ABOUT US - who we are.....where we started.....where we are going.....
- 1980 - the idea is born
- 1981
- the club name is created
- 1983 - the
Wizard of OZ
- 1980-1983 -- the first
flying field
- 1984 - the formative years
- 1985 - doin' it at Donatos
- 1985 - the farmer moves the corn
- 1985
- make way for the students
- 1989 -
the banquet moves
- 2004 - the new field
takes shape
- 2005 - our 25th Anniversary
- 2006 - First Annual Barnstormers Event
- 2010 - breaking into the big league ???
1980 - the idea is born
There were some ongoing discussions among a hand full of guys who had been
flying RC planes at the Fire Academy in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and others who had been flying farther east, in the Pataskala area,
about starting a club for radio controlled model airplanes. One of these flyers was Wayne Rhodeback, who at that time, worked
at the Hobbyland store on Main Street in Reynoldsburg
. He recognized the interest and decided to put a list on the counter asking for names of those who would be interested in
starting a club. Due to his efforts, Wayne is credited with being the founder of the club.
1981 - The club name is created
The list of names grew and the first of the unofficial
gatherings was held at the store. In short order the gathering at the small store was just too big, so the search for a meeting
place was on. The owner of Don's Restaurant just east of Hobbyland, also on Main Street
(on the location now stands a Burger King) was contacted and it was determined that we could be accommodated. At that time
there were approximately 25 interested people. Meetings took place on the third Tuesday of each month. Dues were twenty-five
dollars.
A club name was
needed and suggestions were given and discussed by the membership. Roland Osborne suggested the name, "TAILSPINNER".
It was voted on and agreed to by all the members. The first President was Jerry Hill. Wayne Rhodeback was Vice President and
Geoff Combs was the Secretary/Treasurer. These beginning years were formidable and tough. Wayne
stepped in when needed when the President was not able to be involved as much needed, and handled most of the challenges when
they arose.
1983 - the Wizard of OZ
Roland
Osborne was elected President and remained in that position until the end of 1988, Wayne Rhodeback continued as Vice President
and Jeff Combs continued as Secretary/Treasurer, each for another year.
1980-1983- the first
flying field
In
the beginning, the club did not have a flying site and after banging the bushes by the membership, a site was found on the
east side of Taylor Rd. east of Reynoldsburg , north
of Route 40 (the area is now a housing addition). After an extensive clean up of the area, a runway was cut out and mowed
by the membership. The club flew at this location for three flying seasons. Due to a noise issue on a Sunday morning between
two club members and a local neighbor, the club was asked to vacate the location at the end of that flying season.
1984 - the formative
years
At the suggestion
of Jeff Combs, the club membership voted to join the AMA in April of 1984. It became and remains a sanctioned club (#992)
with the AMA. 1984 was a trying year and after much discussion and debate, the Club adopted its first Constitution and Field
safety rules. With the help from Roland's wife Jan, this was put together and typed. Copies were distributed to all the
members. Since it was the President's duty to compile and send out a club newsletter each month, Jan agreed to type this
as well.
1984 was the first
year for the annual Christmas banquet. It was held at the Lions Club Hall in Etna, located on Route 310, just north of I 70.
With the assistance from Dennis Rider, the hall was rented for December 16 th. Putting this all together was also one of the
duties of the club president. Each member brought something, from covered dishes to utensils and everyone had a great time.
Due to an oversight in the planning, the clean up afterwards was handled by the President and Burl Jordan - they were the
last two there.
The banquet
was held at the Lions Club location each year through 1988, with club member Elmer Taminni providing the food. Elmer worked
for a catering service, so the variety of food was great and the price was right. His expertise was very appreciated by the
membership.
1985 - doin' it at
Donatos
In 1985,
Tom Long was elected as Vice President, Dennis Rider was elected as Secretary and Jim Buckenberger was elected as Treasurer.
The meetings had moved to Donatos on Brice Rd, north of Livingston
Ave. , because Don's was closing its doors and the club needed more room.
1985 - the farmer moves the corn
Finding a new flying site was the biggest issue. In 1985, it was Burl Jordan who talked to the farmer who
was planting and growing crops on the land located behind 12718 National Rd. (Route 40,
just east of Wagram ). Later, Burl and Roland met the farmer at this location to determine
the area that could be used by the club and not hinder the farming. Other members came out to look at the location and were
jumping for joy. No negatives for a change. Once the farmer was satisfied, Roland contacted the owner of the land and the
necessary paperwork was drawn up and signed. The area was rented to the club for $200.00 a year with the stipulation that
the land would be kept neat and orderly. The club finally had a new home. This new location also brought new challenges. Field
development and clean up was needed. Dues had to be raised to help pay for mowing and field equipment.
1985 was by far, the biggest growing year the
club had ever seen. Four trustees were elected to maintain the field. They formed mowing crews made up from the membership.
Each trustee led a crew. The crews were scheduled on a weekly basis.
1985 - make way for the
students
1985 also
sparked the beginning of the Wednesday night flight-training program at the field and there have been many members who have
become proficient RC Pilots because of it. This was one of the clubs main objectives and it can be very proud of what has
been accomplished over the years.
This
club was the first in the area to be on television. The Neighborhood News did an article for the paper on the club in 1986.
The article contained pictures of some of the members in action, as well as a story about the club itself. Later on, the program
director for PM Magazine contacted Roland to see if the club would be interested in being on the program, with the filming
taking place at the field. That was a great moment in club history. There were some VCR tapes of this event that some of the
older members might still have for viewing.
Channel 4 News with Cabot Ray also did his show from our field. It was a great time with lots of flying.
Cabot got the chance to fly a glider with the assistance from Dennis Rider, all of which was televised. There are VCR tapes
of this as well. Over the years the club has been invited to participate in a number of events such as air shows as well as
static displays in mall shows.
1989 - the banquet moves
The banquet was moved to the Ramada Inn on Brice
Rd. in Reynoldsburg in 1989 and remained at that location through 2003.
Currently, the banquet is held at the Ole Summit Towne Restaurant in Summit Station.
2004 - the new field takes shape
In 2004, James Loudenslager was instrumental in obtaining permission for the club to fly at Emswiler Farms.
Ground was broken for the new field, called Emswiler Park, Home of the Tailspinners and the rock hounds gave their sweat and
muscle power to clear the field.
2005- our 25th Anniversary
The grass is growing and the grand opening will be in 2005, our 25th Anniversary. Come celebrate with us!
2006 -First Annual Barnstormers Event
The Barnstormers Event was held in mid-September. This was an all bi-plane event
with raffles and prizes. We only had a few participants from outside the club but all enjoyed the event and planned to have
it continue and hopefully grow. Jimmy Loudenslager was CD for the event and Tony Christipher was the main sponsor. We deamed
it a success and all who participated had fun.
2010 - Breaking
into the Big League ???
The
5th Annual Barnstormers Event will be held this year in August. The change of date was brought about by two thing; weather
conditions and other bigger events. The weather has been a factor for the 4 previous Barnstormer events and thus the participation
of outsiders has been low. Also contributing to the low turn out was the other big events that were going on in September.
Another considering factor was that vacation time was over because of school starting dates. Also a slight change of Venue
has been made. We are including not only multi-winged aircraft but also any aircraft that is pre-world war ll. We are hopeful
that with the change of date and venue coupled with the intense advertising and promotion, this will spur an influx of participation.
Joe Lemermeier has been spear heading these changes with the support of the club and Board of Directors. Lets see if his efforts
pay off.