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COLUMBIA R/C FLYING MODELERS' HISTORY Written by: Darral Teeples 12/28/99 Rev: 9/17/07
EARLY PIONEERS:
1930's Abner Jones- Undisputedly, Abner is known to have the first model gas engine in Maury County. Abner was quoted saying, "We would fly in any open field we could find, then have a Marathon run to chase the planes down..." These planes were "Free Flight" planes- long before the era of Radio Control (R/C). One notable field that Abner mentioned was the old Experiment Station Farm on which the Maury Regional Hospital now stands. The Experiment Station is now located across from the Saturn automobile plant near Spring Hill on Highway 31. He also flew at an area off of the old Cross Bridges road located approximately 8 miles west of Columbia. It was the Civilian Pilot Training Camp. Abner later joined the military at this camp. Abner is also known to have the first radio-controlled plane in Maury County in 1939. The radio operated on what is known as a "Rubber band Escapement". It was a one-channel radio used in a "rudder-only" style airplane.
1940's Wallace Journey and George Campbell- Wallace flew free-flight planes in Maury County on property that adjoins the current property of the Columbia Power and Water System located on the corner of Pickens Lane and Highland Avenue. He also flew control-line planes at Pillow Park located off of Riverside Drive. One plane that was flown he noted was the Comet Zipper. Other flying attempts were made by the Campbells of Columbia on property before development between the Hatcher Lane, James Campbell Boulevard and the Maury Regional Hospital.
1950's E.E. Dick, Warren Fox, Clayton Gemmel: Some of Wallace's memorable moments of early R/C planes in the 50's were that of the "range" of the early radios. He states, "Some of the early radios had very dependable range inside the house from chair to chair." Notable planes during this era were the "Live Wire Trainer" and the Good Brothers' "Rudder Bug". A lot of flying occurred at the now "Baker School" area, of course, long before the school was built. One other flying location was on property owned by a lady known as Mrs. D'Huer.
FLYING FIELD HISTORY:
1960's During the '60's, a new-style radio was introduced with newer technology of that age called "reeds". Flying was taking place at the Hunter Airfield located north of Columbia off of Highway 31.
1970's Flying activity moved to the west end field of Columbia State Community College located in west Columbia on Highway 412. Radios during this era had advanced to "Digital Proportional" technology with much-increased dependability. More advanced computerized radios were also being introduced during this time but were very expensive.
1980's Columbia had approximately 12-14 active flyers. Columbia State had chain-linked fences erected in the field for softball diamonds which terminated flying at that field. At this time, Ron Lewis who reigned as president, directed an informal club. Club meetings were held at various places. One notable place was a small room in an old house located inside the Woodland Park in central Columbia. Petitions were signed and turned in to the City of Columbia requesting help to obtain a suitable flying site. The city responded by suggesting an area near the Maury County Park in southwest Columbia. After viewing this site, the flyers of that time determined it to be too small and confined for flying. This site is now known as the Cook Soccer Park. Earl Cheek, who once owned a market named "Cheek's Market" on the old Lewisburg Highway, provided the flyers with an old abandoned airstrip that had been converted to a cornfield. This field was complete with an old J-3 Cub hangar. While the field had no restrictions for the flyers, it was a very secluded area back in the country in east Columbia off of the Sowell Mill Pike. Unfortunately, the runway was a due east/west runway posing problems in predominantly north/south wind conditions. Other flying activity occurred in north Columbia near Neapolis Park between Columbia and Spring Hill. This was private property and unfortunately, a cow pasture. The very "fertilized" field had course grass and other obstacles associated with cow pastures. The duration for this field was also very short. "AMA" (Academy of Model Aeronautics)- Is the provider of insurance for both flyers and clubs. Members pay a nominal yearly fee receives various benefits- mainly liability coverage during flying activities. The club dismantled during a squabble over whether or not AMA insurance should be required by its members and over club dues amounts. Interest in flying R/C models was once again, widely scattered.
1981 Darral Teeples went to the Board of Education to obtain a permit to fly at a football practice field located behind Central High School. Permission was granted. A small cluster of trees was removed before flying began. With the location being beside the Maury County Park, flying was hazardous with the possibility of planes going down inside the park. Some flying was also taking place at the Mt. Pleasant High School in Mt. Pleasant, Tenn. about 12 miles south of Columbia. While this site was near a residential area, it posed a noise problem for nearby residents. Flyers were eventually asked not to fly there due to complaining neighbors.
THE BIRTH OF EMORY COLE FIELD:
1983 While flying behind Central High School, interest with radio control flying began to grow. Emory Cole of Emory Cole Field made his entrance into flying model aircraft. He was a builder years before actually learning to fly the planes.
1984 Darral Teeples became the "appointed" president of the Columbia R/C Flying Modelers. The club's beginning included him asking around for modelers interested in meeting (especially during the winter months) for socializing. He then asked for a $2 a month donation for refreshments and door prizes and the response was 100%. Longing for more organization, he asked for more club help to diversify some of the responsibility. The decision for this progress was split 50-50, but the club began a forward movement.
1985 Emory Cole was elected president along with secretary/treasurer duties. By the fall of 1985, Maury County erected chain-link fences on the practice field behind Central High School, which once again, eliminated the primary flying field in Columbia. Interest in flying R/C models began yet another decline in Maury County once more.
1986 Don Ike was elected president of the- still unofficial- Columbia R/C Flying Modelers. Some weekends of flying activity occurred at the Pulaski Airport located about 40 miles south of Columbia. Ever-present full-scale aircraft posed a continuous hazard for both full-scale and models alike. Another field attempt was made in Santa Fe, a small community approximately 8 miles northwest of Columbia off of Highway 7. This field also had a due east/west runway that was difficult to fly from and was complete with a 5 degree slope. This field, suggested by Rip Baxter, lasted about 3 weeks. A few people were flying on the east field of the Whitthorne Jr. High School located about 2 miles east of Columbia State Community College. The unity of a "club" was practically non-existent because of so much division from the lack of suitable flying field choices.
1987 Emory Cole was once again elected president. Duties were separated and Roland Descans became the first secretary/treasurer of the Columbia R/C Flying Modelers.
March Emory mailed a letter requesting the use of a field to the Saturn Corporation and one to the Monsanto company- now known as Solutia. Monsanto was Emory's place of employment. Saturn responded stating that their requirement was primarily insurance concerns to which the club could not furnish at the time. To obtain club insurance from AMA, a club had to be "chartered".
June A special meeting was called at Emory's residence and attendance was requested for the existing club members. Attending the meeting were 7 AMA members. The members that were in attendance at this meeting were as follows: Emory Cole- President Roland Descans- Secretary/Treasurer Wallace Journey Errol O'field Eulis Dick Darral Teeples Joe Graham
A unanimous decision was made to organize and charter the club through AMA. In June of 1987, the club officially became the Columbia R/C Flying Modelers. AMA #1642
July With the proof of insurance for the club, flying commenced at the Saturn field located across from the old Haynes Haven Farm on July 26, 1987. The club was finally once again reunited. The Saturn field had its obstacles also including trees and the restriction forbidding anyone to mow the grass except for Saturn which of course was relative to safety. Flying was also limited to weekends with Saturn activities taking priority over flying. Meanwhile, Emory was still negotiating with Monsanto over the use of a field on the landfill where Monsanto was burying coke dust from the plant. Membership for the club more than tripled during this era to approximately 30 members. Saturn finally closed the field to the Columbia club based on noise complaints from the Experiment Station Farm south of the flying field. Flying activities were moved to a temporary flying site known as the P. Harlan Farm located west of Monsanto. This was a very rough field.
1988 February 16th Monsanto agreed to lease the property- Site #11- the final home to the Columbia RC Flying Modelers.
June Construction began on the new Monsanto flying field. For the modelers of Maury County, this was truly a dream coming true. Gazing upon the 50' x 500' paved runway proved it reality.
1988 October Emory Cole flew the first flight from the field even though the field was incomplete.
1989 September EMORY COLE FIELD IS COMPLETE!! "A dream come true" for the modelers of Maury County and finally..... a home. A paved runway complete with taxiways, frequencies control board, covered shelter complete with a natural water-collecting restroom facility led the way in amenities for the field. The field also presented a wide-open space for flying with no power lines, ball diamonds, fences, golfers or kite flyers and an excellent view area for spectators complete with bleachers. Every aspect of the field was within AMA specifications. The club at this time had a record- 41 members.
September 17th On the 17th of September, the Columbia R/C Flying Modelers conducted a field dedication. Several model airplane honorary-attendees were present including the following people:
Don Lowe- AMA President Lee Webster- AMA District 5 Vice President Geoffrey Styles- AMA Public Relations Director Gordon Banks- Editor of R.C. Report Magazine
All of these gentlemen voiced high praise for the beauty of Emory Cole Field.
Dignitaries attending the dedication:
Bill Perdue- 1989 Monsanto Plant Manager who had the FINAL permissible decision for the allowing the lease of the land to the club. Richard Joslin- Monsanto Environmental Officer- Also a model plane flyer from St. Louis, Missouri. Charlie Burroughs- State of Tennessee Division of Solid Waste representative.
Many thanks to the early pioneers that helped support and contribute to our great hobby of Radio Control flying. Special thanks to Emory Cole for his dream and the support of the early club members to help see his and the other club members' dream come true. Also a special thanks to Bill Perdue for allowing the club to lease the land and develop such a flying site as Emory Cole Field.
We hope that with many generations to come, that ALL members/modelers regardless of age, gender, religion, or race will continue to enjoy the club and field. But most of all, we seek to keep alive the memories of our former members and leaders along with their work and dedication that was required to bring Emory Cole Field and the Columbia R/C Flying Modelers to reality and to where they are today and for laying the foundation of what will be tomorrow.
1998 April 29th Club joined the IMAA # 598.
ORGANIZATION CONTRIBUTERS TO EMORY COLE FIELD:
SOROPTIMIST CLUB KERR BROTHERS SOUTH & SOUTH SLOAN FORD OCCIDENTAL FLOYD & FLOYD HUNT MEMORIALS DAMRON & SONS APAC PAVING MID-TENN STEEL GOODWIND & SONS BOSHEARS & FLOYD MAURY COUNTY PAVING COLUMBIA CONSTRUCTION TURNER & OSBORNE MONSANTO- SOLUTIA BILLY FITZGERALD
COLUMBIA R/C FLYING MODELERS
CHRONOLOGICAL LISTING OF OFFICERS
YEAR PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER 2008 Tom Chism Tom Matyskiela Darral Teeples Bill Zinger 2007 Bill Zinger Kurt Reekstin Randy Fowler Tom Chism 2006 Bill Zinger Kurt Reekstin Randy Fowler Tom Chism 2005 Tom Chism Dick Gilbert Darral Teeples Bill Zinger 2004 Tom Chism Kurt Reekstin Darral Teeples Bill Zinger 2003 John Bufford Tom Chism Darral Teeples Bill Zinger 2002 John Bufford Tom Chism Darral Teeples Leon Whitlatch 2001 Kurt Reekstin Lee Wells Craig Dieter Leon Whitlatch 2000 Kurt Reekstin Lee Wells Craig Dieter Leon Whitlatch 1999 Roscoe Brannon Craig Dieter Kurt Reekstin Robert Stutts 1998 Roscoe Brannon Craig Dieter Kurt Reekstin Robert Stutts 1997 Leon Whitlatch Roscoe Brannon Lee Wells Robert Stutts 1996 Leon Whitlatch Roscoe Brannon Lee Wells Robert Stutts 1995 Bill Smith Eulis Dick Annette Jones/Reeves Robert Stutts 1994 Bill Smith Hugh (Bubba) Fults Annette Jones/Reeves Robert Stutts 1993 Emory Cole Alan Dieterle Billy Hill Robert Stutts 1992 Wayne Underwood Alan Dieterle Paul Ericson Robert Stutts 1991 Wayne Underwood Darral Teeples John Brock Robert Stutts 1990 Doug Young Mark Hopkins John Brock Wayne Underwood 1989 Emory Cole Doug Young Larry Ross Roland Descans 1988 Emory Cole Danny Tomerlin Roland Descans Roland Descans 1987* Emory Cole N/A Roland Descans Roland Descans 1986 Don Ike N/A Robert Orr Robert Orr 1985 Emory Cole N/A N/A N/A 1984 Darral Teeples N/A N/A N/A
1980's Ron Lewis- First club attempts
* Club was chartered in June of 1987 officially as the- Columbia R/C Flying Modelers
MISCELLANEOUS FIELD AND CLUB INFORMATION:
> 1990 Host for Competition Fun Fly National presented by Gordon Banks > 1996 Concession Area/Meeting Shelter for winter flying addition > 1996 (Fall) First Giant-Scale Fly-In > 1998 Purchased John Deere 750 Diesel Tractor- largest financial club purchase > 1998 1st Annual Club Party for members and their families held in Dec. > 1999 Dec. 28th- 2nd Annual Club Party- 10th Anniversary Program for Emory Cole Field Dedication > 2000 1st Annual Swapmeet & Boy Scout Day activities for club > 2001 1st Annual Heli Jamboree > 2002 Added HeliPad Shelter, Storage Building and Club Meeting room > 2003 1st Annual Jet Flyin at Maury Regional Airport > 2006 6th Annual Swapmeet/1st Annual Indoor Flyin held at UAW Hall in Spring Hill, Tn.
DECEASED CLUB MEMBERS: (As of January 2003)
Roland Descans Clyde Ray Eulis Dick Robert Stutts
LIFETIME CLUB MEMBERS: (As of September 2007)
Emory Cole Roland Descans (Deceased) Eulis Dick (Deceased) Joe Graham Sonny Miles
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