Leon Picked Them Up!

ALOHADAVE · **Posted:** Wed Dec 02, 2015 3:39 pm

An amazing private collection of aircraft and aircraft parts is located near the small town of Wakeman Ohio. At one time there were at least 26 aircraft or major parts of aircraft in the Leon Cleaver collection. The collection includes some interesting aircraft, parts and artifacts on site. Also included are the remains from several crashed and recovered aircraft. I had the opportunity to visit the collection and dig through the parts. More photos/info of each available upon request.
Also see accompanying story about the F-14 wreckage.

Story link: http://pacaeropress.websitetoolbox.com/ ... 1290031360

JimH · **Posted:** Wed Dec 02, 2015 3:48 pm

wow...that T-6/SNJ wreckage was Dean Ortners. I was there the day he went in, he was dressed as a clown and I distinctly remember him in that suit handing all us kids candy.

Jim

Chris Brame · **Posted:** Wed Dec 02, 2015 5:30 pm

Be sure to check out the "Longshot Scrap Yards" threads - there were more aircraft that Leon wasn't able to rescue, but he photographed and/or documented many of them - I had the honor of digitizing and posting his photos that are likely the last ones taken of many rare aircraft (F7U, B-45, the prototype XAJ-1, etc.) that are now only memories.

Joe Scheil · **Posted:** Wed Dec 02, 2015 5:45 pm

http://www.vermilionohio.org/vermviews/ ... ws-423.htm

I didn't know much about Dean Ortner or Vermillion...but it seems like it was a place that we are beginning to only remember and aren't able to visit anymore. It was people like this that made growing up a wonderful thing. Scroll down and read the stories...good stuff.

Tulio · **Joined:** Mon May 03, 2004 1:05 am **Posts:** 3236

And if I may, would like to add that besides having rescued those airplanes, Leon is a true gentleman.

Had the pleasure and honor of meeting him back in 2008, and he took the time during that cold, snowy morning, to show me his collection.

Met him thanks to the good offices of Tom Friedman.

Saludos,

Tulio

Nathan · **Posted:** Thu Dec 03, 2015 9:04 am

It has been an honor and thrill to have met and worked with Leon. Leon has done a wonderful service saving what he could. There is more airplane history in Vermillion Ohio and Northern Ohio then one can shake a stick at. There is something about the area, but you can just sense the warbird feel when you travel that area. It's an odd feeling of nostalgia that is overwhelming.

Woodsy Airfield · **Posted:** Thu Dec 03, 2015 2:49 pm

I must thank ALOHADAVE for his excellent story on my activities over the years. I have found out that when a person tackles something like this, he must be single or have a very understanding wife. Finances get in the way too, but that may only slow you down a little. All of the WIXer comments are well appreciated. I find myself checking the site a dozen times a day a must. Just about any subject or question will be responded to....Keep up the good work to all!.

oscardeuce · **Joined:** Wed Jul 27, 2005 3:34 am **Posts:** 1021

JimH wrote:

wow...that T-6/SNJ wreckage was Dean Ortners. I was there the day he went in, he was dressed as a clown and I distinctly remember him in that suit handing all us kids candy.

Jim

My dad too.
He also worked a bit with Dean on the Corsair.
Spoke highly of him.
I have some old 8mm film of Dean flying around here somewhere.

Craig59 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2015 10:18 am

Great article as always, Dave. Here are images of 51-14306 and 56-4254 in happier times.

Craig59 · **Posted:** Sun Dec 06, 2015 10:18 am

Well C R A P! I keep getting a General Error message. Sorry for the double post.

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Leon Picked Them Up!

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