The 1940's Air Terminal Museum (Houston, Texas)

[texan]

I attended a 1940's-era birthday party at this venue earlier this year. Had a great time.

The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is housed in the original art-deco Houston Municipal Airport building at present-day William P. Hobby Airport. The Museum showcases the rich heritage of civil aviation, including the airlines, general aviation and business aviation. Exhibits include Houston's fascinating aviation history.

http://www.1940airterminal.org/

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Wow! That is something I have got to see! Vintage civil aviation is my thing! Thanks for posting!

-dixon cannon

 

[Espee]

Whenever I hear a reference to "Houston Hobby Airport" I have a mental image of guys in a field flying R/C planes.

 

[texan]

Dixon,

Next time your in Houston, put the 1940 Terminal on your radar screen. It's a hell of an attraction. I knew nothing of civil aviation, much less what Texas carriers were operational since the dawn of the aeroplane. The displays are simply incredible. History of Muse, Southwest, Texas Air and every single carrier that has touched down at Hobby (new terminal), old terminal and Bush Intercontinental. Uniforms, cigarette boxes, badges, and the toys the airlines handed out are all on display including several hundred photos. But be advised: arrive early. The museum will take half the day to view. They are currently working on the upper deck where you can actually sit, have coffee and watch the airliners take off.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Thanks, Texan. I often get into DFW but I will have to make a divert to HOU sometime soon! -dixon cannon

 

[dhermann1]

There are SOOO many wonderful Deco air terminals that have bitten the dust over the years. They have the unfortunate tendancy to be very much in the way when new terminals (always desperately needed) are built. Nice to see this one thriving.

 

[Shaka]

I am originally from the Houston area and never know about the Museum. Thanks for the post I will definitely stop on and check it out next time I am in town!

 

[dhermann1]

Also in Texas is the great Randolph Field Art Dec complex. I don't know how far it is from Houston, but what's a few hundred miles to a Texan?

 

[texan]

dhermann1,

We don't drive across this state, we navigate it!

---

Dixon, next time your in town, email me! I am heading out there next week to pick up some flyers and back ground material on it; if you need anything let me know.

 

[WH1]

Last weekend we did a cruise with the corvette club up to Tullahoma, Tennessee, destination was the Beechcraft Heritage Museum

http://www.beechcraftheritagemuseum.org/

I will try and post some of the pictures later this week. It was amazing to see this many vintage aircraft and be able to actually touch them and really examine them close up. One of the best is the Staggerwing skeleton frame, amazing the intricacy of the structure and the amount of wood and brass nails in the construction. If you get a chance you really need to check it out. Later this month they will be hosting the "Beech Party" Flyin.

 

[Espee]

They're doing some mods at the terminal of Long Beach (Calif.) Airport, and removal of carpets has uncovered 1941 WPA artwork.

 

[JustFine]

I am glad I found your post here! And I am absolutely lucky since I live in Germany and am trying it here to win a greencard and fulfil my dream of coming and staying in Texas - so it would be perfect if it works out. I surely will visit the 1940's Air Terminal Museum

 

[TomS]

Interesting, thanks...

 

[Captain Nemo]

That would be neat to see. I shall have to add it to my possible itinerary of places to visit should I ever make it down to Houston.

 

[Stormy]

Dixon,

Next time your in Houston, put the 1940 Terminal on your radar screen. It's a hell of an attraction. I knew nothing of civil aviation, much less what Texas carriers were operational since the dawn of the aeroplane. The displays are simply incredible. History of Muse, Southwest, Texas Air and every single carrier that has touched down at Hobby (new terminal), old terminal and Bush Intercontinental. Uniforms, cigarette boxes, badges, and the toys the airlines handed out are all on display including several hundred photos. But be advised: arrive early. The museum will take half the day to view. They are currently working on the upper deck where you can actually sit, have coffee and watch the airliners take off.

WOW! I live right down the road from Hobby and never knew this. I'll have to put it on my weekend ventures list.