 |
|
|
|
|
| Memorable Opening of Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center | Aug '07 |
|
|
| |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Patty Wagstaff thrilled the crowd with an inverted low altitude pass to cut the ribbon, signifying the opening of the Bird Aviation & Inventors Museum. | |
More than 350 guests celebrated the opening of the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center at Dr. Forrest and Pam Bird's spectacular lodge and grounds near Sandpoint, Idaho, July 6-8. The first evening guests were treated to a wonderful dinner, where special guests were introduced, including Tex Hill, Clay Lacy, Joe Clark (owner of Aviation Partners) and NASA astronaut John Grunfelds.
The next morning, on Saturday, July 7, the museum officially opened with Patty Wagstaff cutting the ribbon dramatically at the end of the runway of Bird's special landing strip near the museum. More than 500 guests, including many who flew in, were on hand to watch the festivities. Many of the townspeople have watched the Bird compound grow over the past 35 years. Dr. Forrest Bird, a Living Legend of Aviation honoree, has been featured in Airport Journals several times, and is best known for inventing the heart-lung machine and the Baby Bird respirator, which has saved hundreds of thousands of lives. "60 Minutes" is doing a special on Dr. Bird and his contributions to humanity and aviation this month. His manufacturing plant meticulously produces and repairs these machines at his compound. The Birds have created a most remarkable museum of aviation and inventions in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable.
To read the full story, visit www.airportjournals.com.
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Drs. Forrest and Pam Bird hosted more than 350 guests during the opening of the Bird Aviation & Inventors Museum. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | The first level of the museum had lots of planes, cars and items to enjoy. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Patty Wagstaff visits with Tex Hill. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Guests included NASA Hubble space walker John Mace Grunsfeld, Tex Hill and Clay Lacy. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | It was a beautiful day to enjoy the many attractions at the Bird Museum. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Joe Clark and Clay Lacy arrived in Clark’s Beech Baron. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Tex Hill and his daughter, Shannon, were among many honored guests. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Clay Lacy enjoyed his conversation with Tex Hill. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Joe Clark and Dr. Bird renewed an old friendship. Clark and Bill Lear delivered Bird’s first Lear 24 to him in 1964. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Inventors and aviators signed books and photos. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Jerry Lips enjoyed the museum dedication. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | John Mace Grunsfeld presents a NASA Hubble spacewalk picture to Pam and Forrest Bird. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Patty Wagstaff entertained Dr. Bird and the crowd with a surprise appearance and spectacular show. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | The museum is situated on the Birds’ 300-acre compound. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | Patty Wagstaff spoke by radio to Dr. Bird and the crowd, announcing some of her special maneuvers. | |
 | | Photo By George Perks | | | L to R: Chris “Boomer” Wilson, who holds the distinction of the most record carrier landings, enjoys meeting Clay Lacy, who holds the record of more flight hours than anyone else on the planet, and John Mace Grunsfeld, NASA astronaut. | |
John Robbins
August 31, 2009 00:26 | I saw the story on your
museum and life's achievements on television.
Your inspiration will forever be a personal beacon for me.
Thank you so much.
John Robbins
Houston, Texas | debbie wooten
August 31, 2009 03:15 | Mr. Bird,
Saved my life I was the youngest ever born in the United States at the time it wasn't published. I weighed 1.7 ounces and if it wasn't for his machine I wouldn't have lived and had five grandchildren this was 1962 and my father was stationed in Oklahoma. Please tell him I am the youngest surviving person ever in America because of his lung machine! God Bless You Sir I am still alive!!!! | debbie wooten
August 31, 2009 17:14 | Mr. Bird,
I wrote to you earlier about you saving my life, I want you to know that in 1962 my father was in the Air Force in Oklahoma, Altus and I was born their but three months early your devise actually saved me I am so very fortunate and proud to be here! I just once more want to tell you thank you for letting me have a life! Kindest of regards, Debbie Barchers Wooten. |
Back to Page 1
|
|
|
|
|
