Air-O-Inn
Richfield, Bloomington
The Air-O-Inn had two locations.
6600 34th Ave. So.
The original location was on the southwest corner of 66th Street and 34th Ave. So. in Richfield, right across from the airport. Greg Rohlen wrote that it was a staple for those working at the airport and for folks flying out of the airport. This location would be smack dab in the middle of the airport today.
The Air-O-Inn was around from at least October 1933, and was probably one of many post-Prohibition taverns that popped up all over the place after 3.2 beer became “non-intoxicating” as of April 7, 1933. Here’s the earliest ad I found:
In October 1940, still in the Depression, there was a “Hard Time Dance,” common among dance halls at the time. People came dressed in their raggediest clothes, and prizes were awarded to the sorriest looking.
A January 1941 ad called the club “Headquarters for Sleigh Rides.”
Jack Hohag was the proprietor in 1942. An all-girl band presided at the bandstand during this War year and stuck with Jack despite offers from Chicago to thank him for taking them in during their lean years. (Minneapolis Star Journal, July 12, 1942)
2731 E. 78th STREET
As the airport grew, the building was moved to Bloomington, on the present 494 and 78th Street.
The Bloomington News reported that the Air-O-Inn would reopen for its regular dancing, refreshments, and fine food at its new location during the week of October 12, 1950. The new owners were Ted Terp and Tony Gerkowicz. The newspaper reported:
The building looks just as it used to when it adorned the corner of 66th and 34th avenue south, only that it is turned around now, facing north. A full basement has been provided and equipped for private parties. The surrounding spacious parking space has been blacktopped and the front of the Inn beautifully landscaped with cedars, spruce and pines.
The owners will feature their regular dance parties and promise first class orchestra music every night.
There would be room for 400 in the dance hall.
1951
The Everett McClay VFW Post 1296 bought the Air-O-Inn and took possession of it on October 15, 1951. It announced its intention to hold old time dances with Jack Hohag on Thursdays and modern dances on “Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night.” (Bloomington News, October 11, 1951)
The VFW’s previous building was located at 82nd and Lyndale, and it was sold to the Sleizer’s, who turned it into the Ranch House.
The last ad for the Air-O-Inn was found on January 18, 1952. Some of the later ones cited Mitch’s Air-O-Inn.
The address still exists, and belongs to the Metropolitan Airports Commission.