The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING MINEOLA WISENER FIELD AIRPORT” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E921-E922 on June 29, 2017.
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The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MINEOLA WISENER FIELD AIRPORT
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HON. JEB HENSARLING
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to recognize 100 years of aviation at Mineola Wisener Field Airport located in Wood County, Texas. On July 4, 1917, a United States Army Signal Corps Curtis JN-4 ``Jenny'' aircraft, piloted by Lt. Ralph W. Stone, landed just outside Mineola, Texas. The site was established as
``Massingale Meadow'' and was used as an emergency landing site for Love Field Airport. The site was published in books in 1920 and 1921 and many early aviators and pioneers frequented the site.
Robert ``Henry'' Wisener, Jr. was 12 years old when he observed the first landing from his family farm in 1917. When he was 17, Henry was taught to fly by Roy Wilson, a Hollywood stunt pilot who spent time at the field. Henry's love and passion for aircraft grew from there. On June 1, 1926, Henry leased ``Massingale Meadow'' and named the airport the Royal Field. Here he built the first airplane hangar and offered flight training, aircraft repairs and fuel. He later based the Royal Flying Circus here and together with his brother Bryce, performed aerial acrobatics throughout Texas and the Southwest and Midwest regions of the U.S.
In 1941, Henry purchased ``Massingale Meadow'' along with a 50 acre tract to lengthen the runway. In 1946, an aircraft maintenance shop, classroom, and flight office were built to provide training under the GI Bill. During that year a decommissioned Department of Commerce Airways Beacon Tower and Beacon were disassembled and moved to
``Massingale Meadow''.
From 1963 to 1983, the city of Mineola leased the airport and it operated as the Mineola Municipal Airport. The airport was renamed Mineola Wisener Field Airport at the expiration of the lease.
Wisener Field and its early founders and operators have been recognized throughout the years on many occasions, including by the Texas Historical Commission. The Texas Aeronautics Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration recognized Mineola Wisener Field Airport as the ``second oldest, continuously-used, uncontrolled airport in the state.'' As Wood County's first airport, Wisener Field has made a long-lasting impact on the economy, as well as aviation enthusiasts.
As the Representative of the 5th Congressional District of Texas, it is an honor to recognize Wisener Field on the 100th Anniversary of its first landing.
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