AIR BASE

May 4, 1950 - FEDERAL GOVERNMENT REVEALS PLANS FOR RADAR INSTALLATION NEAR FARMINGTON

The U.S. Defense establishment this week finally acknowledged plans for the construction of a classified military installation in the vicinity of Farmington. Rumors of the installation have been circulating since property for the project was purchased from an East Farmington farmer last year. Word of the huge project was received by the Sun in a telegram from Congressman Alvin E. O'Konski, who wired:

A secret classified military installation will be constructed in vicinity of Farmington, Polk County, this year. Total cost will be approximately one million one hundred twenty thousand dollars. When completed will employ two hundred fifty fulltime military and civilian employees. National security does not permit any more description or information regarding this project....

November 16, 1950 - U.S. Air Corps Personnel Now on Village Scene

Village citizens are seeing something new on the streets these days - men in blue uniforms of the Army Air Corps. Unofficial sources report their are 21 military men in the village, 18 enlisted men and 3 officers, at present. It is rumored they will be followed in a few weeks by another 75 making a total of approximately 100 men. After the first of the year still others will report, although an accurate estimate cannot be obtained as to how many.

For the present the 21 men are quartered in private homes and at the hotel, but all will be stationed at the Farmington Base in a few weeks.

So far the majority of personnel seem to hail from the southern half of the United States but this may or may not prove to be the trend of things as others come in. All are between the ages of 17 and 28, with at least half under 21.

November 23, 1950 - Representative from organizations and businesses met to try and decide about starting a recreation center for servicemen

December 14, 1950 - Armed Forces Recreation Center Asked school to have gym open one night a week for them

December 28, 1950 - Armed Forces Recreation Center was opened in Legion Hall, was 20 by 50 long

March 21, 1951 - Committee decided to close Armed Forces Recreation Center

Completion of recreational facilities at air base and impossibility of financing a completely equipped center were factors influencing decision

February 14, 1952 - Courtesy Patrol Now On Duty in Osceola

The neatly dressed airmen, wearing the Courtesy Patrol Armbands now seen in Osceola re top ranking entlisted men of the 674th HC and W Squadron. These exemplary non-coms who are on duty in the evening in Osceola are assigned to help maintain that type of discipline, order and conduct which the citizens of Osceola desire of all the Air Force personnel in town.

The 'Courtesy Patrol' will have authority over all military personnel in town which are assigned to this installation or to nay other military unit.

The 674th HC & W Squardon has created the 'Courtesy Patrol' as another means to bring about an effective Air Force comminity partnership for the benefit of both Air force personnel and citizens of the town.

The following leter, relative to the 'Courtesy Patrol' has been received by the Sun office for publication.

Headquarters
674th Aircraft Control &
Warning Squardon
Osceola, Wis
6 February 1952
Osceola Sun
Osceola, Wisconsin
Dear Sirs:

The following action has been intiated by me to further the civilian-military relationship in your community.

There will be a Courtesy Patrol, effective 6 February 1952, in Oscoela. the patient will operate nighlty between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m.. This patrol will check airman's passes at intervals in the bars in Osceola. All airmen found in the bars who are under 21 years of age will be returned to base and appropriate action taken.

The patrol will also ascertain and insure that military personnel not only wear the uniform properly but that their general behavior is such as to bring credit to both this squadron and the United States Air Force and to your community.

The Couresty Patrol can be reached at the Osceola Hotel Phone number 103 between 6:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. noghtly, This patrol has authority to apprehend all military in Osceola who are violatling military or civil laws.

All airman will be issued a pass with my signature on the reverse therof.

This pass will be checked to verify the birth date of the individual whose name appears theron. It si remembered tha this pass is not valid identification but can be used as an aid to verify age.

Your cooperation is requested in this matter.

Frank M Curtis, Jr.
Lt. Col. USAF
Commanding

1955 - 9 new houses built there

1975 - Closed

1976 - Buildings up for bids