Family History
Brown's Seaplane Base was started over
37 years ago by Jack Brown. His fondness for seaplanes began at an early age, flying an
Aeronca C-3 Floatplane on the Kanawha River in West Virginia. This continued during WWII
when he flew the Grumman "Flying Boats" and PBYs. Following the war Jack was a
civilian instructor and test pilot for the U.S. Air Force stationed in central Florida. He
put down roots here and became the fixed base operator at Bartow and Lakeland airports.
Jack developed the Winter Haven airport, now Gilbert Field.
His affection for seaplanes gave Jack a grand vision for an alligator-infested, overgrown area of Lake Jessie. This Winter Haven lake was pure cattails and reeds. In 1962 Daddy Jack proudly brought his 10 year old darling daughter, Susie, to see where his new seaplane base was going to sprout. As Daddy sailed the floatplane up close to shore, Susie jumped into the pristine water promptly sinking, chest deep into the mud, while wearing her brand new, sparkling white, bathing suit! So begins the Brown family's love for this place. First with one tiedown and a boat dock. Then more boat space, more tiedowns, then ramps, and even pavement. Of course now there is a large hangar and offices with computers. "Brown's will never be the same", some said. But the computers are letting us communicate with you right now.
Mr. Brown flies eternally now. His lifelong co-pilot, Mae, joined him in 1995. Boy, she had the neatest smile and kindest words of love for everyone. And Jack Brown's Seaplane Base continues flying. Son, Jon, is the more-than-full-time head-honcho. Son, Chuck, earns a real living flying for Airborne Freight, but in his off time instructs and gives check rides. Jack and Mae's daughters, Sharon and Susie, also live close by in Lakeland. Sharon's son, Cliff, can often be seen on the dock with a fishing pole. Catch Susie's Travis in the hanger putting new canvas on a Cub and tell him you like historical cities.
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Winter Haven, Florida,
U.S.A., 33881