Daily Local News takes a trip down the memory lane in a throwback article that showcases how the issues facing the airport fifty-four years ago still relate to now.

Back on July 4th, 1962, U.S. Congressman Paul B. Dague stood at Chester County airfield to celebrate the opening of the new Area Airport while emphasizing the importance of air safety.

Addressing a crowd of thousands, he said that the promotion of air safety is paramount for the future of supersonic airport service.

“For a country on the verge of landing on the moon, it seems strange that a little fog and snow can cause the grounding of domestic flights,” he said. “I would like to see Federal money spent to aid aerial route marking and other safety factors.”

The congressman went on to thank county residents for their efforts in making the new airfield a reality.

“There is no one individual who can be singled out for credit,” he said, “these people always referred to themselves as ‘the group.’”

The event saw 184 private aircraft make their first landing and after a breakfast for pilots and visitors the Lukens Steel Company Band performed a concert in the afternoon, while the Civil Air Patrol Squadron 9016 gave a drill demonstration.

Still going strong, Chester County Area Airport has since expanded its runway from 3,500 feet to 5,400 feet and can now accommodate almost any type of business aircraft, keeping the legacy alive over half a century later.

Read the full vintage article at Daily Local News here.