"Sounds From The Past"

I can almost hear it the sound of a Beachcraft Bonanza firing up it's engines for another flight over the Texas hill country. Something that happened on a regular bassis here at the Flying L Ranch from 1947 to the late eighties.
Col. Jack Lapham who bought the ranch in 1946 with a dream of a place where people could learn to fly, or just spend a few days away from the city life. That dream came true, you could fly in check in at the Pilot's Lounge grab your key and taxi over to one of the Villas here on the ranch for a little down time. When you landed there would be a jeep that had a sign on it that read, "Fallow Me" and you would probably be greeted by the Colonel with a big ole' smile. He would refuel your aircraft with his big tanker that was steered by a pilot's stick and not a wheel.
 The "Pilot's Lounge was designed by associates of Frank Lloyd Wright, a famous architect. It was a place where you could get a great steak dinner for $1.90. There is a big picture window where you could watch as the planes would land and take off.
Some famous people like John Wayne and Gregory Peck have spent some down time here. The Cisco Kid and Poncho did some filming in the late forties.
As we look back at the rich history of the Flying L there is a desire to bring back some of those sights and sounds. The Pilots's Lounge has been in disarray but with a little help we will be bringing it back to life.
 The Historical Society of Bandera will be meeting in the Pilot's Lounge this coming Monday April 15 at 2:00, as we look at some of the possibilities for renovations and the future of this grand old building with it's rich history.
I hope you all can make it. Buck Shannon will be sharing old stories and pictures. There will be snacks and everyone is invited.