History of the New Knoxville Airport

New Knoxville Airport, Inc.

During the spring and early summer of 1955 three men from New Knoxville, Ohio, Reuben Deerhake (1928-2012), Homer Kuck (1921-1989) and Martin Wehmeyer (1912-1998), all owners of general aviation aircraft, got together to study the feasibility of starting an airport near our local community. 

Several parcels of land were considered and inspected but none were of adequate length with no obstructions. Eventually a deal was worked out with Elmer and Ruth Kuck to purchase a 10 acre plot on the east side of New Knoxville (Washington Township) south of SR-219. At the same time a deal was worked out with Edwin and Lucille Kuck to trade 5 of these acres on the west side of our land parcel for 5 acres of their land on the south end giving a total runway length of about 2600 feet. The original purchase was on June 27, 1955 and the five acre trade took place on July 27, 1955. The total purchase price was $5000.

At about the same time, the N.K. Airport Corporation, an Ohio nonprofit corporation was formed with a total capital stock of $10,000. Reuben Deerhake was the president of this corporation and martin Wehmeyer was vice-president, Homer Kuck was secretary, and Leroy Kuhlman was treasurer. The original stock cost was $10 per share and when completely sold out there were about 37 stockholders, all from the local community.

The first landing at this new airport was on July 31, 1955 with Reuben Deerhake's Stinson Voyager.

*This in an excerpt from the History of the New Knoxville Airport, Inc. by Reuben D. Deerhake (New Knoxville Public Library R 929.2 Dec)

New Knoxville Airport becomes Neil Armstrong Airport

Located on State Route 219 east of new Knoxville, Neil Armstrong Airport was dedicated Sunday, October 8th, 1967 after Armstrong's successful Gemini flight. shortly after, Northern Air Lines began passenger service out of the airport. In 1970 Auglaize county received a grant to build a terminal which was completed in 1971. Northern Air Lines also built a hanger on the property from which they based their operation. The airline served Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati. Their operation lasted only into the mid '70's at which time the hanger was turned over to the county. Over the years there was a need for a more spacious and modern terminal which was completed in 2021.