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Port launches Web site featuring World War II era airbase newspapers
   As a tribute to the men and women who trained and served at the Walla Walla Army Airbase during World War II, the Port of Walla Walla has launched a Web site containing the former airbase newspapers. The newspaper entitled “Walla Wallop” was published once a week from May 19, 1944 through June 21, 1946 and highlighted airbase activities.
   According to Port Commission President Ken Jantz, “The original newspapers were beginning to deteriorate. We wanted to make sure an important part of Walla Walla and U.S. history was preserved in the professional scanning of the newspapers.”
   In addition to preserving the historical content, the Port elected to make available the newspaper via a Webenabled image document hosting service provided by US Archive & Imaging Services, Inc.
    During World War II the 2,164-acre Walla Walla Army Airbase was developed as a training base for B-17 and B-24 aircraft. It was estimated that more than 8,000 officers were trained in Walla Walla, producing 594 heavy bomb crews who completed approximately 114,414 hours in the air while training.
   “The Port Commission wanted to make accessible to as many veterans and their families this important historical
archive. What better way than having the newspaper accessible via the internet,” said Jantz.
   The Web-enabled site has a host of user-friendly features including the capability of typing a person’s name and having newspapers containing that person’s name pulled from the archives.

   It also allows users to enlarge articles interest for ease of reading and print selecte d copies to enable them to share with family members without access to the internet.
In 1947 the United States Air Force declared the Walla Walla airfield surplus. On December 1, 1947 the city and county took it over. The Port of Walla Walla assumed ownership in 1989 and changed its name to Walla Walla Regional Airport. Today the former Army airbase is an active commercial port served by Horizon Air and “home” to more than 70 businesses including several award winning wineries.
   To view the newspaper archives visit the Walla Walla Regional Airport web site at www.wallawallaairport.com. Click on the red banner entitled “Historical World War II Airport Newspapers”.
   The Port retained the services of US Archive & Imaging Services, Inc. to perform the digital imaging, indexing and web hosting work associated with the former airbase newspapers. For more information contact: Robert Mahnke at 425-822-5170.

Airport dining with a difference

   For Jana Freel, dedicating seven days a week to her “Jana’s At The Port” restaurant is worth every minute.
    With more than 20 years experience in the restaurant business, Freel’s recent leasing of the Walla Walla Regional Airport restaurant and lounge is an opportunity she’s excited about. “I like being able to manage the menu to meet customer requests,” she says, “and they (the customers) are great!” Among other items, the restaurant features pasta, steaks and seafood...and a prime rib feature on Fridays and Saturdays.
   With a newly remodeled lounge, Freel has plans to develop that part of her business...eventually hosting regular wine tastings. “I want to feature wineries that are located here in the Port area,” she said.
   In addition to the restaurant, Freel caters events at airport conference rooms and does “drop-off ” catering...delivering prepared food to off-premises gatherings. Jana’s phone number is 525-2294.

“Jana’s At The Port” Hours
Monday & Tuesday
6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,
Wednesday and Thursday
6:00 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Friday
6:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturday
7:00 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday
7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.


A newly remodeled lounge and tableswith a view are part of Jana Freel’s “Jana’s At The Port” restaurant.

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