Historic Blue Goose monument unveiled at Eldon Lyon Park

BETHANY, Okla. (KFOR) - Oklahoma has a long history in aviation. One of the planes our state played a major role in was the Blue Goose. 

Now the historic plane has a spruced up look and a new home. On Monday, the Blue Goose static display was unveiled at Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany. 

"Today I stand before you to celebrate an iconic piece of aviation history,” said Trait Thompson, the Director of the Oklahoma History Center. “A beloved symbol of our city's devotion to excellence in this industry." 

While originally developed in California in the late 1940s, for years the historic aircraft was manufactured in Bethany. 

With the help of Francis Tuttle students, the Blue Goose is now restored to its former glory.

"This is beautiful. This is a beast of a monument here,” said Dave Amis. 

On Monday, the late Tom Ray, along with Kenny Payton and Dave Amis were awarded certificates of recognition for their significant contributions. 

"I want to thank my wife for putting up with me for the last 15 years dealing with this airplane,” said Amis. 

Amis said the finished product means the world to him. 

"This is just a dream come true for me to stand up here in front of the blue goose that my grandfather and my dad both flew back in the early 50s,” said Amis. “I couldn’t be more excited.”