History of Long Beach Airport
As the Long Beach Airport (LGB) gets set to celebrate its 100th anniversary, a glance back at its history suggests the self-described “boutique” airport–declared one of the world’s most beautiful by the BBC and just “too perfect” by CNN–was destined to achieve greater heights.
From famous aviators, to assisting war efforts and the development of the aerospace industry, to providing the most convenient and pleasurable air travel for locals and visitors alike, Long Beach Airport’s first century has been equal parts historic and cherished. A match made in the heavens … and at the beach.
Coinciding with its 100th anniversary has been Long Beach Airport’s multi-phase Terminal Area Improvement Program, including a new ticketing lobby and baggage area as well as renovations to its iconic terminal.
“In one sense we are celebrating 100 years of operation, but nothing about us looks that way,” said Cynthia Guidry, Long Beach Airport’s Executive Director. “We are experiencing a full-body makeover, and I sense the excitement of renovating our historic terminal, discovering old mosaics, and preparing for a brand new look in 2024.”
And though the sheen of new projects belies the airport’s 100 years, the fact is that aviation in Long Beach stretches back far more than a century. From as early as 1905, Long Beach’s seven miles of sandy beach proved not only a soft, safe landing spot for those taken with flight–first for air balloons, then biplanes performing takeoffs and landings at low tide–but also a significant one.
In 1911, Cal Rodger completed the first U.S. transcontinental flight in Long Beach. In 1919, Earl Daugherty, the greatest stunt pilot of his time, opened the world’s first flight school in Long Beach that proved so popular he and city officials agreed to develop a 60-acre municipal flying field that was dedicated on Christmas Day, 1920. Three days later, after having been dazzled by an air show at the field, a young woman signed up for lessons. Her name was Amelia Earhart.
Buoyed by tremendous interest, Daugherty convinced city officials to create what was California’s first municipal airport and just the fourth airport in the United States. The city purchased 150 acres near the intersection of Spring Street and Cherry Avenue and ground was broken on Daugherty Field on Nov. 26, 1923.
It was there that Gladys O’Donnell became the city’s first licensed female pilot. Charles A. Lindbergh flew his Spirit of St. Louis there in 1928, the same year he made his historic trans-Atlantic flight. In fact, Lindbergh flew into Long Beach several times, including an emergency night landing when he praised the city for having paved runways and the country’s first illuminated field.
By 1941, the airport’s terminal was ready for its grand opening, but the opening was scheduled for Dec. 8, which turned out to be the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ceremony was delayed while the terminal was repainted in camouflage and used as a billet for soldiers and military guns. LGB played a critical role during World War II as the home of the Army Air Corps 6th Ferrying Group Air Transport Command, utilizing civilian women pilots, known as the Women’s Auxiliary Ferry Squadron (WAFS) and Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).
The rescheduled opening of the terminal in April 1942 celebrated its now familiar and iconic Streamline Moderne design, emphasizing an aerodynamic look with elegant curves and long horizontal lines.
“Streamline Moderne was associated with transportation oriented buildings,” said John Thomas, the historic preservation consultant for airport projects. “And architects Kenneth Wing and Horace Austin who designed the terminal were both known for their passion for this type of architecture.
That architecture would not only become emblematic of Long Beach Airport, but also, in many ways, came to represent to many what an airport looked like since the terminal soon, and often, found its way onto the silver screen.
Beginning in 1946, with such films such as “The Best Years of Our Lives”– the airport would be featured in so many movies, and later, TV shows that it now has its own IMDB page spotlighting appearances in “Rush Hour,” “The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer,” and, fittingly, “Airplane,” as well as many more.
Today, Long Beach Airport covers 1,166 acres and has three runways, the longest being 10,000 feet, used by major passenger airlines and cargo services. It has served as a hub of corporate activity, most especially McDonnel Douglas and Boeing, which established Southern California as a leader in aerospace. There are more than 200 businesses located on airport property now.
The terminal, now recognized as a Historic Landmark, continues to undergo a renovation that has often produced treasures–particularly mosaics–covered over by decades of use and refurbishment.
“The mosaic vignettes, all newly uncovered, have been the best surprise of the preservation,” Thomas said. “We proceeded with our work very carefully on the assumption that they were still there. It is exciting to have discovered all the mosaics that have been covered for nearly 60 years.”
And as the airport heads into its second century, there’s still plenty of history, and happiness, to be made.
“I’ve heard passengers talk about how much they enjoy flying in and out of LGB, and those first-time user comments are especially sweet. I may or may not share that I’m the Director, but I’ve had some great conversations about how easy-going and charming the airport is,” Guidry said. “Throughout this construction journey, we’ve certainly had our own ooh and aah moments. It’s an honor to build and restore one of the city’s most precious assets. It really feels like Long Beach Airport’s rich past, present and future are all culminating into this moment.”
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