Cole Palen's Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

[Lusitania]

Hi folks, I have video of the Avro and many pics from the final weekend, will post them soon!

[jumpinjan]

Would anyone have a picture or two of the old German motorcycle & sidecar? The last time I saw it, it had a camo finish.
I'm thinking of making a replica of it.
Thanks in advance
Jan

[airknocker]

This one? Royal Enfield

[jumpinjan]

Circa could be 1978 when the German sidecar motorcycle was operable. That Royal Enfield is not it.

[The PIPE]

Dear Fellow ORA Lovers:

The PIPE here once more...and at...

YouTube - 1914 Avro 504K

...the AVRO 504 flying video from ORA, that "Lusitania" was alluding to, IS available for viewing!!!!

Jens Klank from Germany, who is, perhaps, the world's most AVID Avro 504 fan, will soon have it linked up at his site, at Biplanes.de - Die Oldtimer Community in Deutschland .....

...as I let him know about it early on Saturday morning this weekend...

...view and ENJOY !!!

Yours Sincerely,

The PIPE!

[John Masters]

That is really a lovely sight...and sound! Nothing like a rotary to cut through the air. Thanks for the video M. PIPE!

John

[SL DIII]

On October 27 there was a very moving memorial service for Larry at his hangar at Kline Kill Airport. It was great to see some former Aerodrome regulars including John Barker, Karl Erickson, and many others. There was a large turnout and it was an excellent tribute to a special person.

Here are some photos that I snapped between 1997 & 2002 of Larry in action at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome:


From left to right, Karl Erickson, Ken Cassens & Larry Potter


Clockwise from left, John Nenadic, Bob Johnston, Larry Potter (driving), Chris Rogine (shotgun), Ben Potter (back seat), Bob Mackenzie, Nick Ulfik & Ginger Edmonds (convict outfit).


Larry making an important delivery…


…to re-stock the outhouse.


Father Larry about to perform a wedding ceremony.


Alex Fasolili, Larry Potter and Bob Mackenzie

John Barker announced at the memorial service that the Potter family has set up an Aeronautical Scholarship Fund at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Larry’s name…Here are the details:

LJ Potter Vintage Aeronautical Scholarship Fund

The family of Larry Potter has created a special fund to enable an aeronautical student to pursue an internship position at the Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head, MN. Special emphasis on early aeronautical woodworking skills and repair of early aircraft will be the focus of the fund.

Please make donations to:
“The L.J. Potter Vintage Aeronautical Fund”
c/o Kinderhook Bank
2967 Route 9
Valatie, NY 12184
518-758-4030
Attn: Laura B. Hoffmann

[SL DIII]

Here's a bit more about Larry:

From The Troy Record, Nov. 4, 2007

The Record - Obituaries

Lawrence J. Potter Jr.
MUITZESKILL - Lawrence J. Potter Jr., 79, an aviator and master woodworker who followed a lifelong passion for aviation, died peacefully at his home in Muitzeskill, attended by family on October 20, 2007.

Born February 19, 1928, in Cortland to Lawrence Jennison Potter Sr. and F. Catherine Elz, his love of aircraft started early, reading about aircraft and pilots. As an Air Scout, he volunteered for the Civil Air Patrol during World War II.

He was a member of the Cortland Thermal Chasers, an accomplished model builder and mechanic who broke many national records for model airplane flights during the 1940s and '50s. In the same years, he operated a model shop, assisting local youth in crafting and flying model airplanes.

After graduation from Cortland High School in 1947 and from Morrisville Technical School with a certificate in aircraft instruments in 1952, he became his father's partner in 1953 at W.G. Potter & Son Hides, Skins and Furs, founded by his grandfather in 1895.

He married Ruth I. Messick of South Schodack in 1954 at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Castleton-on-Hudson.They raised three children at 10 Harrison St. in Cortland, spending summers at the great camp he built on Owasco Lake.

His passion for the outdoors, combined with woodworking, led him to build motor and sail boats and a hand-hewn cabin in Lincklaen. He also enjoyed water skiing, downhill skiing, (a member of ski patrols at Snow Crest, Song Mountain and Greek Peak), hiking, hunting and fishing.

Larry was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Cortland, the Dutch Reformed Church of Schodack and a 40-year Mason, serving as master several times. He maintained membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics, and took up model building again when his son became interested. Both were members of the Cortland Aero-Modeling Society Show Team.

In 1985, he closed the family business and briefly worked for Kohlberger Aircraft at Cortland County Airport. At age 57, he returned to school and graduated from Riverside School of Aeronautics in 1987.

Larry and Ruth had relocated to Schodack Landing and Larry commenced working for Command Airways, American Eagle for eight years.

After moving to Schodack Landing, Larry became friends with Cole Palen, the founder of Old Rhinebeck Aerodome. He enjoyed participating in weekend air shows, as well as restoring and pioneering vintage World War I aircraft, still on display at Old Rhinebeck Aerodome today. After retiring from American Eagle, Larry began full time restoration of antique aircraft at his home workshops - an activity which continued to the end of his life.

In 1997, he purchased a vintage 1946 Aeronca Champ in which he obtained his pilot's license in 1998. Thereafter, his greatest pleasure was flying "the Champ."

He is survived by his wife, daughters Elizabeth Croft (Timothy) of Schodack Landing, Jacqueline Tucker (James) of Stillwater, OK; son Charles Potter (Lynn) of Clover, SC; four grandchildren; a step-sister, Carol B. Sasse of Wappingers Falls; two brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and stepmother Helen M. Potter and grandson Adam Tucker.

On October 27, family and friends joined in a memorial service at Kline Kill Airport in Ghent, conducted by John Barker and Lynn Potter, which celebrated a life lived in humble pursuit of a dream.

To perpetuate Larry's passion, the family and friends have initiated a scholarship fund to assist students interested in restoration and preservation of vintage aircraft at the Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head, ME.

Contributions may be made to the L.J. Potter Vintage Aeronautical Fund c/o Kinderhook National Union Bank, 2967 Route 9, Valatie, NY 12184 Attn: Laurae B. Hoffman 518-758-4030.

[AAC Cadet Leader]

thank you tom for sharing your photos of larry and the obituary. looks like he helped make ora a fun place.

[AAC Cadet Leader]

say, does anyone have any photos from cole and rita's wedding in 1967? or knowlege of where it took place, invited guests, etc?