My first viewing of an aircraft operating from Bedford Village was at the corner of Route 22 and Greenwich Road, North Side (the present site of St. Patrick's School). This property was owned by Henry O'Brien whose son James "Pete" O'Brien was one of the early pilots and aircraft owners in this area , He is presently tLe owner of the Stormville Airport in Dutchess County. Pete agrees with me that an "Eaglerock" aircraft operated from this site and he believes it was owned by a Dr. LeRow.
The actual site of the Bedford Village Airport is the present "Bedford Village Park" on Greenwich Road, ? mile east of Route 22 on the south side. This property was also owned by Henry O'Brien and sold to a Mr. Mortimer ro raise animals. The size of the property is deceiving today, since the south end of the property through Farms Road and Jeffersons Lane has been developed by new housing.
The airport began operations when Webster Schmaling of Armonk began flying from the field in 1928 or 1929. Web Schmaling was the nephew of Frederick Schmaling who owned the Armonk Airport property and the well known "Log Cabin" night club and restaurant in Armonk. Web Schmaling was in World War I and had a deep interest in aviation. He managed the "Log Cabin" operations and continued his flying career. After his Uncle sold the Armonk Airport property, he moved his flying activities to the Bedford Mortimer property. At this time Red Kerr and Jim McLean also moved to Bedford.
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the Brunner-Winkel "BIRD"
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They sold rides, gave instruction, sold aircraft and on weekends put on Airshows and Exhibition Parachute Jumps. I found that "Pete" O'Brien took his original flying instruction from Clifford Payton in Armonk. Payton, while flying a borrowed "Waco" aircraft had a wing come off killing himself and his passenger. Pete continued on with his flying career, purchased an aircraft and went barnstorming. He grew up on his father's farm on the Greenwich Road and has spent his entire life in aviation. The principal aircraft used by these men was the Brunner-Winkel "BIRD" manufactured in Brooklyn. This is the aircraft shown in the attached photos taken at Bedford.
Airport operations continued through the early 1930's. It was usually quiet during the weekdays with instruction being given. On weekends the activities attracted large crowds and the accompanying parking problems as a result of Parachute Jumping, Stunting and Customers taking their first aircraft rides. Early aviation was not without its hazards and Bedford had its share. A German Parachutist "Paul Wintermyer", died when his static line attached to the aircraft came loose and failed to open his chute.
During this time many complaints arose from nearby property owners, and attempts were made to have the town close down airport operations. Complaints ran the gauntlet of noise to leaking oil from engines falling on local gardens.
Those of us growing up in this period, who were fascinated by aviation, had the opportunity to not only witness these operations, but if we were lucky we could get rides and perhaps instruction. I was fortunate to have been taken for rides since 1928, because my father and uncle were so intrigued with flying.
It was easy for me to stop at the airport while returning from school in the afternoon. It was possible to talk to t.he pilots and mechanics, and occasionally to be put to work at some menial task. In addition, rebuilding of wings, recovering of fabric, doping, painting, took place in the large red barn behind Mr. Mortimer's.
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| Red Kerr, Ashley, Red Kerr, Web Schmaling |
I took every opportunity to go for a ride. My most opportune ride was in a low wing monoplane called a KINNER Sportster. The pilot and passenger sat side by side. Unknowingly my Uncle Sidney had arranged with Jim McLean to give me my first instruction and control of the aircraft. Needless to say the thrill of that day will never be forgotten.
In order to get to the airport from home I would cut through Frank "Baldy Bell's Horse Farm to Mortimer's Pond. At the end of the Pond there was a large pine grove. It was there on a Sunday afternoon that I met the parachute jumper "Roy Stillman" and his fianc?e. They would picinic there and Roy would pack his parachutes prior to his exhibition jump. I made this a stead meeting each weekend. Over a period I got to know Roy very well and he taught me the operation of the parachute and how to pack it.
One Sunday afternoon I left home late and Roy Stillman was getting into position to jump from an aircraft S/E of airport. As I watched I realized he was in trouble. His main chute trailed and did not open. He opened his emergency chute too late and fell just south of the overflow stream from Mortimer's Pond. I ran all the way to the scene and was followed by Jack Mooney. Roy was put on a fire truck and taken to Mt. Kisco Hospital, where he died.
Over the years the airport was visited or used by many varieties of aircraft. I can recall the following - WACO - CURTISS FLEDGLING - BEECHCRAFT - STINSON - EAGLEROCK - STANDARD. In addition there was a Utility Glider at the south end of the field that had to be towed aloft. Lastly the field was visited by a GEE-BEE Sportster.
The airport continued operation, faced with growing problems, due to the economy and the surrounding landowners, until it closed down in 1935 or 1936. It was still used for haying and completely mowed by Frank Bell. At this time model aviation was extremely popular in the area. With this large expanse of property it was ideal for flying model aircraft. Many young men including the Portchester Flying Club used the field for this activity up through World War II.
From "Bedford Village Airport" by Robert G. Kelley (1924 - 1995)
William F. Banks wrote of Bob: "He was fascinated with airplanes from the time I met him in the 4h grade at Bedford Elementary School in 1933. He spent his spare time watching the planes at the Bedford airport until it closed in the early 30s." Bob served his country flying fighter planes and later became a member of the New York National Guard. If you'd like to read the entire tribute, click here.
