Port Clinton in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

World's Shortest Airline

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021

1. World's Shortest Airline Marker

Inscription. In 1936, Milton Hersberger, an early barnstormer and accomplished aviator, purchased the first Ford Tri-Motor to be used for air service to the nearby Lake Erie Islands. Affectionately known as the "Tin Goose," the legendary all-metal Ford Tri-Motor was a true workhorse that played a vital role in hauling passengers, mail, and cargo to and from the islands. Pushing a top speed of 85 mph, the complete 17 mile roundtrip from Port Clinton consisted of 12 take-offs and landings and took less than 45 minutes. The airline earned its reputation as "The Shortest Airline in the World" averaging a trip of less than 10 minutes between each stop.

Erected 2008 by EAA "Tin Goose" Chapter 1247 and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 16-62.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Air & Space. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 41° 30.57′ N, 82° 52.214′ W. Marker is in Port Clinton, Ohio, in Ottawa County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East State Road (County Road 8) and Gypsum Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands in a small open area just behind the first

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main building on the west side of the airport. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3255 East State Road, Port Clinton OH 43452, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. This Memorial (approx. 2.3 miles away); American Expedition 1813 (approx. 3.3 miles away); War of 1812 (approx. 3.3 miles away); Port Clinton Light Station (approx. 3.4 miles away); "Lightkeepers" (approx. 3.4 miles away); Keeper's Boathouse (approx. 3.4 miles away); Indian Mill Stone (approx. 3½ miles away); This Millstone (approx. 3½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Clinton.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021

2. World's Shortest Airline Marker

World's Shortest Airline image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 21, 2021

3. World's Shortest Airline

Located at Erie-Ottawa International Airport at Carl R Keller Field

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 157 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 22, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.