— Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome —
In Memory of
James S. Hare
1960-2018
Announcer, Historian and Ambassador of the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
With his distinct, warm and confident voice, great depth of knowledge of aviation history and a wonderful sense of humor, Jim Hare consistently captured the attention of audiences at Old Rhinebeck for over 30 years, teaching them interesting facts while keeping them laughing during weekend air shows. Jim came to the Aerodrome in 1982, where he performed a wide variety of duties with excellence and established lifelong friendships with many members of the staff and crew. He had many great experiences here, but the one that topped them all was meeting a wonderful young lady named Mary, who played the role of "Madamoiselle Fifi" in the Sunday shows. By 1989 they were married, and the wedding became known as one of the very rare occasions when Cole Palen wore a tie!
While working directly for Cole, Jim spent a few winters at Cole's shop in Del Ray Beach, FL. There, he assisted with aircraft projects during the off season to bring back to Rhinebeck when flying weather returned to the Northeast. He had wonderful, captivating stories to share of his many Aerodrome adventures, and was always first to offer and provide assistance to many of the Aerodrome's "first generation" when their
health started to fail in their later years.
Always knowing exactly the right things to say, Jim could bring a tear to your eye one minute, and make you laugh out loud the next. Those closest to him never hesitate to regard him as "the best" because he had all the gifts above, and a genuine heart of gold.
This plaque is placed here to dedicate the announcer's tower to Jim Hare, where he was best known and most appreciated by Aerodrome visitors.
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