HOWLAND — The Ernie Hall Aviation Museum opened its doors Sunday for the public to see the local history of airplanes while raising funds for local organizations such as the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project in Warren.
Airplanes and antique vehicles were displayed on the SLOAS Airfield grounds for the Stars, Bars and Cars show. Event organizer Janie Cunningham and her brother Bob Griffin said the event is an annual summer fundraiser, with some of the funds used for maintenance and operation of the museum. However, a large portion is used for scholarships for those in aviation-related careers.
“We have given many scholarships to those attending the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and Kent State University,’’ Cunningham said.
One KSU student, Kate Heinselman of Niles, was the most recent recipient of a $5,000 scholarship. She said she is working on her flight license with more than 200 hours of flight experience.
“I am studying to become an airline pilot. I love speaking to the young children who attend. I hope I inspire them. It is nice that people can come here and learn about Ernie Hall and the airplanes that have flown here,” Heinselman said.
Ernie Hall’s 1947 super cruiser plane and others were on display for the public to see.
“There is so much history here. We like it when families come in to see the planes. The children really like being here. We help send children to aviation camps,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham’s brother, Bill Griffin, who built the museum, always wanted to help local animal-related charities such as the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County. Proceeds from the fundraiser also have helped Northeast Ohio Adoption Services and local soup kitchens.
She said this year, funds are being given to the Healthy Hearts and Paws Project’s Bootsie’s Bungalow to benefit cats who are at the shelter. Cunningham’s nephew, Connor Griffin, who is the son of Bill Griffin, flew one of the planes for a demonstration.
Bill Griffin died in February of 2019.
“We like to show what we have here to the public,” Connor said.
GUEST VISITOR
Making a visit to the museum Sunday was Wallace “Wally” King, who is a 104-year old World War II veteran from New Wilmington. Pa., who flew P47s and P51 Mustangs, who said he enjoys interacting with the public.
He traveled to the D-Day anniversary in France this year.
Frank Bell, a neighbor of King, brought him to the event, and said people are very glad to meet King and thank him for his service.
“This Warren and Cortland area has a rich history of airplane pilots and early aviation. Wally took one his first airplane flights as a boy down the street here. He was 5 or 6 and was walking by the airport here and saw a plane and the pilot offered him his first passenger flight. He was offered a ride in the plane, which created an interest for Wally in flying airplanes,” Bell said.
King said since he was a boy and built model airplanes, he has always enjoyed flying and is fascinated seeing the many different planes at the Ernie Hall Museum. He said people are always interested in his stories of serving in the U.S. Army’s 513th Fighter Squadron.
Cunningham said King has been to the museum many times and there is a special display honoring him at the museum.
“He is also a member of the Ernie Hall Museum Hall of Fame. He was inducted in the hall of fame in 2023,” she said.
Bell said King has been included in a local documentary sponsored by Delta Airlines about local veterans and their service to the country.
“He served in France and received one award for serving there,” Bell said.
Chuck and Colleen Zallow of Warren said they attended to see what planes were being displayed.
“It is a nice event to get to see the different planes that are here and learn about the local history,” Chuck Zallow said.
Melissa Romine of Kinsman said she and her husband had their 1980 Chevy and a 1973 Ford in the car show, but also wanted to let their daughters see the planes.
Her daughters, Aliyah, 8, and Ella, 7, were able to get inside one of the planes to see what it is like to be in the pilot’s seat. The Stars, Bars and Cars event also marked the addition to the museum and celebrated America’s 250th anniversary.
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