The Whitaker Family Airfield House Abandoned After Airport Closure

The Whitaker family established Runway Cottage in 1909 after Charles Whitaker moved to the newly developed Eastmere Airfield to manage aircraft maintenance supplies. Three generations lived there, including Charles, his wife Helen, their children, and later grandchildren who assisted with clerical work and the small garden. The family earned income from aircraft repairs, fuel storage contracts, and airfield services during the early years of aviation.

Records describe the house as a maintained residence where the workshop, garden shed, and converted aircraft greenhouse supported daily life before changes in aviation routes affected the property.

The first warning sign appeared in 1927 when the Whitakers received delayed payments from the airfield operator after several commercial routes moved to larger airports. By 1930, the family dismissed two maintenance workers and closed the side extension to reduce expenses. The airport closure during the early 1930s eliminated most local employment, leaving unpaid equipment bills, property taxes, and repair costs. Charles stopped maintaining the runway greenhouse structure and the damaged porch boards. In 1933, the family left Runway Cottage after creditors seized the airfield property, relocating to a nearby industrial town.

Runway Cottage was abandoned in 1934 after foreclosure followed the airport closure, lost aviation income, and accumulated debts. No restoration occurred, and no Whitaker family members returned after leaving the region. County records noted unsuccessful attempts to reuse the airfield and unresolved responsibility for the remaining structures. The rooms stayed closed with household belongings, flight records, and personal papers left behind. Over decades, weather damage and vegetation affected the residence and attached aircraft greenhouse. The house remains empty on the abandoned runway, continuing to deteriorate without restoration or confirmed future ownership.