This past summer while on a trip to Ohio to visit family I got the chance to check out the Liberty Aviation Museum in Port Clinton, OH. It isn't a large place, room is at a premium, but they have quite a few WWII planes and artifacts. What surprised me the most was the collection of vehicles they had as well. Not just the usual Jeeps, tanks, half tracks, etc, but old fire trucks, tractors, 40s civilian cars. The coolest vehicle is a Goodyear airship chase bus; fully restored minus the boom. The biggest shock though is the PT boat undergoing restoration! Strange to see an all wooden boat with a metal water-tight hatch in the middle.
The claim to fame of the museum is the restored to flying condition B25, Georgie's Gal. If you notice on the nose you will see an outhouse. I believe the story goes they were at an airshow and during a turn around blew over a porta-potty. Sadly, no rides or appearances. (Either in the plane or porta-potty. Don't think I'd pay for the latter though...)
Inside the first thing that caught my eye was a display case with Hogan's Heroes props. Coats, hats, etc. They really needed another case for that! There was too much other stuff to shoot pix of though. Bomber crew gear, logs, etc. There were also some original Tri-Motor interior parts on display.
Speaking of the Ford Tri-Motor; the restored Tri-motor I flew on a few years back (see HERE) is owned and based out this museum. Sadly, it is on permanent lease to the EAA. I was really hoping on another ride over the bay with my son.
Lastly we have the American style diner The Tin Goose. Real 50s feel with a view of the flightline and really good food.
Check out the pictures HERE.
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