www.gphistorical.com
Next meeting May 21, 2015 11:00AM at the Historical Organization building 1516 West Main Grand Prairie, TX 75050
May Speaker
Cathie Barrington is a native Texan and grew up in Midland, TX. Moved to Grand Prairie and pursued a career in Finance at LTV/Vought/Lockheed Martin (the name kept changing), retiring after 35 years. While working, she completed a BBS in Accounting at University of Texas at Arlington and a MBA in Corporate Finance at University of Dallas. Currently serves on the Board of Vought Heritage Foundation as Financial Manager. She is active as an AARP Tax Counselor for Senior Citizens and Office Manager of a Family church camp. Cathie enjoys traveling with friends and in her RV.
2014-2015 Officers President: Stephanie Jumper Moreno; [email protected] Secretary: Alice Ernst; [email protected] Treasurer: (temp) Kathy Ritterhouse; [email protected] Historian: Kathy Ritterhouse; [email protected] Past President: Janette Skrasek; [email protected]
Facebook.com/GPHistorical
Our Replica of the 1918 VE-7
The Chance Vought Company 1917-1930
The company was formed in early 1917 as Lewis and Vought. Vought was the engineering and management expert while Birdseye B. Lewis contributed to the financing of the venture. Lewis died in France in mid-1917 as a member of the Army Air Service and Vought went on to build the company. Vought remained the Consulting Engineer and Chairman of the Board until 1922, when the company was succeeded by the one bearing his name. He was President, Chief Engineer and the key marketer.
Chance Vought Aircraft is the second oldest aircraft manufacturer in the country. For 96 years, Vought aircraft and products have been part of US and foreign military throughout the world. From 1918 thru 2014, our aircraft have been in continuous service. The final operation flights were flown by the Greek Air Force A-7H Corsair II’s in September 2012. The A-7H was retired in October 2014. Vought aircraft are some of the most recognizable in the world. Names such as “Corsair”, “Crusader”, “Kingfisher” and “Flying Pancake” are synonymous with Vought.
Vought’s VE-7 was the first aircraft to take off from a US aircraft carrier. Its F-4U “Corsair”, known as the “Whistling Death” was instrumental in winning the war in the Pacific in WWII. A young John Glenn set a land speed record in an F-8 “Crusader”. Vought’s Regulus Missiles were some of the first to be deployed on US submarines. Since its inception Vought has produced over 75 different types of aircraft and missiles. In total, Vought built approximately 16,000 aircraft and missiles, primarily at its locations in Connecticut and since 1948 at its Jefferson Street Dallas location. Vought has a long and proud heritage! More about the company can be found on our website at http://www.vought.org/years/html/17-30.html.
This heritage is being maintained by The Vought Heritage Foundation through a major website, a world-class archive, and restoration of Vought aircraft for aviation museums throughout the United States. All of this is being accomplished by members of the Vought Retiree Club.
Restored 1939 V-173
Vought Heritage Foundation
In 1996 the Vought Retiree Club was formed, primarily for social activities. Shortly after, the role was expanded to include “Special Projects”, which led to development of a Historical Archive, Website, Aircraft Restoration Projects, and organization of VHF.
Archives - In late 1997, a former Vought executive contacted company management and gained permission to review Vought archive files that were due for destruction and to acquire the material (document files, photographs, microfilm, motion picture film, and other items. The Archive was born.
Website - Recognizing the value of the Internet in carrying on the name of Vought, a Website was authorized in early 1998. Over 100 Vought Retirees worked for 2 years to develop the full history of the company which was aired in January 2000 as www.vought.org. It is constantly upgraded with new historical finds. It is viewed by aviation enthusiast thru out the world.
Aircraft Restoration – Aircraft restoration was of interest from our inception. In 1998, the retirees approached company management about starting restoration activities on Vought artifacts. The company agreed to allow the retirees to use the hanger facilities in Building 76 rent free. The company also provided “seed” money to help defray some of the material and transportation costs. The first artifact, an A-7 Corsair was acquired from the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida, was delivered to Building 76 in July 1999.
Forming of the Vought Heritage Foundation
Soon the retirees realized that to acquire, restore or build some of the older Vought artifacts they would have to be able to generate more money than the company would commit. So, in 2005 the retirees, with the help of the company, formed Vought Heritage Foundation (VHF), a 501(c)(3) not for profit entity, so that we could solicit funds, and like kind contributions, from others to support its ongoing operations. The Stated Mission of VHF is to continue to work to preserve Vought’s name and heritage as long as it has people, money and facilities to do so.
VHF is comprised of all volunteers. No one gets paid. In addition, everyone is encouraged to work on whatever they want. We generally work on Tuesdays and Thursdays. At any one time, we have from 20 to 30 people working on all aspects of our mission. VHF currently supports its operations through donations, grants and the sale of our “built from scratch” items.
Restored F4U
Current Status
Website - Our initial website, was dedicated to allowing the casual visitor or most ardent fan to browse through information gathered about Vought products; as well as information about its roots, founder, key executives, and reminisces by those associated with Vought. It is regularly maintained and, periodically, new sections are added to its ever expanding pages. It has been previously sponsored in turn by Vought, Northrop Grumman and Triumph and now has been transferred to VHF management as www.Vought.org.
Archive - We are in the process of identifying and sending this material to the University Of Texas at Dallas to become part of its world class aerospace collection. To date, we have obtained and/or identified over 1.2 million articles. Once the material is identified and properly catalogued it is shipped to UTD, where it is incorporated into their collection and can be viewed by going to the Internet. A key aspect of archive activity is providing data to the restoration projects in the form of engineering drawings, photographs, etc.
Aircraft Restoration - Since 1999, VAHF has restored, or built from scratch, 8 museum quality aircraft and missiles, which are on display at museums throughout the country. We are currently working on two more Vought products. An F-7U “Cutlass”, circa 1950’s, is on loan from the USS Midway museum in San Diego, which will be returned to them upon completion. Our second current project is a built from scratch replica of a 1930’s vintage O3U Corsair biplane fabricated of wood, cloth and metal. We hope to place this aircraft in the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
Mini-Corsair: One of Vought’s acquisitions was a one-half scale F4U Corsair aircraft. It was built to fly but the owner decided it would have a better home at VHF. It has been the center of attention at scores of events in the DFW area. Baby Corsair has been a Star ever since she came to VHF.
Vought Heritage Foundation Retiree Club
PO Box 532794, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-2794
817-478-1571
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Lunch for the May 21 meeting is $10.00. PLEASE RSVP to Stephanie Moreno 214-738-6444 for your reservation BEFORE Monday, May 18th. Space could be limited for this meeting.
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JUNE BUS TRIP June 25th 10:00AM
Join us as we tour more of Grand Prairie’s historical sites. Last year, there was a WONDERFUL response. We were only able to see some of the many historical markers and sites in our city. Cost is $25.00 person Please join us for tour #2 on June 25th. The bus will leave the GP Organization Historical Building promptly at 10:00AM. RSVP no later than Thursday, June 18 to make sure you have a seat. Stephanie Moreno 214-738-6444 hf hf hf hf hf hf hf hf hf hf hf hf
Nominating Committee
The nominating committee will be calling on our members to volunteer for an office for the 2015-2016 year. We hope you’ll support GPHO as we continue to march forward into the future.
Committee members are:
Angela Giessner, Cheryl Dover and Alice Ernst
PLEASE SAY YES WHEN THEY CALL FOR YOUR HELP. THANK YOU
BYLAWS CHANGE NOTICE
The Executive Committee is recommending the following change to the Bylaws:
As written -
Article VII - Rules of Order and Amendments to By-laws, Section 2, 2. Election Meeting: Biennial – In (MAY) November of the odd number years.
The change would be -
Article VII: Rules of Order and Amendments to By-laws, Section 2, 2. Election Meeting: Annually in November. The reason for the change: When a person is elected as President-elect this becomes a four year commitment. They must serve two years as President-elect and two years as President. In our ever-changing society, this limits the pool of candidates for fear of the length of service. It would be in the best interest of the organization to reduce the number of years of a term to one year.
This change will be voted on at the August Meeting.
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
♦ Thursday, May 21, 11:30am Regular Meeting GPHO Building ♦ Thursday, June 25th, 10:00am Bus Tour ♦ Thursday, August 20, 11:30am Regular Meeting GPHO Building ♦ Thursday, November 19, 11:30am Regular Meeting GPHO Building
For more information, contact Stephanie Moreno at stephanie.a.moreno.att.net or leave a voice mail at 214-738-6444
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Membership
Regular Membership Single members $25.00
Life Membership Life membership fees are $100.00.
Patron Membership - Any person who contributes five hundred dollars ($500.00) or more to the Organization shall be a Life Member thereof and shall, in addition thereof be appropriately recognized as a Patron of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization.
Corporate Membership - Any small business that contributes $250.00 shall be classified as a corporate member.
To become a member of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization, complete the membership application, attach dues, and return to:
Grand Prairie Historical Organization P. O. Box 532173 Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-2173
NOTE: The form may be completed online, and printed after completion.
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Robert Harold & Jackie S. Archer, Judy Armstrong, Billy Bancroft, Chuck Bancroft, Howard Bancroft, J.D. Bancroft, Adelaide Banister, Greta Berry Beckler, Carol & Grant Bell, Bebe Bingham, Brian W. Bingham, Dorella Bond, Joan Bronstad, Lisa Brown, Verna Brown, Nan Bryan, Jo Robertson Campbell, L.R. Cannon, Patricia R. Watson Capps, Marion Cato, Sharon Chaparas, Helen Chennault, Thomas Chennault, Ann H. & Dan R. Chilton, BJ Claybourne, Jorja Jackson Clemson, Joe Colwell, Marjorie Colwell, Kay Conelly, Jerry & Doranna Corley, Reg & Rochelle Crump, Bob Donaldson, Scott Donaldson, Cheryl Dover, Karen Hale Eddlemon, Annette & Richard Edmonson, Charles &Janice England, Kirk & Marcy England, Alice Stanfield Ernst, Benton Ford, Olive Galloway, Angela Giessner, Norma Jean Robertson & Johnny Hale, Loni Haran, Bill Henderson, Lee D. Herring, Aletha Hicks, Gary Hill, Betty Hulse, Vera Jinks, Bob & Patsy Johnson, Laurie Hulse Johnson, Kay Vail Kizziar, Fred & Myrle Knox, Ouida Lewis, Marty Ford Martin, Joyce McGuffey, Linda McNeff, Kenneth R. Miller, Stephanie Jumper Moreno, Lynn Motley, Martha Bowerman Pengelly, Betty Phillips, Peggy Poage, Laura Thompson Potter, Alicia Powell, Jeff Powell, Charles & Nancy Powers, Kathy Ritterhouse, Bob Roberts, Susie Roberts, Ann & David Searcey, Kathy Sherrill, Susan Shuffler, Fynlon & Eugena Simpson, Janette Skrasek, Carol Powers Smith, Ouida Daugherty Smith, Amy Sprinkles, Don & Joyce Stanfield, Marshall Sutton, Kenny Tyler, Donna Lambert Underwood, Carolyn Combs Vaught, Paul & Madie Vernon, Mildred Dickerson Walker, Sammie Ausmus Walker, Sarah Lou Graham Wallis, and John R. Wright.
Meetings are held the 3rd Thursday of February, May, August and November at the Grand Prairie Historical Museum, 1516 W. Main Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050 – unless otherwise noted.
Ruthe and Vernon Jackson working at Chance Vought.
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We extend our sympathy to the families of:
Beatrice Adelaide Banister - 1931 - 2014
Beatrice Adelaide Banister went to be with her Lord on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2014. Funeral: 2 p.m. Friday at Del Angel Funeral Home in Grand Prairie. Interment: Moore Memorial Gardens. Visitation: 1 to 2 p.m. Friday. Beatrice was born May 13, 1931. She worked at LTV in Grand Prairie for 38 years. She was an avid gardener and loved her flowers. She dedicated her life to her church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Zack Banister; and sister, Barbara Sloan. Survivors: Her son, Jon Scallons; daughter, Cassandra Banister; grandsons, Jason and Eric; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Gene Kenley Eckman.
Lyndole Raymond “Squat” Cannon - 1931 - 2015
Lyndole Raymond “Squat” Cannon passed peacefully January 1, 2015, from his earthly life at the age of 83 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Squat was born in Bowie County, TX, leaving New Boston High School to enlist in the U.S. Air force in 1949. As luck would have it, he was stationed at Nellis Air force Base in Las Vegas, where he served as drummer in the Air Force Band. The consummate prankster earned the favor of his commanding officers by introducing them to the joys of cinnamon toast and chocolate milk…and probably little else.
Upon returning to New Boston, he served in the 49th Armored Division of the Texas Air National Guard and also served in the new Boston Volunteer Fire Department. After marrying his sweetheart and the birth of his sons, he was invited by Chief J.C. Swadley to apply for a position with the Grand Prairie Fire Department. He drove his beloved 1929 Ford Model A to Grand Prairie and served proudly in the GPFD from December of 1958 until his retirement as a Lieutenant in 1986. Few men have ever loved their job more.
Squat is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jo Ellen Cannon, his namesake Lyndole Raymond (Ray) Cannon, Jr. and wife, Debra, of Terrell, TX; daughter Doris Cannon (Darcy) Harris and husband, Phil, of Grand prairie; sister, Doris Pierce of new Boston, TX; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, father and four brothers, as well as two sons, William Lynn and Perry Michael Cannon.
Squat’s life exemplified the mission of “Hearts and Hoses”, a non-profit organization volunteering time and effort to “support the Grand Prairie Fire Department, firefighters, and community members adversely affected by fire loss; and endeavors to recognize brave men and women for their outstanding service and dedication to the citizens of Grand Prairie.” He was a long-time member of the Congregational Methodist Church of Grand Prairie and a Life Member of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization.
Harry Englert - 1930 - 2015
ENGLERT, Harry - Devoted father and husband, engineer, passionate traveler and generous civic and church leader passed away peacefully Friday, February 13. Harry was a Nashville native, educated at Vanderbilt, and shortly after earning an engineering degree met the love of his life, Judy at Yellowstone National Park--the beginning of a 56-year romance. The two settled in Grand Prairie where they built a house and family, immersing themselves in education, church, and charitable service opportunities--culminating in Harry's MS from SMU and several terms as Grand Prairie City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem. Harry's career spanned more than 40 years locally at LTV, General Dynamics, and Lockheed Martin--and he was perhaps most proud of his role as lead project engineer on Boeing's 747 passenger jet. His love for travel took him and Judy, often with their children or grandchildren, to all US states and across the globe in all directions. Harry was first a church and family man, inspiring his children Sarah, Ruth, and John to always be good people and give back to the community. In addition to his children, he is survived by a brother, 2 sisters-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and a sizeable extended family. A service celebrating his life will be held at his church for 60 years, First United Methodist Church on Center Street in Grand Prairie, Saturday, February 21 at 11 AM.
Grand Prairie Fire Department
Grand Prairie Historical Organization
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Grand Prairie Historical Organization is to promote and preserve the history of Grand Prairie, Texas by collecting, preserving and interpreting that history through committed volunteers who translate that to others while maintaining the highest standards of excellence.
Vision Statement
The Grand Prairie Historical Organization will be a vibrant organization through which people may encounter, explore and learn about the past. With diverse audiences and Dallas County’s unique heritage at its core, GPHO is intended to help those individuals an educational helps others understand the City’s rich heritage.
In pursuit of these, GPHO will:
• Identify, collect, and exhibit significant historical materials related to Grand Prairie Texas and surrounding counties. • Conduct quarterly meetings that promote this history with speakers and programs that help translate the Mission and Vision Statements. • Provide leadership in the responsible preservation of, and public access to, these historical materials. • Encourage excellence in research, documentation, and interpretation of historical materials. • Foster an appreciation of the importance of historical materials to enrich public understanding of the past and present. • Promote pride in both individual and community heritage. • Respond to the community's needs to explore and examine issues critical to its past and application to contemporary life. • Provide support to historic preservation initiatives in Grand Prairie, Texas. • Maintain mutually beneficial relationships and alliances with educational institutions, the business community, government and other community organizations. www.gphistorical.com
GRAND PRAIRIE HISTORICAL ORGANIZATION PO BOX 532173 GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS 75053-2173