Some photos from the opening of the original Cradle of Aviation Museum in 1993, when it was just a few raw orignal MF hangars.
Then and Now
by Lee Chambers
Circa mid 1970s: photos below by Paul Martin
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Just before and during WWII as the AAF enlisted personel numbers dramatically increased, so did the need for base housing. Dozens of wooden 1 and 2 story barracks were built on the North side of the RR Tracks and to the west of the parade ground and hangars. Typical of identical barracks built at airfields and training camps all around the country, they went up quickly and cheaply. Many of these barracks lasted into the early 80s and in fact I went to art classes in them during my years at Nassau Community College when they were turned into classrooms and art studios. All of these buildings have since been torn down, probably in the early 90s.
Photos below by Paul Martin circa 1973.
Pictures below by Vince Fitzgerald, 1968 and 1969.
Post WWII Hanger located at West End: 1960s Postcard and Paul Martin photo circa 1973, during demolition.
Warehouse row, coal towers and Northwest gun bunker and runway.
Photos below courtesy of ARTHUR JOHN HUNEKE's LIRR Website ARRTS ARCHIVES
Warehouse Row
Coal Towers and Gun Bunker runway
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Text below by Warren Davis:
