Researching Hatbox Field History

Daniel Haston's interest in Muskogee history is bringing him back home this week. He will be researching the history of Hatbox Field and its one-time manager, Libby Rupert.

Daniel grew up in Muskogee during the 1930's and '40's. Because his father took aerial photographs of crop land, he began wanting an airplane ride. The growth of his flying interest also came from the constant news articles appearing in newspapers and on radio.

This hobby resonated among his acquaintances as well. When any of his brothers or friends heard an airplane engine, there were shouts of "Airplane" resounding from young throats. Hearing the word "Airplane" prompted all of the kids to run to the nearest doorway in an effort to spot the airborne speck in the sky.

Daniel's father flew in Lilburn L. Rupert's airplane while taking the aerial photographs of farm land. At the time, Muskogee's only airport was Hatbox Field. And Rupert, he went by "Libby," was the manager of the field. If they flew before World War II, many Muskogee residents were given their first airplane rides or lessons by Libby. He also offered commercial flights to the business community.

After Libby purchased a new Piper J-5 monoplane in the spring of 1940, Daniel's father finally consented to treating two of his sons to an airplane ride. Here, in his own words, is Daniel's description of that flight.

"I sat on the wide, rear seat to the right side of brother, Glen. I recall the starting of the engine and the take-off. But, being a small five-year old, I couldn't see over the lower window edge, until Glen slid over and put me on his lap. Then, I could see downward. We had climbed to an altitude of 500-800 feet from where, in my child's eyes, all I could see were toy houses and cars below. It has been a most memorable flight."

From that date forward, Daniel's love of flying strengthened until he learned to fly himself. Eventually, he became a helicopter pilot who flew service runs for oil companies delivering personnel or parts to offshore oil drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

Haston's interest in Muskogee's Hatbox Field and Libby Rupert brings him back to town to research. His history of the airport and its manager is in rough draft already. This year relatives of Rupert will meet here to swap stories and make donations to the Three Rivers Museum.

Today Daniel lives in retirement with his wife in Wiggins, MS.