|
The Harbor Springs Airport
KMGN (formerly D87) and
the crystal blue water of Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.
If you have ever been to Harbor Springs, Michigan, no one needs to
tell you what a beautiful and unforgettable location it is. That,
and the vast array of activities, is what makes it a celebrated
tourist spot all year long. Harbor Springs Airport's colorful past,
notable present and exciting future are all strongly linked to the
areas popularity. |
 |
|
The airport's history starts with a
girl, a nail and Henry Ford. In 1929, the daughter of one of Henry
Ford's employees went horseback riding with a friend during a visit
to Harbor Springs.
While on the outing, she stepped on a
nail and injured her foot. Upon learning that the only doctor in the
area was not equipped to treat the problem. Henry Ford had a pilot
fly the parents, a doctor and medications from Detroit to Harbor
Springs in his old Ford Tri Motor. Since there was no field, the
pilot chose to land in a cornfield. From that time on, the site
became a regular landing spot for planes and, eventually, the
airport was built at that location.
The city of Harbor Springs managed the
airport until 1987, when the burden of costs and maintenance had
finally made it clear that a change was necessary. At that time
several citizens, headed by Bill Dohm and Arnie Saviano, recognized
that the airport was too valuable to loose. They formed the
Harbor/Petoskey Area Airport Authority and, through lots of hard
work, Harbor springs Airport has gained the sound financial base
needed to run effectively.
The Authority and staff are proud of
the Harbor Springs Airport----its history and accomplishments. They
are enthusiastic about the operations, noting quick turn-arounds as
the airports specialty. It is open 365 days a year. And with heavy
duty, state-of-the-art snow removal equipment, this operation is
well prepared for winter weather. In addition, airport staff are on
call 24 hours a day. |
