In celebration of the 65th anniversary of the original Wichita Municipal Airport, a reunion of early employees occurred on August 5, 2000. The event was housed in the former airport, now the home of the Kansas Aviation Museum located at 3350 George Washington Blvd. The reunion celebrated the years 1935 through 1965. Former personnel of the Wichita Tower, Flight Service Station, Weather Bureau and Pilots attended the event.
Some of the activities planned included a video by Art Hartman, tours of the building, picture displays and memories of the building. Charlie Straub, retired airport manager was honored for his many years and services to Kansas aviation. One of the original control tower operators, J.W. Skolaut was in attendance. Mr. Skolaut’s brother-in-law, Don Murphey another ATC employee during the early forties could not attend but certainly was there in spirit. A photo of Don is published in the book, Prairie Runways. Mary Chance VanScyoc, first woman air traffic controller in the nation, and chairman of this event, greeted old friends and acquaintances. Many attendees had a great time renewing old friendships and reminiscing. The book, “Prairie Runways” was available for purchase in the museum’s gift shop and will be a prized purchase for many of these former airport staffers.