Monday morning downtown commuters saw something a little out of the ordinary while on their way to work.
As part of the move from the Jamestown Airport to 300 N. Main St., the Lucile M. Wright Air Museum transported a helicopter and an aircraft from the hanger to the new museum site around 8 a.m. on Monday.
"It's not everyday you get to see seven men putting a helicopter through a window," said Edward Martiny.
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Though the move had been scheduled to take place on Oct. 29, hurricane Sandy caused the museum to delay their plans for a week.
The move required teamwork and precision. The truck and trailer which was used in moving the helicopter was donated by Todd Hanson from Ahlstrom Schaeffer Electric Corporation, and the vehicle used to deliver the aircraft fuselage was donated by Vern Crandall.
The helicopter, which is now on display in the new downtown location, was donated by Linda Keverline of Warren, Pa. in memory of her husband, Dr. Paul Keverline, who was the founder of Spectrum Eye Surgeons. The Great Lakes Biplane fuselage was donated by Victor Territo. Additionally, D and S Glass was responsible for removing the window from the building which the helicopter and fuselage was taken inside through.
The aircrafts were moved by museum members and volunteers from the Jamestown Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, which was led by 2nd Lt. Richard Futch.
Finally, state troopers helped to create an impromptu road block, which helped moving the aircrafts indoors much easier, as volunteers did not need to worry about passing traffic.
The helicopter and aircraft will be exhibits to "Motivate Youth Through Aviation" and enhance the museum's emphasis on education. The Great Lakes Biplane fuselage will be on display to show visitors the progress the students in the Air Museum and JCC Cooperative Student Exploratory Aircraft Mechanics Program (SEAM) are making in a restoration process.
Students of SEAM are learning all types of aviation welding and completing the necessary welding on the fuselage. Rigging and assembly will begin Nov. 10 in the museum.
During the move, the museum will be closed for tours, however those interested may visit its website at www.lucilemwrightairmuseum.org or call 664-9500 for more information.