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Remembering Lexington's First Airport

Air Climbers of America, believed to be taken at Halley Field in 1930
Lafayette Studios/exploreuk.uky.edu/
Air Climbers of America, believed to be taken at Halley Field in 1930

Lexington’s first municipal airport has earned a permanent marker in what’s now the Meadowthorpe area of town.

Air Climbers of America, believed to be taken at Halley Field in 1930
Credit Lafayette Studios/exploreuk.uky.edu/
Air Climbers of America, believed to be taken at Halley Field in 1930

Windy conditions in Lexington Monday would probably have been enough to halt any takeoffs at the city’s Halley Field back in 1921.

"It would be difficult today, that's for sure," Blue Grass Airport executive director Eric Frankl says.

He was one of a number of guests on hand paying tribute to what was little more than a grass landing strip when it first opened. But, by 1927, the airport played host to air shows, flight training, and even a visit by famed aviator Charles Lindbergh.

Helen Evans was only seven at the time, but remembers watching his plane fade away into the distance.

Helen Evans, who witnessed Charles Lindbergh's departure from Halley Field, looks up at the new airport marker
Credit Josh James / WUKY
/
WUKY
Helen Evans, who witnessed Charles Lindbergh's departure from Halley Field, looks up at the new airport marker

"It was so fragile," she recalls. "I remember there was excitement because it appeared like it wasn't going to make it when it left. I saw only the departure after he'd been visiting here in Lexington."

The Halley Field marker now stands at the intersection of Leestown Road and Boiling Springs Drive.

Copyright 2014 WUKY

Josh James fell in love with college radio at Western Kentucky University's student station, New Rock 92 (now known as Revolution 91.7). After working as a DJ and Program Director, he knew he wanted to come home to Lexington and try his hand in public radio.