Bethany, Connecticut
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In December of 1934, The Waterbury Democrat announced that Bethany Airways Inc. had filed for a certificate of incorporation with the Connecticut Secretary of State office. The owners were William and Winifred Russell of East Haven. The corporation would have an authorized capitol of $50,000, and would commence business with $1,500. Shares of stock in the company would be five dollars each.
It is unclear what took place with Bethany Airways between 1934 and 1946.
In February of 1946, The Waterbury Democrat announced that the Bethany Airport and Bethany Airways Inc. were under new ownership. The new owners were Robert Halpin and Ben Shiffrin. who had purchased the corporation from Walter Reynolds of the Reynolds Flying Service on February 1st.
Robert Halpin first flew as a naval reserve pilot in 1936. Prior of the United States entering WWII in 1941, he helped establish the Connecticut Flying Club at Bethany Airport. In September of 1941 he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a private, but was later promoted to sergeant-pilot, and served in England with the RAF. In 1943 he transferred to the U. S. Army Air Force and served with the 8th Air Force in England. He then flew 33 missions on a B-17 Flying Fortress attached to the 303rd Bomb Group.
Ben Shiffrin enlisted as a flying cadet in December of 1940, and after earned his wings in August of 1941. After the Pearl Harbor attack on December 7, 1941, he was assigned to anti-submarine patrol off the New England coast. He later served in Greenland before returning to the United States in June of 1944.
It was reported that the company planned to purchase three new Aeronca “Champion” aircraft, with hope to purchasing more planes in the future.
The men immediately opened a flying school which was to cater to ex-servicemen.
For more historical information about the the Bethany Airport, click on links below.
Bethany Airport January 24, 1942
Sources:
Waterbury Democrat, “Bethany Airways Files Certificate”, December, 4, 1934, pg. 4.
Waterbury Democrat, “Bethany Airways Inc. Takes Over Airport”, February 7, 1946, pg. 3.
