Monadnock Moment No. 180

Era 7: Emergence of Modern America - 1890 to 1930

Keene's First Airport

In September of 1928, a grand celebration was held in Keene. During that month Keene's first airport was dedicated and opened for business. The planning and construction of the airport had been in progress for a little over a year. In July of 1927, an aviation committee had been formed to consider the feasibility of an airfield for Keene. A corporation known as the Keene Airport, Incorporated was formed and a piece of property was acquired for the field. The first airfield was not located at the current Dillant-Hopkins airport. It was built near Wyman Road in West Keene.

Work progressed rapidly. $20,000.00 was invested in the field and on September 21, 1928 a three day dedication celebration began. Thirty-one planes were on display and more than 900 passengers were given rides. The stunt flying units of the Navy and Marines performed at the celebration, as did Dorothy Putnam of Keene, New Hampshire's first female pilot. Speeches were made, the Gardner Drum Corps played for the guests, and youngsters from throughout the County took part in a model and gliding contest.

The celebration was a huge success. More than 15,000 people attended the three days of opening ceremonies. In September of 1928, twenty-five years after the Wright brothers flew at Kitty Hawk, Keene had entered the air age with the opening of its first airport.