The History of Harrison Airport 

Harrison Airport was established in 1946, by Marion A. Harrison. The airport was located on State Route 113 in Florence Towship east of Florence-Wakeman Road. The airport consisted of two metal hangars, several tie down spots, a gas pump and an office. Encompassing almost 80 acres, the Airport was quite large by modern day standards. Flight charter, flight instruction and rides were all available at Harrison.

The 1950’s saw a slow down in air traffic, other means of profit were necessary for the airport. The office was transformed into a machine shop by Marion and his brother Milford Harrison. This was the birth of Birmingham Metal Products. Although business was slow, the airport provided an excellent place for students of nearby Ortner airport to practice touch and go’s. Fuel sales and hangar space kept things operating.

The 1960’s saw a re-birth of interest in the airport, when James A. Harrison, obtained his private pilot’s license. Jim bought a Hughes model 269A helicopter, and based it in the hangar’s at Harrison Airport. The wide open spaces and small economical hangars were perfect for Jim to practice landings and fly without disturbing anyone. Mr. Harrison had several helicopters through the 60’s and 70’s, and eventually stored them at M. A. Harrison Mfg. Through his love of aviation, another new hobby was born. Model airplanes.

The early 1980’s saw a new trend at Harrison Airport, the introduction of model airplanes. Model airplanes were not welcome in many neighborhoods because of their noise, and amount of space needed to fly them. What a perfect fit for an airport! James Harrison invited a group of friends to come to the Airport and fly
models, and that was when the club was born. The Erie County Cloud Climbers, are a group of individuals who are dedicated to promoting their sport and introducing the general public to a terrific hobby.

The 90’s were slim when it comes to air traffic, until Chad A. Harrison began to fly in 1998. Like his father, and his father before him, Harrison Airport would be an opportune place to practice approaches and flying, without disturbing anyone.

Present day finds us with Chad Harrison, a certified private pilot and Piper Cub owner, working hard to give the old Harrison Airport a facelift. In remembrance of his grandfather, the field has been renamed “M. A. Harrison Memorial Airfield”. Harrison Airfield will see some changes in the coming years and months, after 3 years of hard work, the field is finally ready for some much needed grass seed. The weeds have all but taken over. Also being erected, is a storage barn for the Agriculture equipment and tools. Marker balls on the electric wires near the fields entrance were installed for safety. Harrison airfield is private, and will be listed very soon on the Detroit Sectional chart, distributed by the FAA.

Points of Interest:

Pictures from the 40’s show an aircraft with “Lincolnweld” painted on the
side. This airplane was owned by the now “Lincoln Electric”. Until recently they never knew this aircraft existed. Lincoln electric has been a long time supporter of aviation, and has showcased this aircraft picture throughout the world.

 

Birmingham Metal Products was started as a war effort machine shop to produce fighter aircraft fuel pump parts during the war. The old hangars are still on the property, and can be seen from State Route 113.

The public is always welcome at Harrison Airfield, and are invited to join us on Saturday’s and Sundays to watch an impressive radio controlled airshow.  M.A. Harrison Memorial Airfield has been a part of Florence Township since 1946, and will continue to grow with the community for years to come.

Chad A. Harrison
Harrison Investment Properties LLC.