Age Group:
AdultsProgram Description
Description
Mike Fredriksen Presents:
Fred Machesney: Rockford Aviation Legend
The name Machesney is very familiar to those who live in the Northern Illinois region due to the the Village of Machesney Park and the Machesney Park Mall. However, before there was a village and a mall, the name Machesney was synonymous with aviation. Fred Machesney founded the first official Airport in Rockford and operated it for 47 years. Machesney was an innovator, a businessman, and a catalyst for the aviation industry our region is now known for. Join us as we explore Machesney’s life from barnstormer in Kewanee to the closure and conversion of his airport into a mall. We will also talk about early Rockford aviation themes and the formation of Chicago Rockford International Airport.
Registration is required. Ages 18 and up only.