congributed by John R. Williamson

1956 .. Four airmen of the Minneapolis Air Base met in June with local committee members to discuss housing facilities for the nearly 100 airmen scheduled to arrive shortly, In August the mess hall was completed just in time for the scores of radar operators and repairmen most of which were fresh out of Keesler AFB, Mississippi Tech. School. During the Fall while preparing for the radar site to go operational, the airmen built the plotting board (designed by John Carlson), attended classes, and those not making themselves scarce enough performed such work details as raking leaves, G. I.-ing their open-bay barracks and other buildings, and preparing for the rigors of a Northern Minnesota Winter.

1957 .. Airmen in parkas could be seen scurrying through snow from the mess hall to the Operations Building which became fully operational February 1st. The first frostbite victims were treated by Doc Thompson, including one embarrassed A/3rd Class whose pilfering finger was stuck for five hours in a coke machine in the Break Room. At any one time it seemed more airmen could be found off base than on it, frequenting such haunts as the Rapids Cafe, The Oasis, the Sunset and many other prospering places offering refreshments and places to talk, meet girls, and escape work details or alerts. When General Matheny inspected the 707th in the Fall, only approximately 25 hardy airmen stood inspection. The remaining airmen were bedridden with the Asian Flu in the newly converted hospital in Barracks 206.

1958 .. Many changes came to the 707th. New shipments of airmen, many of them from overseas stations, replaced, transferred and discharged pioneers. Capt. Evans commanded, and his new 1st Sergeant Hargreaves announced "the honey-moon of the 707th was over. " After the demise of the Rapids Cafe, the troops drank coffee until the wee hours of the morning at the Mileage Cafe. In an effort to keep more airmen on base, the newly decorated and enlarged NCO Club was ceremonially opened, luring airmen with free beer, bingo, poker and blackjack. Perhaps the most memorable events were the State Centennial celebrations culminating that summer with beard growing contests, kangaroo courts and the grand parade.

1959 .. Work begins to install SAGE equipment. Marriages of airmen and local girls seemed a weekly event and reason enough for merriment at Forest Lake Lodge. Physical fitness diets were enforced, and intramural sports brought keen com-petition between crews in flag football and baseball. Airmen bowled at Rapids Lanes below the Bus Depot and offered tough competition to local basketball and baseball teams. The Recreation Building was completed and airmen exercised there to prepare for required physical fitness tests.

1960 .. Another year of change as the many old troops were discharged having spent virtually all their enlistment at the 707th. Early outs were often mentioned. Many went TDY to Duluth and to other SAGE training centers.

1961 .. The Cuban Missile Crisis extended a few airmen past their discharge dates, but most were enjoying the beautiful summer with beach parties at Pokegama Lake.

1962 .. Airmen and feminine guests twisted at the revised and newly redecorated NCO Club amidst rumors that the 707th would be no more.

1963 .. The 707th officially closed down in May, two months after Congressman Blatnik vehemently denied all rumors to this effect. Twelve to fifteen airmen and several civilians lingered to care for the deserted 707th. A few years later,the Grand Rapids School District purchased the site and buildings.

1970 .. The site of the 707th is presently used for special education and for a teen center (most appropriately). The barracks painted in garish colors now stand across from the high school and are used for study halls. With the sale of the off-base housing units this Spring, there is nothing left of the 707th but memories.