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Post by Tom Dlugosh on Mar 10, 2005 9:57:53 GMT 9
Heading down to spring training in AZ next week and then thought I might head up to Denver on the way (out of the way) home. Has anyone been to the museum where Lowry used to be? I see they have 5 Century series aircraft. Would one of them be a 6? I haven't been to Denver since I went to tech school there in '63-'64. I promised my wife I would take her there someday when we got married 40 years ago. I don't know what I'm going to show her because, after looking at a map, I don't recognize much myself.
On the way up we may stop off in Colorado Springs and visit Carol Barton, wife of Col. Bernard H. Barton, Squadron Commander part of the time I was in the 27th FIS. One of the most colorfull and down to earth men I ever met. If anyone would like me to pass on their regards I'd be happy to.
Tom Dlugosh
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MArv
F-106 Skilled
"Aint electronics Wonderful!"
Currently: Offline
Posts: 115
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Post by MArv on Mar 11, 2005 12:06:01 GMT 9
Way to go Tom!
I do wish I was going along with you! If you do decide to stop in Denver, the best way to find Lowry (Or what remains of it!) is to get on I-225 West or east (depending on the direction you start from) and get off at the 6th Ave West bound off ramp. Take 6th Avenue west from the I-225 interchange about two miles to what was the East gate of Lowry. That would be at the intersection of 6th and Dayton street. As you enter the old base from the East Side, on your right should still be the three old, 2- story, long cinderblock buildings that were once the Original Air Force Academy Academic classrooms. The building numbers are 901, 903, and 905. Should have a grassy courtyard inbetween all three of them. The old 3435th Squadron would have been on the left and towards the Dayton street from building 905. the old Red Matador missle stood outside of building 905, on the street that so many times I remember marching either to lunch and a review , or from school and a review! Did you do that as well???
As you come in the Dayton street gate, the first street to the right takes you about 2 blocks along bldg 903, then you have to turn left about 50 feet then right again to follow that street out to what was the old Yosemite street gate. Just before you hit the old gate, on the right should be building 959, the old Avionics building where the F-106 tech-school was located. By now things should start getting familiar and maybe you will be a little misty-eyed!
HAve a safe trip and when you get to Colorado Springs, look up a couple of "Old Farts" out there as well! namely Erv Smalley & Marty Isham. thats where they live! Erv lived about 6 blocks from me when I lived in the Springs, and I didn't even know it! I can't wait to get back again to drop in and see him! He can take you on a personalized tour of the Peterson AFB museum!
HAve fun and have a cold Coors for me! I'll have one of Jims "Green Beers" here just for the both of ya! What the hell, I'll have two of them!
See ya!
MArv
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Post by Tom Dlugosh on Mar 12, 2005 8:53:07 GMT 9
MArv,
Thanks for the info. Looking at the map, using your description, I see what I need to do. Is there a '6 at that museum? I know about the one at Peterson, but I don't know how much time we'll be in Colorado Springs.
I don't remember much about the year I spent there other than marching to and from school (don't remember too many reviews.) Don't remember the missle. Remember the Fireside Lounge (which I wasn't old enough to legally get into when I first got there), climbing Long's Peek, Loveland Pass, first snow, shoveling coal in the barracks furnaces, being totally overwhelmed by the amount of information to learn (still don't know how I made it), some wonderful fellow students and instructors. Other than that it was pretty much a blur.
Tom
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MArv
F-106 Skilled
"Aint electronics Wonderful!"
Currently: Offline
Posts: 115
Location:
Joined: March 2004
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Post by MArv on Mar 12, 2005 13:49:59 GMT 9
WOW!! Did YOU bring back some memories!!! The museum is in the Old HAngar #2 and does NOT have an F-106. But it does have a B-2, a B-52, A-10, F-15, F-16, and a few other assorted airframes. I'm not so sure of what missles might be there. The "6" was trucked off to Peterson. See the web site listed for Erv and Marty. They have pictures of 90134 during the restoration by the Fresno Guard. That aircraft was the load trainer for the weapons trops in the old "Black Shack"! By the way, thats the hangar located inside of the 6th and Dayton gate, then to the left up the old runway and alert pads. It now contains a skating rink! Yep! I do remember the "Fireside! I also remember the "Silver Wings Club! Do you??? I also remember riding the bus to the girls college on Quebec street! (Or was it a couple of blocks over - Monaco maybe!) for a dance! Those were really great times! See ya one day! MArv
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Post by Jim on Mar 12, 2005 14:53:08 GMT 9
Now that would be a sight fer seein- Ol MArv a dancin an him with two left feet an a wearin brogans Just in case... The Old Sarge
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Post by Tom Dlugosh on Mar 28, 2005 2:19:10 GMT 9
Just got back from the aforementioned trip.
Great time in AZ watching spring training games and playing golf.
Did get to Denver and Lowry. I was totally dis-oriented by the changes at Lowry, but it appears they are doing an amazing job of redeveloping the old base while keeping some of the existing military elements. The museum was very nice, but lacked something without a '6. Fireside Lounge gone! Colfax Ave. had about the same feel to it. Downtown redevelopment was amazing! Larimar Square was wonderful (it was off limits when I was originally there.)
The entire trip (3200 mi.)was great although we were dodging storms after Sante Fe.
tcd
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