The Salida Flying Club

The Y & R Auto Co. owned and operated Y & R Airways in Salida, Colorado. They purchased the first airplane in Salida in 1929. The company was active in promoting the first local flying club. In 1948, Salida held it’s first ‘Fly-In’. These images are from the Salida Museum’s collection.

‘First airplane in Salida, apparently owned by Y & R Garage (advertising Durant Auto’s Young & Rohrer).’ This image was taken in 1929.

The Y & R Auto Company was located on the corner of F & Third Streets in Salida, Colorado.

‘The first big air show: the Y & R airplane is at front; Ford tri-motor is in back.’ Salida’s first air show was held on the 4th of July, 1929 and featured multiple planes, balloonists, and wing walkers.

‘Orca 1927, Ford Tri-motor Hi-way at the old Salida Airport (community building location). From left to right: unknown person, copilot, Frank Kimble, Horace Frantz, Tom Nevens, pilot, unknown person, Neil Davenport, Filosa (?), Solon Duncan.’

Aerial views of Poncha Springs where the airport is located.

The following documents are from the Salida Museum’s Collection. They detail the inception of the Salida Airport, the Flying Jamborees that took place in 1948 and 1949, and various ephemera and images from that time period.

How to Plan and Execute and Efficiency Race