Curtiss-Reynolds Field

From HistoryWiki

Curtiss-Reynolds Field Soundex Code C632

In 1929, Chicago's major existing airport, Chicago Municipal Airport (later known as Midway Airport), was quickly becoming surrounded by homes & industry.

Plans were announced that year for the construction of the new Curtiss-Reynolds Field, named for the developer, Curtis Flying Service, and the land owner.

However, the new Glenview Airport's promise, as a rival public airport to Midway Airport, was not to be. The field was dedicated on Sunday, October 20, 1929, nine days before the stock market crash heralded the beginning of the Great Depression.

Fortunately, before the market crash, the Curtiss-Reynolds 3-section hangar (subsequently known as Hangar One) had been completed, along with concrete taxiways, some lighting & some other bare necessities.

The earliest depiction which has been located of Curtiss-Reynolds Field was a 1930 aerial view of the hangar on the west side of the field with “Curtiss” painted across the roof, and 3 ramps leading from the east side of the hangar.

In 1933, during the "Century of Progress Exposition", it was the site of the International Air Races & also hosted the LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin. Shortly thereafter, the Curtis Flying Service merged with Wright Aeronautical to form Curtiss-Wright Corporation.