Donations Sought for Historic Medicine Bow Airport

APRIL 21, 2025|

Photo – Medicine Bow Airport – Bigfoot99 file photo

The Medicine Bow Airport Advisory Board is still seeking donations to restore the town’s historic landing field.

Last summer, Colorado pilot Nathan Finneman addressed the governing body of Medicine Bow to explain the significance of the town’s nearby airport. Finneman explained that the Medicine Bow airport, located less than a mile south of town, features the best-preserved airmail directional arrow and outbuildings in the western United States, dating back to the 1920s. The Colorado pilot urged the council to preserve the existing structures while they can.

The Medicine Bow town council took Finneman’s advice and reestablished an airport advisory board to oversee the renovations to the historically significant airfield. Earlier this year, the governing body accepted letters of interest from Carbon County residents interested in preserving the airport. However, work has been slow because the advisory board is not a federally recognized charity organization.

During the April 14^th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Councilwoman Crystal Mayfield provided an update on the airport. Councilwoman Mayfield said the state has recognized the town’s efforts to retain the integrity of the landing strip and outbuildings, which are listed on the National Park Service’s Registry of Historic Places.

Additionally, Councilwoman Mayfield said Megan Stanfill, the Executive Director for the Alliance for Historic Wyoming, is excited for the project and has contributed research information about the airport.

Councilwoman Mayfield said that Stanfill contacted an individual who had previously helped establish a 501(c)(3) for the Medicine Bow airport. That person will now attempt to transfer ownership of the nonprofit organization to the town.

Last month, Vernon Lovejoy, of Hass and Lovejoy Protected Area Advisors, reached out to the Medicine Bow Airport Advisory Board to suggest a business that might be interested in donating a new roof for the airport’s historic weather station. Lovejoy is also spearheading the Pathways National Heritage Area project.

During the April 14^th meeting, Councilwoman Crystal Mayfield said the Iowa-based roofing company has reached out to offer a long-lasting synthetic roofing system.

The Airport Board is attempting to restore electrical power to the beacon light and weather station. Mayor Justin George said he secured a utility pole that can be used at the airport. Councilwoman Mayfield explained the electric company refused to donate an electrical transformer to the airport. Without a 501(c)(3), the Airport Board is finding it difficult to raise the money needed to purchase the transformer itself.

In the meantime, Councilwoman Mayfield said the Airport Board has no shortage of volunteers. However, the Board must ensure they are following state guidelines to preserve the Medicine Bow Airport’s recognized historic status.

Although High Plains Power is the electricity supplier for the airport, Medicine Bow Volunteer Fire Chief Ed Standish recommended contacting Carbon Power and Light about a potential grant to pay for the electrical transformer.