PINAL COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
AIRPORT INFORMATION
COOLIDGE MUNICIPAL
Saguaro furniture display photographed by Gabriel Eriksson/Hub Media Company
Explore Florence’s rich history and diverse culture from precontact Native Americans through the centuries of local families who lived, worked, and went to school, enriching our collective stories. See exhibits including Florence’s Historic District, medical display, Second Territorial Prison display, farm implements, and more!
Second Territorial Prison Exhibit
715 S MAIN ST. FLORENCE, AZ 520-868-4382 pinalcountyhistoricalmuseum.org facebook.com/pchsmuseum1 26 COOLIDGE CH A MBER DIR ECTORY
T
he U. S. Department of the Army originally constructed the Coolidge Municipal Airport designed as a singleengine aircraft flight training school in the early 1940’s. The airport was originally named the Coolidge Army Airfield and the facility initially did function (instead of the school) as an air transport command base, serving as an auxiliary operating base for Williams Field (now known as Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport) during World War II. Coolidge AAF was declared surplus by the Secretary of War in November 1945 and subsequently transferred to Pinal County by quitclaim deed in January 1950. The site was later transferred to the City of Coolidge by quitclaim deed in March 1959. From 1962 until 1992 the airport was operated mainly by military leases. In 1992 the site was converted to civilian use after the military no longer needed to conduct further operations there. Today the airport is operated by the City of Coolidge and is home to multiple aviation related businesses. In May
2019, Coolidge was very fortunate to receive a $9.5 million award from the Federal Aviation Administration. The grant completely restored the airport’s runways 5-23 to likenew condition as well as provide new lighting. The historic wooden military hanger at the Coolidge Municipal Airport still remains and has been seen in several television commercials and movies. The original three runways were built in a triangle and two remain in use today. The airport covers 1,268 acres and is located 5 miles southeast of Coolidge. Each year from October until April, the airport hosts a fly-in on the first Saturday of the month, with a buffet style pancake breakfast served by the Coolidge Lions Club. Pilots from all over the country fly in to show off their planes, with a wide array of aircrafts from vintage and unique flyers to modern day jets and sometimes, experimental flying exhibits on display! It is a huge crowd pleaser and money raised from this event helps various programs in Coolidge including the youth and elderly. Come out and see for yourself and have breakfast with us! 2021-2022
