Ever felt the spray of the Delaware River on your face? Here at the Philadelphia Essington Seaplane Base you can almost taste the history. This isn’t just any airfield. This is where aviation history took flight.
Philadelphia Essington Seaplane Base boasts a rich past. It began its life as Chandler Field during World War I. The very first seaplane base in Pennsylvania. Imagine young men learning to fly. Preparing for war. Learning to navigate the skies above the Delaware.
This base wasn’t just about training. It was also a hub for innovation. Robert Glendenning and Frank Mills Sr opened the Philadelphia School of Aviation here in 1916. They offered free flight lessons to college students. Students who would serve their country if war came. This pioneering spirit is ingrained in the very soil.
The base’s history is intertwined with the Mills family. Frank Mills Sr purchased the property in 1936 for $10500. His sons Bob Frank and Bill continued the legacy. They kept the base running even after World War II. They provided pilot training air taxi and maintenance services. Airline pilots even stopped by for seaplane ratings. A truly unique service.
The Lazaretto building stands as a silent witness to this history. Originally a quarantine station from 1800 to 1890. It later became a luxurious club. A place for the wealthy to escape city life. Today it is a reminder of the many lives that have touched this spot.
Tinicum Township acquired the Philadelphia Essington Seaplane Base in 2006. They continue to maintain this historical landmark. They’ve made improvements to the grounds seawall and docks. A testament to the enduring legacy of flight and community.
Today you stand where history happened. Feel the echoes of propellers churning the water. Picture the graceful landings and takeoffs of seaplanes. The Philadelphia Essington Seaplane Base is more than just a seaplane base. It’s a living piece of aviation history. A place where the past takes flight.