Harris Hill Gliderport Postcard – Utility Hangar and Control Tower, Elmira, NY (1948)

Original real photo postcard showing the Utility Hangar, Administration Building, and Control Tower at Harris Hill, Elmira, New York. The scene captures the grounds during active operations, with automobiles parked along the hangars, tents erected, and gliders visible in the sky overhead. Harris Hill, often called the “Soaring Capital of America,” was the central hub for U.S. gliding in the mid-20th century and home to the National Soaring Contests.

The reverse is postmarked Elmira, N.Y., 1948 and bears a 1¢ George Washington stamp. The card carries a brief handwritten message: “Hi Ruth – Everything O.K. so far. – Ruth”, addressed to Miss Ruth Wittich of Union, New Jersey.

Published by Loomis Photo, the card is captioned on the reverse: “Utility Hangar – Administration Building and Control Tower, Harris Hill, Elmira, N.Y.”

This postcard is historically significant as a period artifact of American soaring, documenting the facilities at Harris Hill during the height of its importance in national glider competitions and training programs. It holds strong collector interest for aviation historians, postcard collectors, and those focused on Elmira’s long-standing gliding heritage.