Picture This!

In the late 1920's, a pilot and a teenage field mechanic climbed into a biplane to take off from a small airport. The airplane takes off but doesn't get quiet high enough to avoid crashing into a church steeple. One might expect a tragedy, but the two on board get out of the plane and climb down inside the steeple unharmed.

According to local legend, this happened to George Pruden and a pilot in Wayne Township. It's one of many unique aerial tales from Murchio (or Murchio's) Airport here in Wayne.

Murchio's Airport

1919-1956

On Hamburg Turnpike and Church Lane

The oldest airport in Passaic County, Murchio's was built by Thomas and Joseph Murchio in 1919. Neither brother had flown before. Joseph, 23 years old, had a reputation as an automobile racer. Thomas, 32 years old, soon developed a reputation as an excellent flyer. The brothers bought their first plane, a Jenny, for $4,000 and soon built their first airplane hangar. Eventually, their fleet of airplanes and business expanded. Sightseeing, skywriting, and towing sign advertising were among their many endeavors. The airfield was about 71 acres and had an elevation of 480 feet. The airport was in business until 1956 (following Thomas Murchio's death in 1950), when his family sold the airport to developers. The land was partially developed into the T-Bowl Shopping Center.

The Murchio's Airport Photo Collection

Click any image to enlarge and learn more!

Peter Beversluis and Piper Cub, June 14th, 1939

Beversluis had just returned from Bridgeport after seeing Sikorsky's first experimental helicopter.

Planes Overhead

Planes flying overhead would have been a common sight for Wayne residents, particularly those living close to the airport.

Flying Lessons

Peter Beversluis was photographed here with his instructor, potentially Bob Gollum, at Murchio's Airport in August 1940.

Sunday Crowds

Sunday crowds can be seen behind this Command-Aire byplane, which took on passengers for $1 each.

Byplanes

This Waco UPF-7 byplane was owned and flown by Bill Rhode. Passengers enjoyed flights in it during the 1949-1952 season.

Pilot and Mechanic

Some of Murchio's familiar faces can be seen in this photo, ca. 1938. On the left, pilot Bill Rhode, and on the right, mechanic Esso Vitali.

Ticket Booth

Len Herman (the airport barker), Bob Golem (pilot), and Bill Rhode (pilot and parachute jumper) are seen here in the announcer's stand and ticket booth in 1939.

Dining

The airport was also a popular place for a meal; Herman Limmer and his wife ran the Airport Inn, which served German and American cooking. When the airport closed, it was renamed the Bavarian Village Restaurant.

Breaking Records

Barnstorming, stunt flying, and tricks were common at Murchio's Airport. On June 16th, 1940, Bill Rhode set a world record at the airport by jumping from an airplane and opening five parachutes.