HISTORY MATTERS

The Newsletter Publication of NWA History Centre, Inc.
8101 – 34^th Ave., So. – Bloomington, MN 55425
(952) 997-8000 – Ext. 8-6102

  Vol. 2 - No. 2                                                                                        June, 2004

“SO WHAT’S NEW AT THE MUSEUM”

            Thanks to the talents and efforts of retired Engineer Felix Perry, we will shortly have the cut away six-foot model of a Lockheed L-188 Electra prominently displayed. While that model had been in our possession for sometime it was sort of tucked away on the top of a display case for lack of a suitable support stand.

            For NWA, the Electra was the transition aircraft; the last of the props and the first of the jets. The fleet of twenty-five first entered service in 1959 and the last was retired by NWA in 1970. We understand that a few of the old NWA aircraft are still being flown in various places around the globe. While other company aircraft had the range for transcontinental service, the speed of the Electra permitted the first scheduled non-stop JFK/SEA service within the eight-hour domestic flight crew limitation. Anyone who worked anywhere near the L-188 can recall the distinctive sound created by the windmilling large four-paddle wheel propeller blades.

            Also thanks to Cynthia Johnson, for contributing a child’s “Hoppi” coat. This was a give away item in the early days of Regal Imperial service to the Orient. (Pretty rare).

            Anyone happen to have an old mannequin. We can use several to more properly display the collection of old uniforms.

NEW SUMMER HOURS

            Effective July 1 st the museum hours are expanding. For the summer months, maybe longer, the hours will be Monday through Friday – 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, There will be no Saturday hours, except by appointment. Expanded hours mean there will be more need for volunteers. If anyone is willing to lend a hand, please call Al Carriveau at the museum (952) 997-8000 ext. 8-6102 or leaves us a note on the web site at www.NWAHistory.org.

“WHY, EVERYTHING’S JUST ROSY”

            Back in 1926 there was a gal working for the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce. This was the time when “Pop” Dickinson, who had the original airmail contract to serve the Twin Cities/Chicago segment, decided to call it quits. A few local Chamber members, including Col. L. H. Brittin, anxious to see the airmail service continued, formed a company, took over the contract and hired the gal to work part time at her Chamber desk and handle some of the affairs of the new company operation.