Brindley Aviation Field, Commack, 1918-1919. On the northeast corner of Larkfield Road and Jericho Turnpike in Commack stands the Home Depot shopping center. However, during World War I, from 1918 to 1919, the site was known as Brindley Field and was home to a squadron of the U.S. Army Air Service.
The airfield, named after Major Oscar Brindley who had died in an aircraft accident in Ohio, occupied nearly a hundred acres of land owned by local farmer William Randall. His home was turned into a headquarters, and the outer buildings were used for storage. Constructed on the property were the flying field, barracks, mess halls, and hangers.
The arrival of Brindley Field brought electricity to the area since the airfield needed power lines to operate. When Brindley was closed after World War I ended, the site was returned to its landowner and the military buildings were destroyed or removed.
The Suffolk County Historical Society wishes veterans and their families a happy Memorial Day holiday.
Holiday Closure: We will be closed on Saturday, May 27, for the Memorial Day holiday.