The golden age of aviation is re-created at an aerodrome near Atlanta

Photo: Jeff Jeffares

Do you love vintage aircraft? How about old cars? Do you remember when Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport was called Candler Field? If the answer to any of these questions is “yes”, you should make plans to attend Vintage Day at Peach State Airport just south of Atlanta on September 12th, 2009. The activities will begin at 11:00 am and continue until 4:00 pm.

Plans for the day include a display of antique airplanes, automobiles, and tractors, and re-enactors in vintage clothing will contribute to the nostalgic feel of the 1920’s. Visitors may choose to ride in one of the museum’s antique autos, and for the more daring, rides in a vintage biplane will be offered throughout the event. For those who prefer a more relaxed mode of transportation, horse and carriage rides will be available. Music will be provided by a men’s chorale group and an 1899 Calliope.

Food promises to be plentiful and inexpensive, also reminiscent of the 1920’s. The Barnstormer's Grill will be selling Cokes for ten cents, and a blue plate special of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans will cost only five dollars.

Located near the peaceful town of Williamson a few miles west of Griffin, Georgia, the Peach State Aerodrome is a combination of a fly-in community, a beautiful grass airstrip, The Candler Museum, and The Barnstormer's Grill. The grass airstrip has been here for a number of years, but the recent development of the property is the result of the vision of Ron Alexander, a retired airline pilot and avid aviator. The Candler Museum, named for the original Atlanta airport, seems to be one of his favorite projects and is home to several restored vintage aircraft and automobiles.

The location has been the site of numerous aviation celebrations during the past few years and promises to provide aviation enthusiasts with many festive occasions in the future.

As always, pilots planning to fly to Peach State Airport should familiarize themselves with all available information regarding their flight. One source of information on Peach State Airport can be found here. 

To drive to the event, travel south from Atlanta on I-75.  Take Exit 235 toward Griffin and go about 26 miles on US-19.   Then exit onto GA-362W toward Williamson.  After 6.3 miles, turn right onto Jonathan Road.