When Flying Farmers Landed In Milton

In the 1940's owning an airplane wasn't nearly as complicated, nor as expensive,  as it is today.  Especially for farmers, who were accustomed to fixing their own tractors and equipment.  They didn't find airplanes to be all that much different.  

A director of Agricultural extension in Oklahoma, and the editor or a Farming magazine, in 1944, decided to travel the state and meet "flying farmers" - farmers who were also pilots.They found that farmers used their planes to monitor irrigation systems, check livestock, check on crops, dust fields, and to pick up and deliver parts and supplies.  One farmer pilot told of the time the combine broke down mid harvest, and the nearest part was 100 miles away.  "That's when you really appreciate having wings"

And they also found that there was a lot of interest in the idea of meeting up with other farmers who flew planes. In August of 1944, the first Flying Farmers Association meeting was held, and from there, a social club began.  The following year, the idea had spread to other states. 

Mr & Mrs Jacob Miller, of Milton, were members of the Flying Farmers.  And in June of 1957, they hosted the annual spring outing on their farm. Motorists driving on Rt 14 that day were treated to the sight of 32 planes lined up in the field next to the Miller farm.  Everyone brought food to share, and a potluck picnic was held. Some pilots, who came from longer distances,  would stay over and fly home the next day.

he Millers hosted the Flying Farmers again in June of 1960.   For the picnic, the Millers provided the dessert and ice tea, and added roast turkey and ham to the picnic items brought by other members.

In the afternoon the flying farmers went boating.  Guests were present from all over Pennsylvania, including , Lewistown, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Erie, West Chester and Philadelphia.

Union County Flying Farmer Charles Beaver, With His Plane

Charles Beaver, a Flying Farmer from Union County, is one who attended the picnic on the Miller farm.   Beaver is one of many who took flying lessons from Harry Neidig at the flying school located in the Milton airport, which would have been located not far from the Miller farm.

The International Flying Farmers are still an active organization today.
https://www.internationalflyingfarmers.org/

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