We went through Arkansas so we could drop off photos and memorabilia from Jim's dad's career as a pilot and flying instructor in Gilmer, Texas. There is an aviation museum there. Jim's dad grew up in Longview, Texas, and began his flying career there. He bought his first airplane, a Franklin Sport, in 1931, and it became the first airplane in Longview. He instructed for the army during WWII and was an aviation instructor in Longview after that.
In a short history, he instructed for the military during the Korean Conflict, retired to a farm and then managed the St. Clair Airport from 1964 to 1985. During this time he became the National Flight Instructor of the Year in 1981.
The curators of the Gilmer Museum are an interesting retired military couple who are trying to preserve North East Texas Aviation history.
Dad's book is for sale on amazon/kindle "On the Wings of Eagles" for $3.99, it will be loaded on your computer after purchase.
We stopped in Giddings, Tx at the Walmart to spend the night. Giddings seemed like a quiet little town, Little did we realize that Giddings comes alive at night with trucks, trains, and horns. No sleep in Giddings!
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