WACO Marker Dedication

Earthbound Markers In Remembrance Of Those That Soared

(*Note: This is an old article from 2008 that I lost in a computer crash. I found a copy and am now reposting it.)

First there was an inauspicious beginning in Battle Creek, Michigan that culminated with a failed attempt at creating a new floating plane. Then there was a fairly uneventful move to Lorain, Ohio before taking a slight non-aviation related detour to Boston, Massachusetts to help one of the early partner's brother market his new invention, Eskimo Pies. What was to become the Weaver Aircraft Company (WACO) didn't have many successes before locating in Troy, Ohio. Even after establishing themselves in Troy, times were still lean and parts were scavenged from McCook Field to create the prototypes that would eventually make their mark on aviation history.

On July 8th, 2008, a dedication ceremony was held to unveil one of nine historical markers chronicling the chronology, history and ongoing fascination with the WACO biplanes, gliders and various other aircraft that the company manufactured until ceasing operations in 1946. The historical markers are a joint venture between the City of Troy, the Troy Foundation, which collectively provided $10,000 towards the project, and the WACO Historical Society. Karen Purke, WACO Historical Society's executive director, pressed on with her speech and dedication even though the weather was foreboding and the rain and high winds eventually let loose, reminding everyone who really controlled the skies.

Although I was stuck behind an accident on I-75 N at the time I was supposed to be at the ceremony and I figured that the the whole thing would be postponed due to the weather, Karen Purke soldiered on and gave her dedication speech. She sent me a copy of her speech, which thanked Troy's Mayor Beamish, Stan and Neil of the Troy City Engineering Department, Tim Mercer from the City of Troy Parks Department and the Troy Foundation. Purke also acknowledged the private property owners who allowed the markers to be erected on their land as well as Stan Kegley, who originally approached Purke about combining forces with the City to submit a grant request, and Andy Heins who is the lead WACO historian who insured the historical accuracy of the information displayed on the markers.

The Tipp City Independent Voice received depictions of what all the markers contained and their appearance. The markers are incredibly colorful and vibrant, with descriptive histories that accompany graphic images of the buildings, people, places and, of course, the airplanes that comprise the compelling saga of WACO. The designs were created by Zac Henne and the framing was conceived by Bill Henne of Henne Design. Purke hopes to have a map uploaded onto the WACO Historical Society's web site (http://www.wacoairmuseum.org/) soon that would reveal the locations of all nine of the markers.

(This article originally ran in the July 12, 2008 issue of the Tipp City Independent Voice.)