Capital City Airport, Lansing: 1940s-1993
The airport in Lansing as we know it did not begin where it currently lies. Nope – it's been historically noted that the first recorded flight in Lansing took place at an old race track on October 15, 1911. It wasn't a commercial flight – it was a stunt pilot performing his actions in his Curtiss biplane. That old racetrack would later become the Red Cedar Golf Course, which has now been closed since 2007.
Then in 1919, Lansing's first airfield opened just west of downtown, followed by a second one a year later south of downtown.
Then, from 1922 to 1926, Lansing's main airport was Creyts Field, which was just west of our current airport. In 1925, a new site was chosen for a more updated airport to be called Capital City Airport. A hayfield east of Creyts Field was chosen and by May 1, 1926, the first planes left the port.
Lansing's first air mail delivery took place on July 5, 1928, followed by dedication festivities the weekend of July 14–15, 1928. It was a regular party, attended by approximately 70,000 residents.
FAST FACTS:
07-17-1928: Cargo service begins
1929: the first hangar is constructed
09-01-1929: Passenger service begins
1934-1936: Flight school
1940: Original terminal building is constructed
Looking at some old black & white photos of the Capital City Airport, I'm not sure of the decade, although they may be from the 1940s or 1950s. Scroll down a ways, take a look, and see what you think.
Capital City Airport: 1940s-1993
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