Douglas in Coffee County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Raymond-Richardson Aviation School
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009
1. Raymond-Richardson Aviation School Marker
Inscription.
Raymond-Richardson Aviation School. . Wesley Raymond, Robert Richardson and others founded a school here in 1939 to teach basic flight skills to college students. With the start of World War II, the school became the 63rd Flight Training Detachment Airbase and provided primary flight training for several thousand young men. In addition to working clerical and food preparation jobs, many local women served as civilian base dispatchers and aircraft mechanics. Although officially closed in 1944, the airstrip and hangers have continued in use as a municipal airport and the barracks and administration buildings have seen a wide variety of community uses.
Wesley Raymond, Robert Richardson and others founded a school here in 1939 to teach basic flight skills to college students. With the start of World War II, the school became the 63rd Flight Training Detachment Airbase and provided primary flight training for several thousand young men. In addition to working clerical and food preparation jobs, many local women served as civilian base dispatchers and aircraft mechanics. Although officially closed in 1944, the airstrip and hangers have continued in use as a municipal airport and the barracks and administration buildings have seen a wide variety of community uses.
Erected 2000 by The Georgia Historical Society,Wiregrass Historical Society and the City of Douglas. (Marker Number 34-1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.
Location. 31° 28.782′ N, 82° 51.084′ W. Marker is in Douglas, Georgia, in Coffee County. Marker is on South Peterson Avenue (US 441.US 221,SR 31) near Airport Circle, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Douglas GA 31535, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of
2. Raymond-Richardson Aviation School Marker looking south along South Peterson Avenue
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 8, 2009
3. Raymond-Richardson Aviation School Marker at the gate to the flight school, as seen today
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 8, 2009
4. Raymond-Richardson Aviation School
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 8, 2009
5. Raymond-Richardson Aviation School Marker, looking north
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,491 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 20, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
