Aviation Museum of Santa Paula

ST. FRANCIS DAM DISASTER CREATED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A CITY TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SKIES!

After the St. Francis Dam disaster in 1928, local ranchers Ralph Dickenson and Dan Emmet decided some of the devastated area adjacent to the river would make a good location for an airport. They both had airstrips on their ranches and realized a single airport would greatly benefit the city of Santa Paula.

Ralph obtained $1,000 each from 19 local ranchers and businessmen and they began building, with their own hands, the Santa Paula Airport. This was the first airport in Ventura County. It opened in August 1930 with a dedication celebration that included air races, aerobatics and parachuting, a visit from the Goodyear Blimp, and featured many famous aviators of the time such as Art Goebel, Roscoe Turner, Pancho Barnes, Jimmy Doolittle and Hawley Bowles. With a population of 7,200, Santa Paula had more airplanes per capita than any other community in the nation.

Throughout the years, Santa Paula Airport has been widely recognized around the world for its antique, classic and experimental aircraft, and the unique group of people who have chosen to fly here.

Many talented and famous pilots have flown in and out of Santa Paula Airport, including Charles Lindbergh, Chuck Yeager, Roscoe Turner and Pancho Barnes.

Notable Santa Paula based pilots include: Sammy Mason, Harlan "Bud" Gurney, Mira Slovak, Clete Roberts, Steve McQueen, and Walter "Matt" Jeffries.

There is a lot of aviation history stored around this airport, some artifacts dating back to the airport's beginning, and they are waiting for a place to be displayed and shared.

Please visit our Museum, especially "Hangar Number 1" in our Chain of Hangars, which vividly relates the history of the of our airport during the time period 1927-1930 through the use of historic photos, artifacts, and a video which shows the airport's construction and opening day festivities.

As our Museum continues to grow, additional exhibits in our Chain of Hangars will continue the story of Santa Paula Airport.

We are always seeking additional information and artifacts concerning Santa Paula Airport's history, and the history of aviation in general. Please get in touch with us if you can help!