Fire at Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome

August 24, 2015 - Many of Cole Palen’s stick-and-tissue models, fabric from his original SPAD 13 World War I fighter, original SPAD fabric from the 95th Aero Squadron, and gift shop merchandise were all lost in a fire that destroyed the Field Gift Shop and Model Museum at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

None of the museum’s more than 60 antique aircraft were damaged in the fire, which took place in the early evening on Thursday, August 20.

Six fire departments responded to the scene after Aerodrome employee Mark Mondello noticed smoke and called 911. He then pulled to safety a 1909 Bleriot monoplane, a Ford Model T, and four other vintage aircraft and cars, with the help of a passing jogger.

The Aerodrome said the gift shop was a part of the Aerodrome experience and that a temporary shop would be built for use through the remainder of the air show season.

They said they plan on starting construction of a new gift shop following the conclusion of the season.

Air shows scheduled on the grounds every weekend through Sunday, October 11, will continue to run, and the Aerodrome said its museum will stay open daily through October 25.