More info on the 1941 Gander Control Tower

Back on 08 August (2011), Jack posted an article in which I asked a question about where the control tower in a photo was located. I am happy to say that a number of people sent very interesting feedback!

Jack himself provided the first reply saying "The control tower scene is from the old admin building. Actually it is the only pic I have every seen of the tower in action. Here are some of the clues that give it away. (1)The tower at hanger 21 didn't exist till post WWII to the best of my knowledge. (2)Notice the airplanes on the ramp in front of hanger 20. If Hanger 21 was built at that time you would have seen it in the upper left portion. (3) The windows are divided in panes and could open from the inside. Hanger 21 tower windows were full with a minimum of dividing panels".

He sent two photos showing the difference from the inside. The 1st is of the newer tower.

The 2nd photo is the Admin Bldg and Jack mentions that the desk has been see in a number of shots of the Admin Bldg tower.

Carol Walsh also sent two lovely photos.  One which has been posted in other places shows the tower along with the hanger 21-22 complex:

Her other photo is from her personal collection and gives an excellent close-up of the tower on the end of hanger 21:

Herb Carter says that "if you have a copy of "Life at the Crossroads of the World”, History of Gander, Newfoundland, page 49 shows a picture of the control tower. The windows appear to be the same type as the ones in your picture and is from the control tower in the Administration building."   If anybody can send along a copy of that, it would be appreciated.

One of the most interesting replies came from Clyde Burt, the same chap who, along with his wife, cleaned out the roads on the Army side so that participants in the last reunion could do a field trip of old Gander. He also happens to be an excellent model builder.

Here is a photo he sends along showing the old Admin Bldg with the tower on the top.

 

And here is a photo of the absolutely great model he did…complete with a model car just like in the photo!

 

For those unfamiliar with the history of the admin bldg, Clyde sent along a text for which has been added the following link:

Thanks to all who have contributed and if anyone has anything add, please let me know.

Robert Pelley