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Missile Silo For Historical SiteBy JUDY BOCKLAGE Associated Press Writer LITTLE ROCK (AP) - If pilot Dick Holbert has his way, one of the 17 Titan 2 missile sites that arc central Arkansas will one day be a national park — after the government removes the missile and its nuclear warhead, of course.The Air Force has announced that the silos in Arkansas will be dismantledby 1987.Holbert, 40, head of Central Flying Service, president of the Little Rock Air Force Community Council and president of the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society, thinks turning one of the empty silos into a museum would be more productive than filling it with gravel.The idea came up when the Air Force started talking about deactivating the Titan 2 missiles in Arkansas, Kansas and Arizona because of the age of the system installed in the 1960s. “It occurred to me that something like that could bepreserved as a historical site as a reminder of the missileeraThe community council and historical society discussed Holbert’s idea and asked Arkansas' congressional delegation for help “There’s finally been some movement affirmative forit, Holbert said.The Defense Department didn’t like the idea “At first they treated it rather negatively. They thought it might be a violation of the Salt I agreement.” Those concerns have been allayed. Holbert said.U S Rep. Ed Bethune’s office informed Holbert on March 6 that the Air Force will work with the historical society and others on the project.“what I envision,” he said, “is that when it is deactiviated, the Department of Defense would turn it over to the Department of Interior to be a historial site. A visitors’ center would be built outside the fence line at the entrance to the silo site where a slide show would orient visitors. Then, they would be given guided tours of the interior of the silo site.What is there to see in an empty missile silo?The thing is really very small. Very spartan. A lot of concrete and metal. Huge steel springs that support the thing, in case there would be a nuclear explosion near theOPEN HOUSEsite, the vibration would not bethatsevere.Hopefully,” said Holbert, we could get a moekup or a shell of a missile.”Why would anyone want to step inside a concrete and steel hole that once contained a nuclear missile0 “It's a question of history, Holbert said. People ingeneral are interested seeing historical sites buildings or battlefields.inftHe has no idea yet how much it would cost to turn a missile silo into a museum. “Indications that I have are that it would be very economical to operate as a historical site.’»£Ai.TO«eujuncaCOUNTRY BUNSAIDWTucked owoy on 2 country acres yet close to pavement, this 3 bedroom home is a nice alternative to o home in a subdivision. The frame home encompasses 988 sq. ft. and enjoys a separate dining room. The home is easily heated with wood and cooled with on attic fan. $29,500.ATTRACTIVE INTERIM ANN 142 ACRESSlightly out of town, this 1000 sq. ft. home has pulled together interior. Recently remodeled, the 3 bedroom home has ceiling fans, an inviting kitchen with portable breakfast bar and good lighting. The remodeled both has all new fixtures and a new hot water heater. The 3.42 elevated acres enjoy a rural view of the river valley. The river is nearby for summer swimming, fishing and picnicing. Only $30 000 and let us find vour appropriate financing.SINCE 1946West Fork. Arkansas 72774
Newspaper Details
Fayetteville Northwest Arkansas Times
Fayetteville, Arkansas, US
Wed, Mar 21, 1984
Page 25
Full Page
Clipped by
Arkansas S.
AR, USA 25 Feb 2020
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