1964–65 Volume 89 No 1–5 - Phi Delta Theta Scroll Archive

Wisconsin Phi WidelyAs Leader of VirginiaHUMMEL FIELD in Middlesex County, Virginia, operated on a non-profit basis byFred Hummel, Wisconsin '19 (inset).RecognizedAviationFred Hummel (Wisconsin '19) is an aviation enthusiast.One invariably comes to the above stated conclusionafter reading a feature story about BrotherHummel written by Tyler Whitley and appearing inthe Richmond (Virginia) News Leader on May 21.Because of poor eyesight, the Wisconsin Phi wasnever able to realize his early dream of becoming apilot but this handicap has not prevented himfrom making significant contributions to the aviationindustry. His interest in flying has culminatedin the ownership of two Virginia airports and hasbeen recognized to the extent of his serving twoterms as chairman of the Virginia Advisory Committeeon Aeronautics.About twenty years ago Brother Hummel pur-,chased an airport at Hopewell, Virginia, whichhad been in operation since 1925. Soon thereafterhe purchased a summer home on the RappahannockRiver near Grey's Point, a popular fishing area.Realizing the need for a landing field which couldbe used by fishermen and fishing gtiides. BrotherHummel established an airport in this section ofMiddlesex County.In mid-May Hummel Field, with its completelypaved 2500-foot runway and a "fly-in" restaurant,was formally dedicated. The field is operated on a[Ill]non-profit basis and no landing fees are charged.Since settling in Hopewell, Virginia in 1920, Mr.Hummel has become a great booster for the communityvalues of developed aviation faculties. Heis quoted by writer Whitley as saying, "Since beingassociated with aviation, I have seen airportsbring industry into several small towns across Virginia."He was certain of the help given his homecommunity of Hopewell as the result of the localairport.Fred Hummel's interest in aviation is not a recentdevelopment. The Richmond writer says ofhim:"A native of Milwaukee, Hummel began 'flying'in 1911. He and other kids would take homemadegliders to the top of cliffs overlooking Lake Michiganand push themselves off the cliffs. The gliderswould sail out about 150 feet, never rising abovethe level of the cliff, and land on the sandy beachbelow."Hummel modeled his bi-winged glider afterplans obtained from aviation pioneer Glen Curtis."After many years in business in the Hopewellcommunity. Brother Hummel moved to Richmond.Although now retired from active business responsibilities,he has not retired as an aviation enthusiastnor is he likely to do so.(Our thanks to Ed B. White, Jr. (Florida '57), Secretaryof Richmond (Va.) Alumni Club, for supplying materialfor this story.—^ED.)