Elevation 249 feet, Fairfax County, Virginia GPS 38 46'20.40"N : 77 4'54.07"W
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2010 Beacon Field Events Archive!!
October 2010
10,000 Horsepower ROCK Hayfield !! 16 October CAR SHOW
Editor's Pick at HAYFIELD DAYS 16 October Car Show --1967 Pontiac GTO. See below !
Editor's Pick at HAYFIELD DAYS Car Show -- 1967 Pontiac GTO
October 16, 2010 -- Historic HAYFIELD, VAFriends
of Beacon Field Airport attended the neighboring community's very well organized HAYFIELD DAYS 3rd Annual Old Car Show held at the Hayfield Shopping Center coordinated by Mr. John Terrien and generously sponsored by Prince William Cruisers andMVP Awards. Several Beacon friends brought their rides to compete including Groveton notables Mr. Larry Bennett and Mr. Warren Trice.
A wide spectrum of cars participated with the oldest a Model T Ford Roadster belonging to Beacon Friend Larry Bennett and the newest a pair of HENDRICKS Motor SportsRacing enhanced 400 Horsepower Chevy CAMAROs displayed by Mr. Tim White, local SEARS Home Services businessman.
More
than fifty show cars filled the parking lot including original Model A Fords, 55 Chevy's, sixties and eighties Corvettes, Triumph/Midget sports cars, and bright custom street rods. Trophies and plaques were
donated by MVP and Prince William Cruisers, and Giant Food provided free food. All proceeds from the car
show went to support the wounded men and women of the US Armed Forces.
We thank the event organizer, John Terrien, for a job well done!!!
Willys reflection in a 1940 Ford Coupe
Mr. Tim White shows his Hendricks' Motor Sports enhanced Chevy Camaros to Beacon Friend Harry Lehman
August 2010
Historic Groveton Intersection Gets a Makeover !! Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
L->R: Beacon Friend Harry Lehman, members of FCDOT Staff, and center Supervisor Jeff McKay cut the magnificent purple ribbon!
VDOT conducting final inspections on traffic signaling
Ms. Ellen Kamilakis (center) of Fairfax County with Citizens
August 25, 2010 -- Historic Groveton, VAFriends
of Beacon Field Airport were honored to participate in the Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony for the completion of the South Kings Highway/Harrison
Lane interchange improvement project conducted by FCDOT and VDOT. South Kings Highway is an old road in Fairfax County that was originally called Gravel Road used by George Washington, Tom Tracey, and other important figures from early American history traveling from Mount Vernon and South County to Alexandria.
Fairfax County public information office representative, Ms. Ellen Kamilakis, welcomed everyone and introduced notables. Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay
thanked the citizens for their interest and inputs in making this $1.5
million road construction a success just in time for the anticipated
increase in traffic following Labor Day.
Local ABC News 7 Affiliate WJLA was on hand to cover the event. Also accompanying Supervisor McKay were Ms. Linda Waller and Ms. Joan Clark. Many FCDOT employees were also on hand to address any additional citizen concerns.
Friends of Beacon Field know the intersection well having performed Adopt-A-Highway litter patrol during the construction. The improvement project encompassed adding a south bound South Kings Highway left turn lane and a northbound South Kings right turn. Additional curbing, new sidewalks, and fencing enhanced the intersection. VDOT expects to install new traffic pattern signage soon.
Golden Scissors do the cutting!
L to R, WJLA ABC Cameraman and Groveton citizens Mr. Allen Ford and Ms. Lisa Emrico
July 2010
98 Degrees and 98 Pounds !!
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
July 28, 2010 South Kings Highway (Rt 633), Historic Groveton, Virginia -- Truly dedicated Friends of Beacon Field Airport performed litter pickup enduring blistering 98 degree weather, sweltering asphalt trucks at S.Kings and Harrison, and overstressed drivers suffering through construction delays.
Friends have noticed a remarkable decrease in litter since the first
pickup in October mainly attributed to the increased awareness by
property owners that they too can make a difference!! READ more.....
SECRET WWII Observation Tower Revealed !!
The Washington Post, August 3, 1944
Groveton, VA--- July 12 , 2010 UpdateFriends of Beacon Field Airport recently discovered historical documentation and newspaper articles commending the 85 observers who served at the Groveton Observation Post of the Army Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) during World War II. The award ceremony had been held at the historic Groveton School auditorium.
Friends of Beacon Field are actively conducting research and are eager to develop the fullest details of this facet of Groveton history. In early 1942, a corps of civilian volunteer aircraft spotters were trained in observing and reporting movements of possible raiding aircraft by CAA Airmark Specialists like Mrs. Blanche Noyes (1).Uniquely qualified, Mrs. Noyes was the first woman ever to win theBendix cross country air race (2). She opened each of her training lectures with the following:
"Remember, that you are taking on one of the most unglamourous, uncomfortable, uninspiring, but most important jobs in the entire war effort. You are the first line of defense on the home front."(3)
The Groveton Observation Post was one of the 7500 civilian posts in the nationwide warning service network that was manned 24 hours a day during the heightened security period of WWII. The posts were located in barns, church steeples, roof tops, or specially built observation towers. The Groveton Post was officially located in the AWS 8th District(4); however,the exact location remains a mystery. Recent eyewitness account places the Observation Tower on the Beacon Field property. The Washington Post reported that the Groveton Civic Association (GCA) held a benefit game party for the installation of electric lights in the post(5).
When W.F.P.Reid was appointed to the Civilian Defense Council in July 1942 (6), it is likely that the AWS observation post was installed near to his property, Beacon Field. Recent eyewitness account places the Observation Tower on the residential street, Collard. Friends of Beacon Field recently acquired authentic AWS spotter artifacts including arm band, identification card, and AWS wings pin. Additionally letters of AWS commendation letters have been found. See new photos below.
Contact us if you have any information about this very important piece of history !!!
Mr. Herbert Blunt (above news clipping) was busy indeed, in January 1944 he assumed the Fairfax County Board of Supervisor position for the Mount Vernon District after being vacated by Andrew Clarke elected to State Senate.
Another discovery revealed in our research was that one of the earliest aircraft spotter
warning volunteers to serve in the Groveton Post was Mrs. Dorothea
Morris, one of the Beacon Famous Folks. She and her husband, Robert, were not only Groveton residents
but active in Beacon Field. The Morris's rebuilt their 1941 Taylorcraft at the airport and Mrs. Morris was seen stitching the fabric wing joints and ribs with the special large curved needle used by recovery specialists.
We hope that the readers will recognize the humble building and will let us know its exact location !!!
The humble AWS Post in Groveton, Va, noted with others "READY FOR ACTION" in November 1943 issue of VOLUNTEER magazine.
City View Mansion Artifact Rediscovered !!
City View Lobby Mirror Door -- 1946
July 12, 2010 -- Historic Groveton, VA Recent discovery of this interior photo of the City View Mansion revived memories of the main entry way and recognition of a long forgotten mirrored door at the top of the landing that greeted visitors who came through the front door. The door separated the lobby from the interior of the home. Five steps up to the landing,
through the mirror door, and an abrupt five steps down to Mrs. Sally Reid's piano room. The 75 pound solid wood door and thick
beveled mirror were removed before the mansion was torn down and
incorporated into City View III where it is actively used today. The origin of the door had been forgotten until the photograph resurfaced.
Route 1 Aviation History Soars to New Heights!!
2 July 2010 - Historic Groveton, VA -- The Mount Vernon Gazette has a lengthy feature story today on "Route 1's Aviation History" (2 July 2010, page 3). Friends of Beacon Field Harry Lehman, Anna Marie Hicks, Barbara Keck, and Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay contributed to the article.
15 June 2010 - Historic Groveton, VA -- Effective July 1, 2010, US Route 1 will be officially designated HISTORIC US 1 through out the state of Virginia thanks to the efforts of Virginia 44th District Delegate Scott Surovell
!! The success, prosperity and origin of Beacon Field Airport was
based upon its US Route 1 location. Freshman Delegate Surovell's
district includes much of the Beacon Field and Groveton area. Job well done goes to Governor McDonnell and Delegate Surovell who in his own words:
"During a 2010 floor session, I noticed a bill, Virginia House Bill 530, designating U.S. 1 through Chesterfield County as Historic Route 1
as a local economic development measure. After speaking to the sponsor,
I put together a coalition of thirty-one Democratic and Republican
legislators who signed my letter to Governor McDonnell resulting in his
amendment to designate all of US 1 as Historic Route 1
including the road through our community. This designation should
bring new signage, attention, and statewide recognition to our
community's primary artery." --Del. Surovell
Bucknell Elementary Students Make History!
Harry P. Lehman helps 4th graders understand the airport
June 10, 2010, Historic Beacon Field site-- Bucknell Elementary School 4th graders from Mrs. Evans and Mrs. Fell's class made history today at Beacon Field. These students were the first school group to visit the historic marker ! The students read the marker in unison, identified their school on an aerial map, and learned about commemorative postal stamps honoring aviation. Friends of Beacon Field welcomed students and provided a brief history of the airport.
8 June 2010 -- Four bi-planes (Stearmans) flew directly over the Beacon Field Airport site this morning at 10:05 EST on their way to Reagan National Airport promoting the premier of the Smithsonian's new film LEGENDS OF FLIGHT (3D). The landing was a bit rough resulting in the third plane of the group flipping upon contact. The passenger happened to be a Washington Post reporter. Video link above.
Memorial Day 2010
Avenue of the Flags -- Mt. Comfort Cemetery, Mr. Joe Emrico passing out tribute packages
May 31, 2010 Memorial Day-- Groveton, VA -- The historic Mount Comfort Cemetery sponsored the Avenue of the Flags Commemoration of Memorial Day 2010. Friends of Beacon Field Airport, Joe and Lisa Emrico, rose at o' dark early to help erect OVER 400 flags along the streets of the 51 acre cemetery in honor of the nation's fallen. Each flag was tagged with a veteran's name and burial site. Joe and Lisa stayed on hand through out the day to pass out to each visitor a tribute package. Job well done !
APRIL 2010
Friends of Beacon Field Airport ALL-STARS ! ! !
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
April 14, 2010 South Kings Highway (Rt 633), Historic Groveton, Virginia -- Friends of Beacon Field enjoyed a fine day while conducting the Adopt-A-Highway litter patrol on South Kings Highway between Franklin Street and Benson Drive. Success was measured in the decreased amount of litter found along the assigned route. Previous patrols had tipped the scales over 400 pounds, today's weighed in at 115 pounds.
THE ALL-STAR TEAM pictured above left to right: Lisa Emrico, Matthew Ryan, Harry Lehman, Elena Ryan, Dan Mancini, and Joe Emrico !!! (not pictured Anna Marie Hicks, photographer)
The Washington Post, August 3, 1944
MARCH 2010
Groveton, VA--- March 1, 2010Friends of Beacon Field Airport recently discovered historical documentation and newspaper articles commending the 85 observers who served at the Groveton Observation Post of the Army Aircraft Warning Service (AWS) during World War II. The award ceremony had been held at the historic Groveton School auditorium.
Friends of Beacon Field are actively conducting research and are eager to develop the fullest details of this facet of Groveton history. In early 1942, a corps of civilian volunteer aircraft spotters were trained in observing and reporting movements of possible raiding aircraft by CAA Airmark Specialists like Mrs. Blanche Noyes (1).Uniquely qualified, Mrs. Noyes was the first woman ever to win theBendix cross country air race (2). She opened each of her training lectures with the following: read more
TOOLS OF THE TRADE !!!
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors History Plaque
January 13, 2010: Artist's Display of Chairmen l to r: Jean R. Packard, Audrey Moore, Thomas Davis III, Katherine Hanley, Gerry Connolly, and Sharon Bulova
January 2010
Government Center, Fairfax County, VA--- Jan. 13, 2010. In 2007, Harry P. Lehmanpresented to Chairman Connolly
the concept idea of formally recognizing all of the Chairmen of the
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors since 1870 with a historical plaque
to be hung in the government center.
On October 1, 2008, Friends of Beacon Field Airport submitted a formal presentation of our proposed plaque concept (at right) to the Fairfax County History Commission for consideration in Historical Recognition of Chairmen of the Board Fairfax County, Virginia. The full presentation is available here.
On January 13, 2010 at Chairman Sharon Bulova's Holiday Reception, the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations
presented to the County a specially commissioned artist's display of
black and white photos of living BOS chairmen along with the framed
list of all the names of the Chairmen. Groveton native W. F. P. Reid Sr.
had the privilege of being the second longest serving Chairman (1927 to
1939). This temporary framed list will be replaced later by a
permanent professional presentation in the government center.
Fairfax photographer Diana Adams
(StudioDiana.com) donated her time, talent, and resources to the
production of these unique images of the former Fairfax County Chairmen
including Tom Davis, Audrey Moore, Jean Packard, and Gerry
Connolly. Many of the former chairmen were in attendance along with
members of the History Commission and current Supervisors.
Click to enlarge+
Friends of Beacon Field : Mr. and Mrs. Mayo Stuntz
"Framed List of Chairmen 1870 to 2010" to the left of Mr. and Mrs. Mayo Stuntz
November 2009 - March 31, 2010
Barnstormers and Mailmen: Local Airport History
Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center
Ms. Carolyn Gamble, Site Mgr Huntley Meadows
November 10, 2009, Huntley Meadows Park, Fairfax County -- Friends of Beacon Field Airport are pleased to announce the Barnstormers and Mailmen: Local Airport History Exhibit at the Huntley Meadows Park Visitor Center on display through February extended thru March. This exhibit is in support of defining the aviation heritage of Huntley Meadows and surrounding area. Friends of Beacon Field coordinated with Ms. Carolyn Gamble, Huntley Meadows Site Manager, and Mr. Charles Davis, to produce the exhibit encompassing the early histories of US Air Mail,Hybla Valley Airport (Alexandria Airport), and Beacon Field Airport.
The exhibit presents a synopsis of "Zeppelin Fever" that ignited international interest in Hybla Valley as the ideal base port for transatlantic Zeppelin travel. Additionally, the history of the origin of the name for Beacon Field is presented along with the significance of CAM-19 US Air Mail route.
Barnstormers and Mailmen includes maps, photos, newpaper articles, and commemorative US stamps.
Picture Above L to R: Ms. Kathi McNeil, President of Friends of Huntley Meadows; Harry P. Lehman, grandson of W.F.P. Reid; and Mr. Charles Davis, Retired Airline Pilot and Author ofAcross the Mekong: The True Story of An Air America Helicopter Pilot.
January 2010
ADOPT A HIGHWAY
January 14, 2010, South Kings Highway (Rt 633), Groveton, VA --- The second Adopt A Highway Litter Patrol on South Kings Highway between Benson and Franklin Street was a BIGGER success than the first if weight and number of bagscollected is a measure. Beacon Field friends removed from the adjacent roadway areas more than 408 lbs in 13 bags !!!
Mr. Dan Mancini, Joe and Lisa Emrico of Mount Vernon Masonry, Harry Lehman and Anna Marie Hicks, made quick work on this well chosen warm day in January.
Photos Courtesy: Mr. Joe Emrico
L to R: Mr. Dan Mancini and Harry Lehman
Copyright 2010 Friends of Beacon Field Airport at City View and beaconfieldairport.com, no part of
this website including sound or text content may be copied, reproduced
or used for any other purpose without express written permission of the
beaconfieldairport.com website owner.
