Oldest Dropzone in US?

[pwln 0]

A couple of questions here.
1. What dropzone was the first civilian dropzone in the US?
2. What dropzone is the oldest continually operating dropzone in the US?

I hear so many different answers and see so many claims on dz webs sites, so does anyone really know?

[BillyVance 34]

If I'm not mistaken, Orange, MA has the oldest continuing DZ in the US. Orange, MA also was the first...

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[howardwhite 6]

The Orange Sport Parachuting Center opened May 2, 1959, and was the first commercial dropzone in the U.S.
It cannot claim to be the oldest continuing DZ, as it shut down in 1984. Operations resumed in 1996 as Jumptown.
The Mass. Sport Parachute Club, which now operates Jumptown, is an offspring of the club which started at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in about 1959.

HW
(writing from the scene)

[pwln 0]

I know that Above the Poconos Skydivers (Hazleton, PA) claims to be "the oldest, continuously running, same Management USPA Member Skydiving Center in the World!" (Since 1961)

and Skydive Greene County (Xenia, OH) has also been open and operating under the same owner since 1961 but they are not a USPA member DZ.

I figured Orange, MA was the "First" commercial dz. What others are there that have been around and have not closed or changed owners?

[BillyVance 34]

Thanks for the clarification.

"Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban

[JerryBaumchen 1,439]

Hi pwln,

One of the oldest is located on the airport at Snohomish, WA.

It has changed operators a number of times but has never ceased operations since somewhere around the late '50's.

The Seattle Skydivers are the oldest civilian club in the USA.

JerryBaumchen

[airdvr 210]

I think Cleveland just celebrated their 50th last year.

Please don't dent the planet.

Destinations by Roxanne

[airtwardo 7]

http://www.skydivelspc.com/


Them ole Nebraska boys been doing it awhile too!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[JerryBaumchen 1,439]

Hi Jim,

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them ole Nebraska boys

I've jumped with them ole Nebraska boys at Weeping Water,

JerryBaumchen

[airtwardo 7]

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Hi Jim,

Quote

them ole Nebraska boys

I've jumped with them ole Nebraska boys at Weeping Water,

JerryBaumchen

Hi Jerry~

Yeah, me too....I sure miss Shorty!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[JerryBaumchen 1,439]

Damn Jim,

Now you're taking me back. I remember one evening BS'ing with Shorty down in his basement where he had a packing table and all of his rigging gear.

Good days,

JerryBaumchen

[airtwardo 7]

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Damn Jim,

Now you're taking me back. I remember one evening BS'ing with Shorty down in his basement where he had a packing table and all of his rigging gear.

Good days,

JerryBaumchen

I was on a scuba trip once with him...he had a really neat thermal conditions 'first-aid' kit, one side said hot the other cold...1st side held Schnapps the other Scotch.

Good days!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[JerryBaumchen 1,439]

And who says life isn't fun,

JerryBaumchen

[LloydDobbler 2]

I know it wasn't the first, but Elsinore also lays claim to the title as the 'longest-running skydiving operation in North America' on their website.

(Some good photos on those pages, too).

Anyone know if Elsinore ever closed & re-opened?

Signatures are the new black.

[pwln 0]

Bunch of hippies in those pictures.

[howardwhite 6]

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Anyone know if Elsinore ever closed & re-opened?

Well, I remember a trip to Elsinore when the lake had flooded the DZ area and jumping moved to a small airport several miles south. Does that constitute "closing"?

HW

[LloydDobbler 2]

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Anyone know if Elsinore ever closed & re-opened?

Well, I remember a trip to Elsinore when the lake had flooded the DZ area and jumping moved to a small airport several miles south. Does that constitute "closing"?

HW

Yeah, that's what *I* was wondering...

Signatures are the new black.

[livendive 8]

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http://www.skydivelspc.com/


Them ole Nebraska boys been doing it awhile too!

Last year we celebrated 50 years of fun in Missoula, MT. The Montana State University Parachute Club was formed in 1957 and renamed the "Silvertip Skydivers" in 1961 in deference to the MSU Siltertip Grizzlies. They have, however, had to move locations periodically throughout the years.

Blues,
Dave

"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!"
(drink Mountain Dew)

[SStewart 13]

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They have, however, had to move locations periodically throughout the years.

If we include dropzones that have had the same DZO but have changed locations over the years then Ralph Hatley should be mentioned. 44 years total and 32 years at Beaver Oaks.

Skydive Eagle Creek at Beaver Oaks Airport is still open. Not to mention that Ralph is still one of the largest parachute equipment dealers in the world.

Onward and Upward!

[JerryBaumchen 1,439]

Hi Scott,

I first met Ralph about April '64. It was a rainy Saturday and we all ended up in a tavern BS'ing.

JerryBaumchen

[Greene 0]

Skydive Greene County, Xenia, Ohio, name change to reflect the times from "Greene County Sport Parachute Center" to Skydive Greene County.

Opened in 1961, same owner in 2008 as was 1961, same location.

Owner still skydiving and still flying :) at the same original location in Xenia Ohio :) :)

Skies blue
Jim and Lee West