The stone returns to Stewart

Stewart Airport – The Stewart Stone, a granite marker that was set at Stewart back in the 1930s when it was dedicated as an Army Air Corps base, is back at the airport.

The stone that resembles a grave marker, turned up in Winter Park, Florida. And through some detective work, Thomas Hafer, grandson of airport benefactor Thomas “Archie” Stewart, was able to acquire it, clean it up at his Virginia home, and bring it back to Newburgh on Thursday, the day the Port Authority, took over operations.

“This is the culmination of everything that this family has ever wanted and I just hope that this is the transition point that’s going to bring this airport to its full realization and that it is going to be an engine for growth for the whole region,” he said.

Hafer’s mother, Mary, who was Archie Stewart’s daughter, remembers the entire history of the airport from her childhood days of picnicking with her parents there.

“I think I’ve been a witness to the entire birth and history of this airport and I think this is a wonderful day. I look forward to its future.”

The Port Authority says it will place the stone in a fitting location on the airport.