HISTORY OF AIRLINE SERVICE AT IMESON AIRPORT JACKSONVILLE, FL
Part 6: The closing and redevelopment of Imeson Airport
The last passenger flight left Imeson Airport on October 26, 1968 and the airlines moved to the new Jacksonville International Airport seven miles to the north. The general aviation facilities at the new airport were not yet finished, so Imeson remained open to private aircraft and charter flights for another year. These first three photos were taken from that time. In the first photo, taken on June 6, 1969 by Aero-Pic, the terminal is already showing signs of neglect and deterioration. Photo from the Jacksonville International Airport flickr collection.
A wider view of the same photo shows weeds growing in the parking lot.
The former National Airlines facilities were used to house light aircraft during the final months before the airport closed. Photo taken by Aero-Pic on June 6, 1969. From the Jacksonville International Airport flickr collection.
The Laurie Yonge Flying Service (the airport's first tenant in 1928) remained open through 1969. Photo taken by Aero-Pic on June 6, 1969. From the Jacksonville International Airport flickr collection.
After 42 years of service, Imeson Airport finally shut down on Halloween night, October 31, 1969.
Aviation pioneer Laurie Yonge revisiting his former general aviation facility at the abandoned airport in the early 1970s. Mr. Yonge was one of the first aviators in Florida and is believed to have been issued the first pilot license in the state. He also carried a card signed by Orville Wright which certified him as an official at flying contests. Before the construction of airfields in Jacksonville in the 1920s, he used the local beaches as his runways.
The next seven photos are courtesy of Les Taylor who visited and photographed the abandoned airport several times during 1973 and 1974. This is a great view of one of the two covered walkways that extended across the ramp. It doesn't look like it would have provided much protection from wind and rain but would have been great for plane watching.
Another 1973 view of former gates 5 through 7.
The once grand entrance of the art deco Imeson terminal in 1974 courtesy of Les Taylor. Baggage claim was the small platform at far right.
A closer view of the entrance, covered in weeds and trash.
The former ticket lobby was in shambles by 1974, nearly 6 years after closing.
An airside view of the abandoned tower and some great architectural details: JMA - Jacksonville Municipal Airport. Thanks to Les Taylor for sharing these photos!
After closing, the airport was transformed into the Imeson Industrial Park. In this 1975 aerial the terminal was gone and Imeson Park Boulevard was under construction through the site. Several hangars remained standing.
The most notable development in the early years after the airport closing was the opening of the gargantuan 1.6 million-square-foot Sears Catalog Merchandise Distribution Center on the northwest side of the former airfield. The Times-Union wrote, "When it opened, the building – measuring 60 feet tall by 864 feet wide by 896 feet long – was the largest privately owned facility in Florida, exceeded only by the vertical assembly plant at Cape Kennedy." Photo from the Times-Union Archive.
This view faces northwest from what was once runway 30.
This view faces northwest from what was once runway 30.
A current Google Earth view labeled to show remnants of Imeson Airport.
Here's a comparison of a 1959 photo of the airport and the current Google Earth view facing north. Scroll left and right to compare them.
This is facing east and juxtaposes the 1959 view down Imeson's runway 9 with the current Google Earth view. Scroll left to right to see the changes.
One last thing... Coincidentally, while I was putting this history together, it came to my attention that a gentleman named Al Von Pingel had just released a brand new Imeson Airport scenery for the ancient but still impressive Flight Simulator 2004. I just happen to have FS2004 on my old PC, so I installed the retro-1962 scenery and took it for a spin. It's almost like virtual reality and a little surreal to move around the airport and watch the planes come and go. Here are a few screenshots. Great job Al!
I hope you've enjoyed this tour through the early history of commercial aviation in Jacksonville. The link below will take you to the opening of Imeson's replacement, Jacksonville International Airport.
