Special thanks goes to Paul Freeman whose extensive research on 3M Airport, and gracious cooperation in allowing me to share his work with all of you, went a long way in making this cache possible...
You are now standing upon the location of a once-thriving airfield and aircraft assembly factory. Imagine, if you will, just 30 years ago, airplanes taxiing down this very stretch of road. Over the years it has known many names, but the most recent and longest standing title was 3M Airport.
Although the date of construction is yet unknown, the earliest recorded reference dates back to 1927. This airfield was originally built to support the flight testing of aircraft produced by the Keystone Aircraft factory, located one mile to the south along the Delaware River in Bristol, PA. Keystone eventually became the Fleetwings Corporation.
During the WW2 period, Fleetwings produced a number of unique models of aircraft. One such aircraft was the XBT-12, built in 1939. The XBT-12's claim to fame was that it was the 1st all-stainless steel military airplane. Interestingly, ALL of the world's stainless steel aircraft were built in Philadelphia by Budd Manufacturing Company (NE Philly) & Fleetwings.
In 1941, Fleetwings built a new factory adjacent to the airfield, along the east side of Green Lane. Although Fleetwings continued to operate the former Keystone factory along the river (for component manufacturing), all Fleetwings aircraft assembly was performed from that point on at the new factory adjacent to the airfield.
The three concrete runways were installed during WWII by James Morrisey, who became a large, local paver. Paid for by Uncle Sam.
The Fleetwings Corporation was purchased by Kaiser in 1943, becoming the "Fleetwings Division of Kaiser Cargo Inc.".
The 3M Company purchased the airfield & the newest Green Lane factory in the 1950s, and thus the field was renamed 3M Airport. 3M Airport was very busy due to the nearby construction of the Levittown housing development.
In the 1950s, 3M leased the airport to Engle Air Service. Engle had been the head of flight test for the Fleetwings company.
Unfortunately, flying operations at 3M became more difficult when the nearby PA Turnpike was completed in the 1950s as the raised bridge approach made take off & landing hazardous on the main runway.
After Engle Flying Service moved out of 3M Airport, Hortman Aviation relocated from Morrisville Airport (which had closed) to 3M Airport at some point between 1969-70.
The 3M Company closed the airport around 1980 due to insurance concerns,and Hortmann Aviation moved to the Northeast Philadelphia Airport where it remains today.
In fall 2005 director Night Shyamalan filmed his film 'Lady in the Water' at the old 3M Airport. There was a 5-story shell of an apartment building built with a real pool that was used for the filming of the movie.”
A clue to the former role of the property may be found in the names of the streets of a small residential development adjacent to the west side of the former airfield, which include "Fleetwing [sic] Drive", "Mitchell Road", "Airacobra Street", and "Liberator Street".
To read more about the many models of aircraft assembled at this once thriving airfield, as well as the story of an amazing airplane crash that occurred the very day I was born, please visit Paul Freeman's website: "Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields: Pennsylvania - Northeastern Philadelphia area"
Initial cache contents include: log book and mini pen and pencil, silica gel sachet for moisture (please do not remove!), folding ruler, mini deck of cards, caribiner clip, plastic snake, dice erasers, blue glass stone, and my very own G.I. Jim Travel Bug.
Cache has been relocated to the southern end of the runway and is now a micro. I have been granted enthusiastic permission by the folks at "Lightyear" to place the new cache here and for cachers to park in their lot while searching. Don't park on the side of the road and please don't park in the driveway.
CONGRATULATIONS to pathfinderfun for their first FTF!!! :D