The Crest

Discover the History of Felts Field

By Ashley Humbird Current contributor

The early 20th century was a time of remarkable technological advancements and daring feats of human ingenuity. As the world underwent a rapid transformation fueled by industrialization and innovation, the skies above became a new frontier beckoning humanity to conquer the boundless possibilities of flight. In the midst of this era, Felts Field airport emerged as a testament to the indomitable spirit of aviation pioneers.

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes and rolling fields, Felts Field airport can trace its history back over 100 years with its first conception being a simple landing field in a park area next to the Spokane River in the Spokane Valley.

The airport’s rich history includes being the original home site of the Washington Air National Guard. The airport is named Felts Field after a Washington Air National Guard pilot, James Buell Felts, who was killed in a crash in 1927. In 1924, a few years of the end of World War One, the military began organizing state National Guard air units and the city of Spokane worked hard to raise funds to build a facility that would house a newly formed National Guard Squadron.

The 116th Observation Squadron, Washington National Guard, received federal recognition on August 6th, 1924, and was ordered into active service for the first time on September 16th, 1940. In July 1946 the 116th Fighter Squadron was federally recognized at Felts Field.

During Felts Field’s life as a Washington Air National Guard headquarters in WWII, it was equipped with F-51D Mustang fighter and bomber planes and its mission was the air defense of the state. When you visit the current Felts Field today, you can see one of the planes at the Historic Flight Foundation and pictures of it’s time as a National Guard location in the lobby of the main terminal.

Running concurrently to it’s military use in the 1930s’ and 1940’s, Felts Field served as Spokane's municipal airport with scheduled airline service from the airport terminal. Built in 1932, the passenger terminal reflects the classic Art Deco period with a flat roof, pillars, and arches on the outside and retains much of the original façade. The interior of the terminal is a large open lobby with a high ceiling that although remodeled in 1982, with roughhewn cedar siding on the lower part of the walls, retains its original plan, original plaster on the upper walls, and some of the original millwork trim. The airport terminal today is still in use and houses a pilot’s lounge, bathrooms, and the famous Skyway Café.

The Skyway Café has been in operation almost as long as the airport has been serving guests. From the early days of travelers grabbing a quick bite before they boarded their plane to today’s laid back and delicious breakfast enjoyed while watching small planes and helicopters land and take off, the Skyway Café has served a plethora of customers hot coffee and hashbrowns.

After the onset of WWII, it was realized that a larger facility able to handle the growing demands of aviation transportation was needed in the Spokane region. After the new Geiger Field was constructed, all passenger service was relocated to the newly built airport (now Spokane International Airport).

Today, many of the buildings and features of Felts Field are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. While traveling along Rutter Avenue, you’ll notice buildings that were built in the 1920’s style with arches and Art Deco masonry. The site includes three historic aircraft hangars, a passenger terminal, a National Guard headquarters, a small storage building, a clock tower, and a free-standing metal and neon sign. The historic site sits on roughly

400 acres.

Feet from the terminal building stands the Nick Mamer Memorial Clock and the large neon and metal sign taking the form of a saluting gasoline service station attendant outfitted in a uniform with a cap and tie. The clock tower was first constructed in 1939 in the Art Deco style with a clock face on all four sides of the square tower. The clock, unlike the neon sign, is still in good and working condition. Both can easily be viewed after touring the Felts Field terminal and the Skyway café.

Just down the road to the west lies the Historic Flight Foundation. Inside you will find vintage planes from the bygone eras of the 1920’s throughout the 1950’s. All of the planes can be viewed up close from every angle to maximize the experience. When viewing the planes, one can easily imagine the roar of the piston engines as they prepare for takeoff. All planes currently on display are fully restored and are airworthy. The Historic Flight Foundation is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 4pm. Prices vary, but a family of four is admitted for $25.

Moving further to the West is the National Guard headquarters building. This two-story brick building was constructed between 1927 and 1932. During its military service, it housed offices for the officers, a map room, a squad room, and restrooms. Before the final completion of the building, additional rooms were added to the design including surgeon’s office, exam room, locker rooms, supply rooms, and a radio room on the second floor. Most of the second floor has remained intact, with the original hardwood floors, plaster walls, and the large five-sided bay window.

With a long history of aviation in the Spokane Valley and surrounding area, the Felts Field district makes a wonderful historical site to visit. Felts Field hosts a yearly Neighbor Day, where community members are encouraged to come and participate in viewing the historical planes and enjoy an aviation themed event. This year Neighbor Day is on June 10th from 9am to 1pm. Find more information about Neighbor Day on the Felts Field website at www. feltsfield.spokaneairports.net