Boltz Airport
Boltz Airport Advertisement
The Attleboro Sun
August 27, 1929
Boltz Airport is known to have been in operation by the summer of 1929. It was established by the Boltz family on land that was once a trotting park. (Mineral Spring Trotting Park)
The first known aviation fatality at the airport occurred on September 1, 1929.
During World War II the airport was expanded and used by the navy for training.
During the war, a navy airplane crashed in Mansfield on September 13, 1945.
At a town meeting in 1947, it was voted by taxpayers to accept the land owned by the navy for a municipal airport. The vote carried a $1000 appropriation for improvements to the airport. The deed for the land was turned over to the town on February 28, 1948. The name of the airport was changed to the Mansfield Municipal Airport.
July 2, 1931
On May 22, 1955 a large hangar was destroyed by an explosion and subsequent fire, putting a long-time aviation repair service out of business. There were no injuries.
Another accident to occur at the airport happened on June 26, 1955.
In October of 1959 the airport was re-dedicated with the grand opening of a new $160,000 airport facilities building.
Other accidents at the airport include the following:
Sources:
The Attleboro Sun, “Indicate Navy Interested in Boltz Field”, March 13, 1942.
The Attleboro Sun, “Mansfield To Get Deed For Airport”, February 27, 1948.
The Attleboro Sun, “Friends Rebuild Burned Hangar And Start Up Boucher Business Again”, May 6, 1955
The Attleboro Sun, “3,000 Witness Dedication Of Mansfield Airport”, October 12, 1959.
