Arcadia Publishing has published a new book by Daniel W. Mason that tells the history of Detroit Metro Airport in 200 old photographs.
It’s a perfect Christmas gift for local airplane buffs who watched the airport grow over the past 80 years – and took part in that history.
“Images of Aviation: Detroit Metro Airport” went on sale Dec. 12 for $21.99 at local retailers, online bookstores, or through Arcadia Publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665.
The “Metro Airport” book is the latest addition to Arcadia’s “Images of America” series.
Mason writes, “This book is dedicated to the men and women who served at the Romulus Army Airfield during World War II and the Air National Guardsmen who served in Romulus while protecting our country – thank you.”
Mason writes that originally one hangar and a Michigan Air National Guard building occupied one square mile of land with two lighted runways that were state of the art at the time.
Edward Hines was the president of the board of the Wayne County Road Commission who foresaw that the airport was going to be a significant part of the community in terms of jobs and transportation.
The airport became the Romulus Army Airfield during World War II serving the military by transporting B-24 Liberator bombers to the East Coast, among other services.
The airport grew from there. The 126 pages of photos show how Metro evolved into the world-class airport of today.
Daniel Mason, who was born and raised in Trenton, studied history at Lake Superior State College during the early 1980s. Employed by FedEx Express as a tractor-trailer driver, Mason still studies history and is currently working to create, with the help of the Wayne County airport Authority, an archive and museum for Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport.
Mason will be present for a book signing from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14, at Barnes & Noble, 3120 Fairlane Drive, Allen Park.