By Susan Couso
In the 1920’s several local civic organizations worked together to try to get an airport for the Susanville area. An Aviation Committee was formed by the Chamber of Commerce to look into possibilities. It was hoped that an airport, while fueling new growth to the area, would make passenger and freight traffic feasible.
It would also satisfy the local flight enthusiasts. There were already two landing strips in use in the area.
The land originally homesteaded by E. W. Hayden in 1891 was selected. It had changed ownership several times over the years, and was then known as the Hanford tract. The Aviation Committee recommended the Hanford tract because it could be obtained at a reasonable price, there were few homes in the area, and the open space allowed for runways which would meet government regulations.
On July 17th, 1928, the Board of Supervisors agreed to purchase the property for $1,700, and in April of 1929, and additional 12 1/4 acres was purchased from May Hemler to extend the runway.
Few improvement were made, but the area was cleaned up and fenced to prevent livestock from wandering onto the runway.
Finally, on August 17th, 1930, during the Lassen County Fair, the Susanville Airport was dedicated in ceremonies headed by former Lassen County resident and Mayor of Oakland, John L. Davie. By November of that year, Susanville’s little airport was officially recognized by the U.S. government.
In the early 1930’s, additional land was purchased to add to the site, and Lassen County turned the deed to the land over to the City of Susanville.
In 1931 the dirt runways were oiled, and a fuel supply station was built and the beacon installed. In 1932, a small cottage was moved to the site to accommodate a caretaker, who did maintenance work and attended to the pilots. The first hangar was built by Judge Ben Curler in 1932.
During the 1940’s, a Naval Cadet training school used the airport, and there were also regular flying classes available.
In the late 1950’s many major improvements were made; additional property was purchased, a new administration building was built, and the runway, taxiway and access road were paved.
In 1969, a extension made the runway 3,700 feet long, and eight additional acres were added. This made the airport property 122 acres in size.
Today, the Susanville Airport remains a vital part of our area. Besides recreational use, the airport is essential for medical transportation and freighting.
