Missoula, MT - Clear but smoke coming back into the valley. We are actually back in Helena but I still have one more post after this one from our trip to Missoula.
Hey Gary – thought you might really enjoy this one.
From their Mission Statement: To preserve for future generations, the legends, lore and historical legacy of pilots and other individuals whose pioneering aviation exploits helped bring America’s Rocky Mountain West into the Air Age.
The Museum was established in 1993 basically because three guys wanted to honor and preserve the history of the Johnson Flying Service. The Johnson Flying Service was a premier service in the Northern Rockies from the late 1920’s to the early 1970’s stationed in Missoula.
Like all small volunteer museums, this museum has struggled to stay afloat but with help from several people and the airport (which is where they are located), they have been able to grow and raise the money they need to stay open.
A Model 18 Twin Beech aircraft.
This is a metal windsock used at Dixon, MT back in the early 1930’s.
1942 Ford Jeep
This DC-3 was flown by Johnson Flying Service and was used to drop 15 Smokejumpers into Mann Gulch on August 5, 1949. Eleven of the smokejumpers and one Fire Guard were killed fighting this fire.
There is so much more information in this museum and if you are a pilot or just enjoy planes, it is a great place to spend a couple of hours.
So glad a small museum has the love and support of the airport and very generous people. Looks like a super place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI think Jim would make a great pilot. He seems to be able to get in and out of those little doors...hehe
How incredibly interesting!! I love small museums like this one!!
ReplyDeleteYou can learn so much about our history and the past!! This museum looks well done and informative!!
Sometimes small museums like this are the best, great find!
ReplyDeleteLooks like Jim had an enjoyable visit
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun museum and some great history that has been preserved.
ReplyDeleteOh WOW. You know me. Anything with airplanes is what I enjoy looking at . I'd like that museum for sure.
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