Cultural Landmarks of Hamilton-Wentworth

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Location:  Hamilton International John. C. Munro Airport, Mount Hope, Ontario

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum was founded in 1972 by interested businessmen and aeroplane enthusiasts. The objective of the Canadian Warplane Heritage organization was to acquire a complete collection of the Second World War aircraft that had been flown by Canadian aviators. The planes were to be showcased in two World War II hangers. The organization used its own funds to acquire and restore the historical planes. In 1973, Canadian Warplane Heritage became incorporated as a non-profit organization which allowed them to accept cash donations and planes. The organization began to expand quickly as more and more individuals became members at a cost of $100 per person. The aircraft that were restored were not only showcased in the hangers, but they were also used in air shows.

By 1974, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum had acquired a Firefly, Lysander, Harvard, Chipmunk, Tiger-moth, Corsair, and a Searfire. They also later acquired a Mustang, Mitchell, Avenger, Lancaster, and a Cornell. However, the Canadian Warplane Museum was experiencing difficulties restoring these historic planes due to a lack of technical manuals, engineering orders, and personal expertise. Another problem that emerged was the maintenance cost of the planes which included the cost of fuel; therefore, the Association had to find ways in which to raise the required funds.

The first air show was held in June of 1975 at the airport. It was reported that only an estimated 19,000 spectators paid the admission fee, while another 31,000 just walked passed security who were reportedly "...sitting under the trees eating watermelon and just watching the cars drive on by." A lawsuit was filed by the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum against the security firm hired to watch the gates. Since admission prices were $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for children and $1.00 for parking, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum estimated its net loss to be in an excess of $85,000. The lawsuit was filed for $90,000, but the Museum settled out of court for $6,500.

In 1990, the Warplane Museum was scheduled for renovations. The hangers were in need of new roofs, new white aluminum siding, fresh paint and the opening up of windows that had been boarded up. The hangers were designed to be used for 10 years, but they had been used for more than 50 years. Therefore, these renovations were critical, since the museum had acquired approximately 40 aircraft. The renovations were estimated to cost $400,000.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Association found many creative ways in which to raise funds for their cause. The air shows were an integral part of raising money. These shows were held annually and featured their collection of World War II planes. On June 6, 1990, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Association held a 50's style dance and featured vintage hotrods which included 1947 Ford Coupe, 1927 Ford T, 1949 Chevy Pickup, and a 1955 Studebaker.

In 1992, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum unveiled the famous "link" simulator which was built and designed by Edwin Link and donated by Aero Instruments and Avionics of North Tonawanda, N.Y. It was nicknamed the "Blue Box" due to its appearance and was used to teach World War II pilots to fly just using their instrument controls, otherwise known as flying blind. This innovation significantly aided pilots, since they were able to fly in bad weather. During the 1930's, the cost of a Link simulator would have ranged from $1,500 to $3,500, while today a Link simulator would cost in the excess of $500,000 to $35,000,000.

Other donations included a A. Pinmgar mural which was 10 by 4.5 feet and depicted 22 World War II planes in flight.

In 1993, the Warplane Heritage Museum experienced a devastating fire which destroyed six of its prized planes including the Spitfire, Hurricane, Avenger, Auster, Turbo Commander, and a Stinson. The value of the planes was estimated to be over $3,000,000. The fire also destroyed the office building. Fortunately, some of the other historic planes were stored in a different hanger or were relocated to Hanger 3 for regular maintenance. The Lancaster was located in the same room as the fire, however, it escaped damage, due to a concrete wall which separated it from the other planes. After the fire, the hangers and buildings were restored. The new facility was approximately 108,000 square feet.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum also lost one of its prized planes in an air show accident. Thousands of spectators watched the plane come out of the clouds at 3,000 feet, climb a bit and then nose dive into Lake Ontario. Sadly, the pilot died. After this devastating accident the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum purchased another Fairey Firefly from an aviation museum in Australia.

One of the more controversial fund-raising moves the Canadian Warplane Heritage Association took was to sell the Corsair in early 1998. The Museum sold the aircraft to an American warbird collector for $730,000 US. This transaction angered many members of the Canadian Warplane Heritage Association, due to the historical importance of the plane. This particular Corsair was dedicated to Lieutenant Robert Hampton Grey, a native of Trail, BC, who was shot down after destroying a Japanese destroyer. He won the Victoria Cross posthumously for his gallant actions. However, the Museum justified the sale by pointing out the fact that the Corsair was not a Canadian plane, and more importantly, its sale brought the Association out of debt.

On August 7, 1998, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum unveiled its newest aircraft, a Hawker Hurricane.  During World War II, 14,000 Hurricanes were built and today less than ten are fully operational in the world.  The Hawker Hurricane was noted for the destruction of more enemy aircraft than any other type.

Today, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum offers a variety of resources which include an archive and research library. The library contains over 4,000 books, 2,000 photos and hundreds of artifacts. The museum also houses 38 aircraft, 22 of which are in flying condition. The aircraft and archived materials are an invaluable resource for Hamilton-Wentworth and Canada.

References:
Canadian Warplane Heritage Inc. Scrapbook.  Special Collections, HPL.
Clipping File.  Hamilton - Royal Visits - Prince Charles of Wales.   Special Collections, HPL.
Clipping File.  Mount Hope - Museums - Canadian Warplane Museums.  Special Collections, HPL.
Hamilton International Airshow Scrapbook.  Special Collections, HPL.
Our Heritage Scrapbook.  Special Collections, HPL.
Mount Hope Airport Scrapbook.  Special Collections, HPL.

The Hamilton Public Library would like to thank the Canadian Warplane Museum for graciously contributing information and pictures for this web page.

Link:  Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Homepage