regularly in the Harbor Light newspaper. One of his proudest accomplishments has been to teach a 14-year-old girl, Grace, how to fly (photo below). They flew together for 40 hours to break the boredom of the Covid–19 lockdown and the result was a confident young pilot. She is still too young to have an official pilot's license, but she can tell her friends that she has made 75 successful landings in a Cessna 172 (written in 2021).
Charlie Macinnis is an excellent photographer which couples beautifully with being a pilot. Some of his local aerial photography can be viewed on this website of Lake MIchigan county lighthouses by clicking HERE.
~ Dr. "Bill" Millar ~
(1936 - 2024)
(1936 - 2024)
Bill enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes, and he had his pilot's license.
~ Rowe FAMILY ~
Photo Below: Tom Rowe (left) taught his brother Jim Rowe (on wing of plane) to fly.
~ Tom Rowe and Rip Hayes Modern Day Barnstormers ~
WACO AIR
WACO AIR
Obituary and Poem Below: The 9 June 1995 Petoskey News Review reported the death of Tom Rowe.
Tom had been flying a single-engine plane that was apparently having engine trouble
before it crashed into a field, about a mile east of Alanson on M-68.
Tom had been flying a single-engine plane that was apparently having engine trouble
before it crashed into a field, about a mile east of Alanson on M-68.
Carolyn Marie (Rowe) Hill passed away in Muskegon, Michigan, on 17 October 2021.
~ Arnold Saviano ~
In 1992, Harbor Springs resident Arnold Saviano was appointed by Governor John Engler to the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, a top aeronautics policy setting and regulatory authority. Saviano said, "I am really general aviation oriented (small planes and airports as opposed to large passenger carriers and international airports)... One of the airplanes I have owned was a 1967 Piper. The plane cost about $15,000 new, with everything on it. To buy a comparable Piper in 1990 would've cost you about $140,000. About $50,000 of the cost of that plane is for insurance premiums that the Piper company pays in case it is sued by a customer or someone else at some later date. That is just ridiculous and I would really like to do something to address that situation."
~ Robert Schrier ~
"PBI Airfield" noted above (Pucker Brush International)
"PBI Airfield" noted above (Pucker Brush International)
~ Reg Sharkey and Bob Winchester ~
Photo Above: Pilot and owner of the plane Bob Winchester with article photographer Randall Goss...
Photo Below: Reg Sharkey beside the propeller of the plane...
Photo Below: Reg Sharkey beside the propeller of the plane...
1970 Article Below:
Bob Winchester took 7 years to build his Pitts Special with a wing span of 17'4".
Bob had been flying and restoring planes since 1948.
Bob Winchester took 7 years to build his Pitts Special with a wing span of 17'4".
Bob had been flying and restoring planes since 1948.
~ Jim Shorter ~
~ Winfield Sluyter ~
Winfield Sluyter often flew in and landed on Little Traverse Bay, Petoskey, Michigan, for the viewing of the crucifix. More information about the crucifix viewing and Winfield Sluyter can be found on this same web site on the page titled "Little Traverse Bay Crucifix" about half way down the page. Winfield Sluyter retired from a career in graphic arts and from another career as an aviation pilot. He enjoyed playing the five-string banjo.
~ Don Steffel ~
~ Harris Stevens ~
Harris' immense involvement with flying was noted in the obituary for Harris Stevens
found in the 11 January 2018 Petoskey News Review:
found in the 11 January 2018 Petoskey News Review:
"Over his many years at PHS he taught classes in the vocational wing and Aerospace, introducing many students to the world of aviation. Many of his students left high school with their private pilot’s license and went on to join the Air Force and other aviation careers. He was always proud of the fact that not only was he still flying after many years, but so was every student he ever taught to fly, and he kept track of all his aerospace students. Harris retired from PHS in 1986.
Harris earned his private pilot’s license after his 17th birthday. He became a private pilot flight instructor; commercial pilot; instrument rated pilot; taught Advanced Ground School to private and commercial pilots to pass their written tests at both PHS and North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. He was glider rated; Airframe and Powerplant mechanic rated; seaplane rated; and a certified weather observer.
Over the years he owned several aircraft, including two Bonanza Beechcraft 35 V-tail; a home-built Volmer amphibious aircraft; a glider plane; and a Volks plane."
Dennis Jessick stated on "The Crucifix of Little Traverse Bay" web page that Harris Stevens often did a fly-by with his dog sitting in the co-pilot position.
Harris earned his private pilot’s license after his 17th birthday. He became a private pilot flight instructor; commercial pilot; instrument rated pilot; taught Advanced Ground School to private and commercial pilots to pass their written tests at both PHS and North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. He was glider rated; Airframe and Powerplant mechanic rated; seaplane rated; and a certified weather observer.
Over the years he owned several aircraft, including two Bonanza Beechcraft 35 V-tail; a home-built Volmer amphibious aircraft; a glider plane; and a Volks plane."
Dennis Jessick stated on "The Crucifix of Little Traverse Bay" web page that Harris Stevens often did a fly-by with his dog sitting in the co-pilot position.
Article and Two Photos/Text Below:
Harris Stevens, as well as others, were involved with "Tiny Aircraft on Frozen Surface of Crooked Lake".
Harris Stevens, as well as others, were involved with "Tiny Aircraft on Frozen Surface of Crooked Lake".
~ Chuck Story ~
Ironton pontoon plane pilot Chuck Story stabilized his plane in Petoskey's Bayfront Park.
~ Ned and Connie Tanner ~
The 16 March 1962 Petoskey News Review announced that “Pilot-Skier-Salesman to Become Chamber Manager Here”; hiring Ned Tanner. Tanner has a private license as a pilot and has his own airplane. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving 22 months as a pilot. He is familiar with this area, owning property on Beaver Island and he and his wife Connie have skied in this area a number of times and are well-acquainted with Bay View. In musical circles, he is a member of the choir of the Metropolitan Methodist Church of Detroit and his wife is a soprano member of the double quartet of the same church.
Ned and his wife Connie (BOTH had a pilot's licenses) often would fly
from an Emmet County, Michigan, area airport to Maine for a lobster meal.
from an Emmet County, Michigan, area airport to Maine for a lobster meal.
Ned Tanner's 2003 obituary described his dedication to flying, and taking pictures of the local area from his airplane. "The real passion of Ned's life was flying. Earning his commercial pilot's license with instrument and instructor ratings culminated in his operation of a flight school for 12 years. During his lifetime, Ned owned nine different aircrafts, including one he built. Ned was a highly skilled aerial photographer."
~ Royal Watkins ~
Pilot and photographer notes special rules for aerial photography.
Pilot and photographer notes special rules for aerial photography.
~ Harry Watson ~
(1923 ~ 2011)
Harry's obituary noted "He loved flying..."
(1923 ~ 2011)
Harry's obituary noted "He loved flying..."
~ AIR FLIGHT ~
Old postcard front below had the following written on the back:
"The most celebrated rarity among U.S. postal issues is the 24 cent air mail stamp with inverted center. Shown approximated four times actual size is
one of the original sheet of 100 stamps purchased by a collector on May 14, 1918
at the Washington, D.C. post office."
National Museum of History and Technology Smithsonian Institution
A Mavis Pudding Picturecard
"The most celebrated rarity among U.S. postal issues is the 24 cent air mail stamp with inverted center. Shown approximated four times actual size is
one of the original sheet of 100 stamps purchased by a collector on May 14, 1918
at the Washington, D.C. post office."
National Museum of History and Technology Smithsonian Institution
A Mavis Pudding Picturecard
~ The Wright Brothers, the most Famous Aviators in the World ~
~ Millionaire Flyer Howard Hughes ~
(Silver Monoplane)
(Hughes was also noted for creating "The Spruce Goose"
(Silver Monoplane)
(Hughes was also noted for creating "The Spruce Goose"