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The
History of the EAA
AirVenture Seaplane Base
 When
EAA moved their convention site to Oshkosh in 1970, a few members,
including Bill Pratt from Winnipeg, flew their floatplanes here and
managed to get rides to Wittman Field as needed. By 1973, Paul Poberezny
negotiated with Bill and Al to begin a seaplane base operation for EAA
visitors during the convention. As EAA helped with improvements to the
grounds and transportation to and from Wittman Field, attendance rose
steadily, especially after Norm Petersen began to write aviation
articles about the unique aircraft and high spirits here each year.
In 1995, Bill Brennand retired, selling his 1.9 acres around the
seaplane base to John Vette Jrs' descendents, John Vette III and his
sister Burleigh Blust. The property is now owned by the Vette and Blust
families.
| Year |
1981 |
1987 |
1991 |
1993 |
1996 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
Registered
Aircraft |
35 |
70 |
120 |
107 |
114 |
148 |
102 |
104 |
108 |
| Year |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
|
|
Registered
Aircraft |
121 |
129 |
140 |
130 |
129 |
126 |
136 |
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Volunteer Efforts
EAA thrives because of the efforts of many dedicated volunteers. The
group at the Seaplane Base is small, but what they lack in number is
more than compensated for by the level of their commitment. The Base is
manned by approximately 150 volunteers, who make sure that planes are
docked and moored, pilots are greeted and registered, the grounds are
maintained, trash is removed and a myriad of other things required to
keep the Base operational and looking great. Memorial Day weekend is the
beginning of preparation for convention week - leaves are raked, flowers
planted, buildings painted and maintenance done. A small army of about
25 Volunteers come to work for the long weekend. Without volunteers, the
Seaplane Base as it is now would not be. If you have a chance, thank
them for their hard work! Visit the Oshkosh
Seaplane Base website for more information.
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