Thomson Hall was first built in 1994. The facility was originally designed to handle sufficient meeting and dining room space for all the members. It included a huge BBQ area in the back. Did someone say growing museum? It did and it wasn't long until we literally raised the roof adding space for a library on the new second floor, completely expanded the kitchen space and renovated the restrooms. Monthly dinners are hosted here with special guest speakers, and we have had some world acclaimed special guest leave their footprints in Thompson Hall. The venue can easily accomodate up to 180 persons in a dinner setting. The hall was named in honor of one of the two men who had the original idea to bring an aviation museum to Paso Robles, Glen Thomson. You can read more about Glenn below the pictures.
Glen Thomson was very instrumental in helping to build the museum, and is sorely missed. His expertise in construction, aviation, power plant maintenance and his willingness to sacrifice both physically and financially, played a key roll in the success of the museum. Several years ago, Glen founded The Gooney Bird Corporation, which had a sole goal of obtaining and restoring a Douglas C-47. He realized that goal at the museum when he recently received license from the FAA to bring the C-47B "Betsy's Biscuit Bomber" to full flight status.
All of us who knew Glen knew that he was a strong individual, committed to his goals and open to meeting and working with new people. Friday evening, January 8th, 2010, Glen 'Gator' Thomson took his final flight and left the world, as we know it, far behind. He will forever be remembered.
Proud to be home of the
HOURS:
Thur., Fri., Sat., Sun. &
Memorial Day, Veterans Day:
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
ADMISSION:
Pricing and Special Group Tours (Minimum of 10 or more): Full Information Here
4251 Dry Creek Road
Paso Robles, CA 93446