volunteers, some who were authors of parts of those manuals, who spend a few hours a week sorting out the material. Through their efforts we hope to have a rather complete file that will become the backbone of our developing research center.

There is also a restoration group. A couple of years ago we received a donation of a toy, basically a model of the old Ford tri-motor. It had quite a bit of damage, was rusty and had no form of identification. Again, thanks to our volunteers, damages were repaired, rust cleaned up, old paint stripped and decals of Northwest Airways designed and applied. New props were carved but they were the wrong scale so another set is being made. When restoration is completed we will have a fantastic one of a kind exhibit.

Recently restoration has also been completed to repair damage to a cockpit and front-end model of the B-377 Stratocruiser. This model, on permanent loan from the retired pilots association, was damaged before it came into our care. Repairs included replacement of windows, decals, paint and landing gear. It now is a great display piece. Check it out the next time you’re in.

We also want to acknowledge the considerable efforts of Kevin Sliwinski and Bruce Kitt who have upgraded our one horse computer system to new levels of software and expanded the system to incorporate a network that now supports some five computer terminals and established revised catalog and scanning capabilities.

Not to be overlooked are the efforts of volunteers Wayne Snyder, Felix Perry, Jerry Nielsen, Mary Fryer and Dru Dunwoody who have periodically come up with answers to many interesting and challenging questions we receive or that are referred to us.

60 Years in the Orient

“You Dined the Best When You Flew Northwest”

Northwest’s Food Service Division Went
“All-Out” to Promote Our Orient Service…

This story was written by NWA History Centre Director Al Carriveau. Al joined Northwest Airlines in 1942 and retired in 1981. He served as a Food Service Manager for 23 years, 1958 to 1981, under five Food Service chiefs, the legendary John Arnold, Harold Lindbergh, Harold Houston, Bob Coyner and Ken Bauman. Now 88, Al spends a good part of every weekday at the History Center taking care of the numerous important details common to its operation. Al also served 25 years on the Board of Directors of Northwest Airlines Federal Credit Union.

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It’s well known that Northwest Airlines pioneered the northern “Great Circle” route to Asia through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. This service began in 1945. Northwest was granted Asia rights thanks partly to the incredible job it did for the U.S. Government during its World War II “Northern Region” operation throughout western Canada, Alaska and then Aleutians.