By Michael Urban, EAA 116285
To celebrate 50 consecutive years of fly-in conventions in Oshkosh, we’re featuring Stories of Oshkosh told by attendees remembering their special moments at EAA’s long-standing home. If you or someone you know would like to share your own Story of Oshkosh, email editorial@eaa.org.
The first year that I attended EAA Oshkosh was 1974. It was for one day. Back then there were two entrance sections. The first (outer) for the general public and another (inner — through the Brown Arch) closer to the flightline for those who had some aviation affiliation. I have attended every year since.
In later years I started to stay for the weekend and camped with a pup tent. The area was much different with residential houses along the west side of the airport. The first place that I stayed with the tent was in a private parking area (without facilities) near the corner of Knapp and Waukau. Like I said, things were much different back then, the EAA B-17 was called Chief Oshkosh. There was a Miss EAA Pageant and also a Mrs. EAA Pageant. The port-a-potties were few and far between and usually full. The drinking water fountains tasted and smelled like the water was being pumped from Lake Winnebago. I volunteered in the Warbirds area on the fuel truck, which was operated by EAA. It was great — we got to watch the show from on top of the truck parked next to the flightline.
One of the first dates with my girlfriend and future wife, Brenda, was to the EAA museum in Franklin, Wisconsin. We were married on August 2, 1980, and spent our honeymoon at EAA Oshkosh. We stayed at Camp Scholler in that same pup tent for an extended weekend. We were presented a free raffle ticket for an airplane by the announcer in the tower as a wedding present. The camping area was different — there was a small lake called Buds Lake, there was hay and corn fields, and the showers were always cold. There was a mini strip mall near the Red Barn with multiple vendors. We have seen it too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry, and too windy — but it’s always something to look forward to.
Our oldest daughter was born in June and attended EAA for the first time in August at 6 weeks old. Our youngest daughter was born in February and attended her first EAA in August at 5 months old. It was a challenge to have them there in diapers, but we rigged a wagon to pull them around, which made life easier.
We have had the opportunity to see so many unique aircraft over the years, but our greatest enjoyment has been meeting the people. We have made friends that we only get to see at EAA every year along with some very notable personalities. Without question, that is what we look forward to every year.
Brenda, has taken a flight in the Ford Tri-Motor and I have flown in the Bell 47, B-17, B-25, and T-33 while attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Our oldest daughter has participated in activities at the World War II re-enactment area. Both daughters participate in the Veterans Parade as they are currently serving in the U.S. Army and are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
AirVenture is like a reunion for family and friends every year. The day that we head for home from Oshkosh is the day we start to talk about going next year. There is so much more that I can say about the things we have done, seen, and experienced along with the people we have met that it would take hours.