The decade of the 1970’s saw the advent of two organizations that figure heavily in local aviation history, the local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association and the Cumberland based Civil Air Patrol Squadron, which was reconstituted from its days at Mexico Farms in earlier times. Harold Armstrong has become widely recognized for his superior quality of his restoration projects of antique aircraft and he has been a worthy exponent of the EAA. Armstrong’s flying antiques have been nationally acclaimed.
Bob Judy and Floyd Johnson added to the flavor of this time as two aviation oriented individuals long remembered. Other worthy contributors to local aviation were Dr. Royce Hodges II, Donald Smith, and Lewis Ort. The Romney Flying Service, a long time operation serving forestry projects for the State of West Virginia, was based at Mexico Farms throughout its history. The Cumberland Airport was the base for some unique rainmaking efforts.
The tale of Wehrner von Braun and Jack Wagner as members of the local Soaring Group surely must be told and reflected upon. These old World War II adversaries who later developed a long lasting friendship with a common interest in soaring will be a point of remembrance and fondly recalled.
Wings Over Cumberland 