Lunken Airport is located in a valley on the east side of Cincinnati where the Miami River flows into the Ohio River. Because it is in a valley that has a tendency to flood it is known as ‘Sunken Lunken’.
In the early days of aviation it was the airport for Cincinnati, but in the late 1940s they moved to a much larger site across the river in Northern Kentucky.
Lunken still is a very busy airport, serving corporate jets and other smaller private planes, while maintaining it’s classic art deco look.
On this day the Cincinnati Museum group was hosting ‘1940s Day at Lunken’. Among the events was a ‘Rosie the Riveter’ photo shoot.
Amazingly a couple of elderly women were on hand actually were ‘Rosies’ during the 1940s.
People were encouraged to dress the era, and many did.
The festival hosting a number of vintage airplanes and cars, and those that came in costume fit in perfect with the equipment.
Either she is a spy or one of the museum workers.
A Carmen Miranda look, minus the fruit.
We saw a couple of ladies dressed in their ‘League of Their Own’ uniforms – a great touch.
There was entertainment all day. The ‘Queen City Sisters’ acapella group were great singers, with style in their presentation.
The umbrella served two functions this day – shade in the hot sun, then protection from the rain when a hard shower came through.
She made a great entrance from the sidecar.
As noted previously there were some vintage planes and cars, and this fire truck.
They were very selective in the cars presented, all fitting the environment, if not exactly period perfect.
Some Model A’s.
Airplanes and a stylish dress and hat – how cool.
A vintage Navy plane was on hand.
I can see this being 1935 in Cincinnati.
Molly Wellmann is a local tavern owner, and historian. She entertained the crowd with the history of alcohol production in Cincinnati (which is extensive).
Meanwhile the contestants for the costume contest gathered.
I suggested to these three they visit Twinsburg next year, they would be a hit there too.
These ladies were also from the museum.
The styles were great – without the people who came this would’ve been a mediocre event with a couple of planes and cars. With them it was fantastic.
A vintage couple with a vintage hangar in the background.
One observation I have made over the last couple of years that if you ask someone to take their photo and you have your phone or a point and click camera you don’t get much response, but if you have a SLR you get enthusiasm.
While the dancing was occurring in another tent, this costume contestant decided to combine them.
The pilots are ready for boarding.
If this is the 1940s I need to time travel – what a great day.
And they danced the day away….
RDZ Photography 