DREUX AIR BASE 2004 After 37 years since the school’s closing January 20, 1967 it has not been used. The following are photos taken on July 7 th 2004 by Larry LaGrone, Student Body President, 66/67

LOCATED WEST OF DREUX JUST SOUTH OF BREZOLLES, DREUX AIR BASE IS NOW CALLED CAMP MILITAIRE de CRUCEY

CAMP MILITAIRE de CRUCEY is now partially used as a training facility by the French Military.

CRUCEY VILLAGE AN INTERSECTION YOU MAY REMEMBER

LEAVING THE BASE THIS IS THE FIRST TURN THE BUS HAD TO MAKE.

THE TOP SHOT IS THE 11 TH AND 12 TH GRADE GIRLS DORM FROM THE BACK SIDE. AHH THE PANTY RAIDS!! THE BOTTOM SHOT IS THE 9 TH AND 10 TH GRADE GIRLS DORM

I THINK THIS BUILDING HOUSES THE MAIN OFFICES AND CAFETERIA OF THE SCHOOL. ALSO POSSIBLY THE TEEN CLUB AND SOME CLASSROOMS. THE FOLLOWING SLIDE IS THE PARKING LOT BEHIND THIS BUILDING.

THE PARKING LOT TO THE CAFETERIA ON RIGHT AND OFFICES OR CLASSROOMS ON LEFT.

ON THE LEFT A SHOT INTO ONE OF THE SCHOOL DOORWAYS. ON RIGHT A SHOT INTO THE CAFETERIA. ALL IN RUINS

I THINK THIS IS THE BOYS 11 TH AND 12 TH GRADE DORM ON LEFT AND GIRLS DORM ON RIGHT. I DON’T REMEMBER THE LITTLE BUILDING IN BETWEEN COVERED IN TREES. BELOW, I DON’T KNOW.

I THINK THIS WAS THE GYM BUT, I’M NOT SURE. MAYBE THE THEATER.

NOT TOO SURE WHAT THIS IS OF. GOT ANY IDEAS?

THESE SHOTS ARE THE BACKSIDE OF BOYS FRESHMAN-SOPHOMORE DORM JUNIOR-SENIOR DORM IN DISTANCE

WE STOPPED HERE IN CRUCEY VILLAGE TO BUY A COUPLE OF BOTTLES OF WINE AND STARTED TALKING TO THE MADAME OF THE FARM ABOUT DREUX AIR BASE.

INSIDE THE WINE CELLAR FARM

SOME HISTORY OF THE BASE AND FINAL THOUGHTS I learned from the great aunt of the owner of the farm that the base was built in The land was condemned and three of her uncles lost productive farm land for the base. When the base closed in late 1966 the local economy collapsed and has never recovered. I learned that Americans are well thought of in this area of France. One of the local girls married an American and now lives in California staying in touch with her family in Crucey. Our forces gave the people of France a sense of security they have never forgotten. There are many fond memories on both sides of the Atlantic. We continued our trip to Normandy. The villages and towns all along the coast displayed American flags by the hundreds even hanging from private homes. I felt very proud to be an American and was deeply touched by the kindness shown me by the locals. France and America have a long interwoven history of supporting freedom, democracy and individual rights. They have helped us in our fights and we have helped them in theirs. Let not our governments destroy our commonality of purpose for the freedom of mankind. They accepted McDonalds. I just wish we could import their cheeses. »CAPT. LARRY LaGRONE US MERCHANT MARINE