New Memories of Taipei Air Station

Many thanks to Terry Ni for sending in and sharing some of his photographs..

This card belonged to Terry's father, Major General NI, San-fu, CAF.

Terry did not say where his father worked, I would guess he hung his hat up the street in the JOC area.

If you would care to see old Falcon club, as it stands today, take a peek at this 2010 film, below.

My last visit to National Taiwan University and the club area was, last August, before I flew back to the US.   

The old club building still stands.

Interesting note:   I have to walk close to the old club when in ride the Taipei Metro Green Line, disembarking at Gongguan station, about 200 yards north of the traffic circle on Roosevelt Road, just outside of the old Taipei Air Station area.  To get home from here, I have to catch the bus.  The shortest walk from the Metro station to the bus stop takes me just past the old club. Some of the old palm trees that stand close to the bus stop are probably some of the palms that once stood in the area in front of the old post office.  Everything else beyond the post office area toward old Club 13 has been destroyed.

I'm not trying to confuse you.  I wanted to show you the current map of Taipei Metro System and stations.

Making your way around town is so easy today.  Taking the Metro to the area you want to visit, jumping off and catching the bus or a taxi, brings you to your destination quickly.

Look at the dark green colored line in the center of the drawing above.

The old Taipei Air Station sat just below to the right of the Gongguan Station, about where the Chinese characters below Gongguan are printed. As I remember, we used to call the area of Taipei Air Station as Kung Quan.. If you got in a taxi some where and told the driver Taipei Air Station, you'd probably end up at the airport.

Look over the map, if you have questions of where something is located in regard to the Metro map, just write with your questions, I'll answer your mail.

Terry Ni's wife and baby standing by the Taipei AS Swimming Pool circa 1976

The camera is looking south toward the hill.  Those palm trees just on the other side of the pool may be the very tall palms that stand along the Keelung Road today, the area where I catch my bus home, from Gongguan area, in Taipei.

The pool has been covered over, the whole area that once housed the old Taipei AS is now the Keelung Road, new buildings on the south of the Keelung Road, or asphalt parking areas.  

Terry's wife and baby along side the Swimming Pool "Regulations." Circa 1976.

I don't remember the "shower" anyone remember where they were located.

  

 

Same cool winter day in 1976, Terry's family in front of the Taipei AS Post Office.

We had a story about this post office sometime back, you can see that story HERE.

Terry also sent along this business card from the China Seas Club, with map directions to the facility.

I always feel uncomfortable when I see Club 63 being referred to as the "China Seas Enlisted Men's Club."

It just doesn't sit well with me.

We had a story about the closing of Club 63, you can read it HERE.

Why did Club 63 close?

Who really knows?  I expect, the draw down of US military, and it's effect on club patronage necessitated the closure.  

Of course, we cannot count out the loss of income from the slot machines that were removed from the club after the military club scandals in RVN.

I believe the slot machine income paid for the club's operating expenses, along with dues.  Food sales probably broke even.

So, the loss of one arm bandits was most likely the major factor in breaking the club.

Then came along, the Navy Exchange.  They opened the doors the next day or so with the same operation, BUT, ALSO OPENED BACK UP THE SLOT MACHINES.

Bingo - the club was back in business, and being that the club was operated by the Navy Exchange, chances are, anyone who could get inside the NEX, could also get into the China China Seas Club.  

The China Seas Club cut a wide swath across Taiwan, and had the business and gambling income necessary to operate at a profit.

No matter what they called the place then or now, I will always refer to it as Club 63, your home away from home.

I still visit the old building on my trips to Taiwan.

It's now called the American Club in China, Taipei.

It's a very nice, up-to-date facility, with excellent food and great service.

Hope you found something new today, please write, send in your photos and/or leave a Comment below.

Tsi Gen ....