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If we have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of a giant: Frank Henry Ellis and Canada’s Flying Heritage

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Jul 18, 2021
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Aviation
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Profile picture for user rfortier
By: Rénald Fortier
Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation
The Canadian author and aviation pioneer Frank Henry Ellis (centre) with American aviation pioneers Frank Purdy Lahm (left) and Will D. “Billy” Parker, president of Early Birds of Aviation Incorporated, Los Angeles, California. Robert Francis, “Early Birds.” Sunday Sun Magazine, 28 July 1951, 5.
Frank Henry Ellis (centre) with American aviation pioneers Frank Purdy Lahm (left) and Will D. “Billy” Parker, president of Early Birds of Aviation Incorporated. Robert Francis, “Early Birds.” Sunday Sun Magazine, 28 July 1951, 5.

Hello and… And yes, my slightly anal reading friend, you are quite right. 28 July 1951 was a Saturday, not a Sunday, but what can yours truly tell you? Sunday Sun Magazine, a supplement of The Sunday Sun, the weekend edition of the daily newspaper The Vancouver Sun of Vancouver, British Columbia, was seemingly published on a Saturday – at least on that occasion. Go figure.

Again, hello and welcome to the wonderful world of aeronautics and astronautics and, more specifically, the 200th topic (!) explored in our blog / bulletin / thingee. I have the uncontained pleasure of bringing to your attention, your undivided attention of course, a gentleman who was in all likelihood Canada’s first aviation historian, an amateur one as were / are / probably will be most other Canadian aviation historians, true enough, but still an important figure in the preservation of Canada’s aeronautical heritage.

Frank Henry Ellis was born in Nottingham, England, in October 1893. He came to Canada or, to be more precise, to Calgary, Alberta, in 1912, with the rest of his family. At the time, Ellis might have been working as a mechanic.

Like many young Homo sapiens of his generation, Ellis was fascinated by those magnificent men in their flying machines who went up-tiddly-up-up – to paraphrase a line of the title song of Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, or, How I Flew from London to Paris in 25 Hours and 11 Minutes, an excellent 1965 British comedy, filmed by an American studio, which showed the misadventures of aviators from several countries who were trying to win a fictitious London, United Kingdom, to Paris, France, race in 1910.

In Calgary, during the winter of 1913-14, Ellis and a fellow aviation enthusiast, Thomas G. “Tom” Blakely, built an aeroplane similar in design to the biplanes made by Curtiss Aeroplane Company, one of the most successful aeroplane manufacturers in the United States.

They did so using components, including an engine, acquired by the latter. Said components came from an otherwise unknown Curtiss-type aeroplane, made in Calgary by an unknown mechanic, which may, I repeat, may have hit a wagon during its first trial. Having concluded that he could not re-assemble the aeroplane on his own, Blakely advertised for a partner. Ellis answered. A partnership was formed.

Blakely test flew the Blakely-Ellis / Ellis-Blakely biplane, perhaps known as West Wind, his first flight actually, on 25 June 1914. This flight was the first made in Calgary by a powered aeroplane made in Canada. Ellis followed suit on 2 July. The aeroplane flew relatively well but the rocky ground meant that tire punctures were a frequent annoyance.

To answer to question you are bound to ask, the very first flight of a powered aeroplane in Calgary was made in April 1911, by Hugh Armstrong Robinson, an American pilot and member of the exhibition team set up by Curtiss Aeroplane.

 Blakely and Ellis stored their aeroplane in the fall of 1914. They took it out in the summer (or spring?) of 1915 but moved to another location near Calgary, where the ground was less rocky. The dynamic duo seemingly flew the aeroplane on several occasions. In September, however, a storm tore the West Wind from its moorings. Blakely and Ellis found their machine 800 or so metres (about 0.5 mile) from its starting position. Damaged beyond repair, it did not fly again.

Presumably aware that British flying schools operated by the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) of the British Army or, more precisely, by the RFC (Canada), or Imperial RFC, were active in southern Ontario, Blakely and Ellis enlisted in 1917. From the looks of it, Ellis was involved in the training of pilots in one or more of said flying schools.

In any event, Ellis may have considered the possibility of making a career of sort in aviation after the end of the First World War. In early July 1919, he became the first Canadian or, to be more precise, the first British subject, there being no such thing as a Canadian citizenship in 1919, to make a parachute jump from an aeroplane on Canadian soil – more specifically Crystal Beach, Fort Erie, Ontario. Incidentally, Ellis, who was wearing a bathing suit and a makeshift life preserver made from what appear to be inner tubes of automobile tires, landed in Lake Erie – or the Niagara River. Would you be surprised if I told you that this parachute jump was the first Ellis had ever made? It may also have been the last, and…

What is it, my reading friend? You were puzzled by my statement regarding the absence of a Canadian citizenship in 1919? Well, that was the sad truth. The Canadian Citizenship Act became a thing in January 1947. The New Zealand, Australian and British counterparts of this act acquired force of law in 1948.

In October 1920, a fur buyer, Frank J. Stanley, asked one of the first commercial air operator in western Canada, Canadian Aircraft Company of Winnipeg, Manitoba, to fly him to his family home in The Pas, Manitoba. The firm accepted. Hector Fraser Dougall would fly the aeroplane. Ellis would be his mechanic during that odyssey. The machine the trio flew in was one of Canadian Aircraft’s civilianised (3 seats instead of 2) Avro Type 504 military training aeroplanes.

Would you believe that the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, in Ottawa, Ontario, has 2, I repeat 2, Type 504s in its mind-blowing collection?

This Winnipeg-The Pas flight was the first flight made in northern Canada, and the first bush / commercial flight made in that region of the country. It may, I repeat may, have been sponsored at least in part by the Great War Veterans’ Association of Canada Incorporated, the largest association of First World War veterans in Canada.

Would you be interested in learning more about this journey? No? What do you mean, no?

On day 1 of the trip, 15 October, Dougall flew north, following the Canadian Pacific Railway Company track so that he would not get lost. A faulty spark plug forced him to make an unplanned landing at Gladstone, Manitoba, in a plowed field. Attracted by this unexpected arrival, a number of people showed to look at the aeroplane. A quick repair (made by Ellis?) allowed Dougall, Ellis and Stanley to continue on their journey.

And yes, Canadian Pacific Railway Company was mentioned several / many times in our blog / bulletin / thingee, and this since April 2018.

A planned refueling stop was made in Dauphin, Manitoba, where Dougall landed once again in a plowed field. That time around, quite a few people were on hand. Dougall, Ellis and Stanley were driven into town to make arrangements to refuel the Type 504 and have a good if quick meal.

As the weather turned cloudy and cold, Dougall headed for Swan Rivers, Manitoba. The weather being pretty miserable, he decided to spend the night there. The terrific trio hiked into town and found rooms in a hotel.

On day 2 of the trip, 16 October, despite the cold and windy conditions, with low clouds and snow squalls, Dougall got to Hudson Bay Junction, Saskatchewan, as planned, and… Yes, yes, Saskatchewan. You see, this village was one of the stops of the Canadian Northern Railway Company track that Dougall wanted to follow all the way to The Pas so that he would not get lost.

May yours truly continue without any further interruption? Thank you. By the time Dougall got to Hudson Bay Junction, the Type 504 did not have much gasoline left in its tanks. Realising that it would not be prudent to keep going, Dougall began to look for some place to land. Circling the village in what was now a snow storm, he only saw bushes, trees and bogland / swampland / muskeg. Having little choice, Dougall picked an area devoid of bushes and trees and made his approach. Given the cold weather, the soil was relatively solid but the Type 504 sank to its wheel axle, coming to a dead stop in a matter of seconds. Dougall, Ellis and Stanley were lucky to walk away without any serious injuries.

Virtually all the 50 or so inhabitants of Hudson Bay Junction rushed to the scene. Few if any of them had seen an aeroplane before. They readily agreed to get the Type 504 out of its prison and move it to a slightly higher and dryer piece of land. This being done, the people of the village invited their unexpected guests to a heartfelt if improvised celebration. Dougall, Ellis and Stanley spent the night in the local “hotel.”

On day 3 of the trip, 17 October, the skies were clear but there was a fair amount of wind. Work on a makeshift runway, started the previous day, proceeded apace.

Yours truly presumes that a crucial matter had been settled before much of that work took place. Otherwise, what would have been the point? What was this crucial matter, you ask, my reading friend? The presence or absence of gasoline in Hudson Bay Junction, of course. Dougall was initially informed that there was no gasoline to be found, which was most disheartening. In a bold gesture of goodwill, however, the Chinese Canadian owner of the local cafe and laundry donated all the gasoline he had put aside to keep his home lamps burning. The Type 504 took off without too much difficulty, well after sunset, but the lower wings seemingly brushed against the tips of several trees at the end of the runway.

A potentially delicate thought if I may. It is my hope that the owner of the Hudson Bay Junction cafe and laundry willingly donated all his gasoline, without any pressure being put on him.

In any event, Dougall reached The Pas without too much difficulty, by following the Canadian Northern Railway track. He circled the town a few times and landed on a cow pasture which seemed reasonably devoid of obstacles. The mayor, Bernard Monroe “Barney” Stitt, and his aldermen were utterly thrilled, and perhaps a bit relieved, to shake their hand. Hundreds of people cheered. A banquet was held that very evening.

An elder of the Néhinaw / Cree First Nation, who like pretty much everyone living at The Pas in 1920 had never seen an aeroplane, suggested that the name Thunderbird would be a most appropriate one for this remarkable machine. Dougall agreed.

He, Ellis and Stanley had covered a distance of 625 or so kilometres (390 or so miles) at an average speed of about 100 kilometres/hour (about 63 miles/hour) – an astonishing performance in 1920 northern Canada and a clear indication of the usefulness of aircraft in that region of the country, but I digress.

Stanley went home to rejoin his family, as planned, after giving Dougall the sum of, it was said (typed?), $ 500 – an amount equivalent to $ 7 300 in 2021 currency.

Incidentally, a one way flight between Winnipeg and The Pas seemingly cost more than $ 800 in 2021. A person could book a return (!) flight between Ottawa and Paris, or London, for that kind of money. The mind boggles. Is it me or is the Canadian air transportation system a few fries short of a happy meal? Just askin’. And back to The Pas we go.

Dougall and Ellis had planned to fly back to Winnipeg as quickly as possible but the weather conditions made short work of their plan. Realising that the Type 504 would have to be partly dismantled and sent to Winnipeg by train, Dougall thought it might be a good idea to offer a few joyrides to the good people of The Pas.

Whether or not Dougall and Ellis ended up having to spend the winter of 1920-21 in northern Manitoba is unclear. Somehow, yours truly doubts it very much.

Unable to make ends meet in aviation in Calgary, Ellis moved to British Columbia around 1921-22. Would you believe that the young woman he met, and married, in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Elizabeth M. “Elsie” Ellis, had also been born in Nottingham? Ours is a small world, is it not?

Ellis began to drive buses operated by West Vancouver Municipal Transportation, today’s West Vancouver Municipal Transit, commonly known as Blue Bus, in West Vancouver, around 1924-25. He pursued this occupation until his retirement, in late 1953, I think. By that time, Ellis was the most senior driver in the firm.

And yes, my environmentally-conscious reading friend, West Vancouver Municipal Transit is indeed one of the oldest continuously-operated municipal public transit systems in North America, but back to our story.

It was seemingly between 1925 and 1930 that Ellis became interested in gathering information on the early days of aviation in Canada. Over the years, he contacted as many people as he could, writing (typing?) and / or receiving as many as 6 000 letters in the process, and gathered large amounts of information – and increasing number of priceless photographs.

Ellis may have begun writing (typing?) the manuscript of a book, tentatively entitled Wings of Memory as early as 1935. His spouse proofread his material.

Texts written by Ellis may, I repeat may, have begun to appear in various publications, including newspapers, not to mention the well-known Canadian aviation monthly Canadian Aviation, around 1938. All in all, he may have written up to 100 or so of these texts. Said texts generated a lot of interest. And yes, Ellis’ spouse presumably proofread that material as well.

After coming across one or more article, many individuals involved in various aspects of aviation in Canada contacted Ellis. The latter’s research files grew thicker with every passing month.

Before I forget, in 1938, Ellis became a member of an American organisation founded in 1928 which regrouped individuals, individuals from around the globe in fact, who had piloted an aeroplane, airship, balloon or glider before 17 December 1916. He had heard of Early Birds of Aviation Incorporated in 1936 but finding their address proved more complicated than he had originally thought. And yes, my observant reading friend, Early Birds of Aviation is indeed mentioned in the caption of the photograph at the beginning of this issue of our blog / bulletin / thingee.

No later than 1939, Ellis also began to make models of Canadian or foreign pioneer aeroplanes flown in Canada before the onset of the First World War. Indeed, he had 6 by end of that year. Two of these were models of machines made by the Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), a Canadian-American organisation mentioned in many issues of our blog / bulletin / thingee since October 2018, namely the Aerodrome No. 1 Red Wing and the Aerodrome No. 4 Silver Dart – a famous machine which requires no introduction, and…

All right, all right. Put down the flaming torches and pitchforks. The Silver Dart has been mentioned on many occasions in our you know what, and this since October 2018. Geez…

And yes, Ellis built a model of the Blakely-Ellis / Ellis-Blakely. The other trio of aeroplanes reproduced by Ellis also played more or less minor roles in the history of aviation in Canada:

- the American-designed and made Curtiss biplane flown by William M. “Bill / Billy” Stark of Vancouver;

- the Canadian-designed and made Straith biplane, made and flown by William Percy Alexander “Bill” Straith, the first powered aeroplane made and flown in Manitoba; and

- the Canadian-designed and made Templeton-McMullen biplane, made and / or flown by William “Bill” Templeton, Winston Templeton et William McMullen, the first powered aeroplane made and flown in British Columbia.

It looks as if Ellis presented these models to the city of Vancouver in February 1940. The city daddies were so impressed that said models were put in a plate-glass display case in the waiting room of the administration building. The models were later moved to the airport on Sea Island, near Vancouver, where they remained for 8 or so years. They were transferred to the Vancouver archives, I think, in 1949.

By late 1959 at the latest, Ellis may have put together 18 models, I think, of different Canadian or foreign pioneer aeroplanes flown in Canada shortly before (and / or shortly after?) the onset of the First World War. Some, if not many of the models, the post 1939 ones perhaps, were made, it was said by some, for a famous aircraft manufacturing firm, Canadair Limited of Cartierville, Québec, which had planned to display them at its factory. And yes, Canadair has been mentioned many times in our you know what since February 2018.

It has also been said that 12 or so models were displayed in various locations by the Royal Canadian Air Force, presumably as part of the celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of the first flight of the aforementioned Silver Dart on Canadian soil, on 23 February 1909.

It is with great pleasure that I can confirm that 12 of the models made by Ellis can now be found in the electrifying, dare I say (type?) galvanic, collection of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

Interestingly, or not, your choice, as usual, the original display cases of these 12 models had legs, which means that could also have been used as end tables / coffee tables, but I digress.

By 1951, the information and photographs gathered by Ellis had turned into a 275 000 words manuscript with 500 or so photographs on the history of aviation in Canada until the start of the Second World War, in September 1939. In other words, a 920 or so page text not counting the photographs. In other other words, a text potentially 2 or 3 or 4 times too big for publication – unless it got published as a 2 or 3 or 4 volume set, a risky proposition for any publisher, especially when dealing with a topic which did not really have the potential to produce a bestseller.

And yes, by 1951, Ellis had turned his precious typewritten manuscript to a publisher in Toronto, Ontario. He had approached several / many publishers before that and had received nothing but polite rejection letters.

And yet, Ellis was contemplating the possibility of writing a second volume which would cover the history of aviation in Canada after the onset of the Second World War.

His luck changed for the better when Marsh Jeanneret, the director of University of Toronto Press Limited, called Thomas Richardson “Tommy” Loudon to see if this former director of the Department of Civil and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of Toronto could look at the big cardboard box jammed full of material sent by Ellis. Loudon agreed. It took him a week to go through it all. An interesting week. For a long time now, Loudon had held the view that someone should publish an authoritative history of aviation in Canada. Ellis had done just that, for the period up to 1939.

After hearing Loudon’s enthusiastic report, Jeanneret indicated to Ellis that University of Toronto Press would publish his book.

There was a catch however. A big one. A profusely illustrated book like the one Jeanneret and University of Toronto Press envisioned, to properly tell the story, might cost about $ 50 – about $ 500 in 2021 currency. Such a wallet crushing cost would seriously limit the numbers of copies sold. At that price, Ellis’ book would even be out of reach of many public and academic libraries.

In a bold gesture of goodwill, Imperial Oil Limited of Toronto, a major oil company whose exploration work had often involved the use of aircraft, agreed to underwrite the cost of publishing Ellis’ book. Thomas Mayne “Pat” Reid, an executive at this firm and a well-known former bush pilot, played a crucial role in convincing his colleagues to become involved. Indeed, he may have made a financial contribution of his own.

Either before or after Imperial Oil indicated it would help, University of Toronto Press decided to absorb some of the expenses for the book.

It is worth noting that this publishing house put together an editorial board to check, cut, edit and revise the manuscript. Headed by Loudon, this group included such Canadian luminaries as Reid, former bush pilot Clennell Haggerston “Punch” Dickins as well the retired director of air service at the Department of Transport, John Armistead Wilson.

Sadly enough, Reid may not have seen the finished product. He died in April 1954, at the age of 59. In turn, Wilson passed away in October 1954, a month or so before Ellis’ book hit the shelves. He was 74 years old.

Did you know that Loudon was apparently a classmate of the 2 Canadian members of the aforementioned AEA, John Alexander Douglas McCurdy and Frederick Walker “Casey” Baldwin? These gentlemen were respectively mentioned many times since September 2017 and several time since October 2018, in our blog / bulletin / thingee.

And so it was that, in November 1954, bookshops across Canada put copies of Canada’s Flying Heritage on their shelves. At 390 or so pages, this pioneering work for the history of Canadian aviation, the first book of its kind in Canada, may, I repeat may, have contained little more than a third of the information gathered by Ellis. The book also contained 400 or so illustrations, some / many of them somewhat small. Sadly, it did not contain a whole lot about francophone Canadian aviation pioneers – a deficiency which did not go unnoticed at time went by.

At $ 7.95, or more than $ 75 in 2021 currency, Canada’s Flying Heritage was still not cheap but its purchase would not have caused as much spousal irritation in Canadian households as the acquisition of a $ 50 book. In any event, it was worth every penny.

Canada’s Flying Heritage covered in details great, if not always perfectly accurately, the period between the balloon experiments made in Montréal, Québec, in 1879, which were not the first on Canadian soil as Ellis seemingly thought, and the start of the Second World War, in September 1939.

The reaction of reviewers and aviation enthusiasts across the land was very positive and, in some cases, near ecstatic.

If I may be permitted a digression, in August 1840, a Franco-American balloonist born in Guadeloupe, the largest island in the French Antilles, Louis Anselm “Lewis” Lauriat, born, perhaps, Louis Anselme Lauriat, with an E, took to the sky air in Saint John, New Brunswick. Lauriat was then one of the most famous aeronauts in the northeastern United States. His balloon, The Star of the East, landed just under 35 kilometres (just over 20 miles) from the city. This was the first piloted flight in a territory which would later become part of Canada. And yes, this paragraph can be found, word for word, in a November 2020 issue of our blog / bulletin / thingee. What can I say (type?), I am lazy.

Hoping to boost sales, some bookstores put multiple copies of Canada’s Flying Heritage and several model aircraft on display in their front windows. Other bookstores put ads in newspapers. Indeed, many newspapers across Canada published dithyrambic articles on the book and its author.

Having launched Canada’s Flying Heritage in November 1954, University of Toronto Press hoped that this book would become a popular Christmas gift. It might have been right.

Incidentally, Ellis won 1 of the 2 James J. Strebig Memorial Awards given in 1955 by the Aviation Writers Association, today’s Aviation/Space Writers Association. The award in question was the United States’ highest award in the field of aviation writing.

And yes, Ellis continued to write articles after the publication of Canada’s Flying Heritage.

In 1959, Ryerson Press Limited of Whitby, Ontario, published In Canadian Skies: 50 Years of Adventure and Progress. Ellis’ second book, a relatively slim 230 or so page publication, was an overview of the history of aviation in Canada between the first flight of the aforementioned Silver Dart on Canadian soil, in February 1909, and the year 1959, during which said flight was commemorated. Indeed, In Canadian Skies was endorsed by the National Coordinating Council for the Golden Anniversary of Flight in Canada. It seemingly hit the shelves during the summer of 1959.

In 1963, Ryerson Press also published Atlantic Air Conquest: The Complete Story of All North Atlantic Flights and Attempts During the Pioneer Years from 1910 to 1940. Ellis and his spouse co-wrote this 220 or so page book.

Yours truly would be remiss if I did not point out that, like John Alexander Macdonald, Adolphus Egerton Ryerson was one of the architects of Canada’s infamous Indian residential school system, a mandatory network of boarding schools funded by the federal government but run by various Christian churches, including especially the roman catholic church. Approximately 150 000 First Nation, Métis and Inuit children attended residential schools, against their will, during the 19th and 20th centuries.

At least 3 200 of these children were known to have perished while in the “care” of said churches. Given the more than 1 300 unmarked graves found in May, June and July 2021 near 4 (!) of the 140 or so Indian residential schools, that tragic 3 200 number is undoubtedly a grotesque understatement of the total number of victims of the act of cultural genocide, an expression used by the 2008-15 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, that was Canada’s Indian residential school system. Fiat justitia ruat cælum.

Apologies for inserting such a sombre note in these pages but certain things need to be put out there, time and again. Systemic racism is not a myth concocted by activists that one denounces to please a political base. For millions of people who live there, Canada is not always “the more best country in the world,” to quote, out of context and in translation, the awkward yet undoubtedly sincere (apocryphal?) comment made in the early 1990s by then Prime Minister Joseph Jacques Jean Chrétien. End of statement.

Frank Henry Ellis passed away in July 1979, at the age of 85.

Canadian aviation historians of all stripes owed, owe and will continue to owe him a great deal.

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“Is a frog game or fish? There is the rub.” A brief look at the history of ranaculture in Canada and Québec, Part 4

A typical advertisement of Giant Frog & Sea Food Limited of Montréal, Québec. Anon., “Giant Frog & Sea Food Limited. La Patrie, 18 October 1952, 53.

“Is a frog game or fish? There is the rub.” A brief look at the history of ranaculture in Canada and Québec, Part 3

Three of the innumerable American bullfrogs found on the frog farm of Harold Lee, Casitas Springs, California. Anon., “Nature – Frog Farm.” Pix, 6 January 1951, 30.

“Is a frog game or fish? There is the rub.” A brief look at the history of ranaculture in Canada and Québec, Part 2

A typical advertisement of Canadian Frog’s Industries Company of Montréal, Québec. Anon., “Canadian Frog’s Industries Company.” La Patrie, 16 November 1952, 86.

“Is a frog game or fish? There is the rub.” A brief look at the history of ranaculture in Canada and Québec, Part 1

An editorial cartoon which reflected the reaction of many Americans following the launch of Sputnik 2. John Milt Morris, “Our own non-fly doghouse.” The Nome Nugget, 8 November 1957, 2.

Three Days of the Sputnik; or, “Radio-Moscow admits that the dog revolving around the earth in the satellite will never return”: Laika, Sputnik 2 and the daily press of Québec, part 3

A replica of Sputnik 2, Tsentral’nyy Dom Aviatsii i Kosmonavtiki DOSAAF Rossíi, Moscow, April 2021. Krasnyy via Wikipedia.

Three Days of the Sputnik; or, “Radio-Moscow admits that the dog revolving around the earth in the satellite will never return”: Laika, Sputnik 2 and the daily press of Québec, part 2

The first official portrait of Laika to be released by the Soviet authorities. This photograph was originally published in the Moscow daily Pravda. Anon., “More Sputnik Dogs Due Before Humans Go Up.” The Evening Star, 13 November 1957, 6.

Three Days of the Sputnik; or, “Radio-Moscow admits that the dog revolving around the earth in the satellite will never return”: Laika, Sputnik 2 and the daily press of Québec, part 1

The (single seat?) biplane designed by Canadian Aircraft Works (Incorporated? Limited? Registered?) of Montréal / Coteau Rouge, Québec, January 1915. Gustave Pollien might be at the controls. CASM, 1134.

A terrific trio active during the early days of aviation in Québec: Ernest Anctil, Gustave Pollien and Percival Hall Reid, part 3

The biplane made by Gustave Pollien (left) and Ernest Anctil, Cartierville, Québec. Anon., “L’aviation chez nous – Un jeune aviateur canadien-français, Ernest Anctil, vole avec succès sur un biplan construit au pays.” La Presse, 27 September 1912, 1.

A terrific trio active during the early days of aviation in Québec: Ernest Anctil, Gustave Pollien and Percival Hall Reid, part 2

The biplane fabricated by Ernest Anctil (on the left in the lower photograph) and Gustave Pollien, Cartierville, Québec. Anon., “The first Montreal-made biplane.” The Standard, 5 October 1912, 4.

A terrific trio active during the early days of aviation in Québec: Ernest Anctil, Gustave Pollien and Percival Hall Reid, part 1

Louis Victor Jules Vierne (3rd from left), composer and organist of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral at the keyboard of the Coupleux Givelet electronic organ, Poste Parisien radio station, Paris, France. Anon., “L’orgue des ondes du ‘Poste parisien’ est inauguré.” Le Petit Parisien, 27 October 1932, 1.

The melodious saga of two French pioneers of electronic music who deserve to be better known: Joseph Armand Marie Givelet and Édouard Éloy Coupleux

Artist’s impression of the Canadian satellite Alouette in orbit above Canada. National Film Board, Photostory 288: Canadian Scientists Keep Pace with Space, NFB62-5961.

Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te lancerai; Or, How the Cold War propelled Canada into space via the Alouette satellite, part 3

The Thor-Agena rocket which put the Canadian satellite Alouette into orbit, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Anon., “Alouette’ Working Perfectly – First Canadian Satellite in Orbit.” The Montreal Star, 29 September 1962, 1.

Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te lancerai; Or, How the Cold War propelled Canada into space via the Alouette satellite, part 2

Two of the engineers who made the Alouette satellite a success: Colin A. Franklin (left) and John N. Barry, Ottawa, Ontario. Anon., “Many ‘Firsts’ for Canadian Satellite – Alouette Sports New Space Advances.” The Montreal Star, 22 September 1962, 43.

Alouette, gentille alouette, Alouette, je te lancerai; Or, How the Cold War propelled Canada into space via the Alouette satellite, part 1

Approximate view of the area in which the solar eclipse of 31 August 1932 could be observed in its totality (main image), or not (right-side column). Anon. “Mighty Workings of Tomorrow’s Eclipse.” Sherbrooke Daily Record, 30 August 1932, 1.

“We all pray for a cloudless day:” The solar eclipse of 31 August 1932 in Québec, part 3

Some of the eminent British researchers en route to Canada to observe the total solar eclipse of 31 August 1932. Anon., “Le ciel québécois et les astronomes. La Presse, 29 July 1932, 9.

“We all pray for a cloudless day:” The solar eclipse of 31 August 1932 in Québec, part 2

The solar eclipse of 31 August 1932 as it could be observed in its totality, from a country road in Maine. Anon., “Souvenir d’éclipse.” La Presse – Magazine illustré, 24 September 1932, 9.

“We all pray for a cloudless day:” The solar eclipse of 31 August 1932 in Québec, part 1

The Manicouagan Reservoir, also known as the Eye of Québec, as photographed from space by the Sentinel 2-A satellite of the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Programme, January 2017. https://scihub.copernicus.eu/ via Wikimedia.

Sic itur ad astra: Several observations on the stellar career of Canadian astronomer Carlyle Smith Beals, part 2

Carlyle Smith Beals, Dominion Astronomer. Raymond Taillefer, “Tant qu’il y aura des étoiles – L’observatoire fédéral assure au Canada un brillant rôle scientifique.” Le Droit, 2 August 1947, 1.

Sic itur ad astra: Several observations on the stellar career of Canadian astronomer Carlyle Smith Beals, part 1

The prototype of the Canadian de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver bushplane on display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario. CASM, deHavilland DHC-2 Beaver-005.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Beaver, happy birthday to you: An all too brief look at a Canadian icon, the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver bushplane, part 2

The prototype of the Canadian de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver bushplane on the day of its first flight, Downsview, Ontario, August 1947. CASM, KM-08317.

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Beaver, happy birthday to you: An all too brief look at a Canadian icon, the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver bushplane, part 1

The Shell By-Plane X 100 Astroterramare of Professor Septimus Urge (far right), Pleasure Gardens of the Festival of Britain, Battersea Park, London, England. Anon., “New British Jet Unique, but Not Matchless.” Aviation Week, 18 August 1952, 44.

Heath Robinson / Rube Goldberg machines that Heath Robinson and “Rube” Goldberg themselves would have approved of; Or, The wonderful world of Frederick Rowland Emett and his things

Rachel Marie-Louise Clément, born Guillot, salting Madame Clément camembert cheeses produced by Laiterie R.A. Clément (Enregistrée? Incorporée? Limitée?), McMasterville or Beloeil, Québec. Anon., “Fromages du Québec.” Photo-Journal, 28 August 1952, 33.

“If I had a hundred lives, I would start again the adventure of the camembert:” The delicious Québec saga of the Clément family and its cheeses

An artist’s impression of the airship designed by Québec modeler, sculptor, stonemason or worker Louis N. Filion. Anon., “Le secret de la direction des ballons est-il réellement détenu par un Canadien-français?” La Patrie, 26 July 1902, 19.

In 1902, was the secret of steering dirigible balloons held by Quebecer Louis N. Filion? That is for me to know and you to find out

A typical advertisement of the Bamboo Cycle Company Limited of London, England. Anon., “Bamboo Cycle Company Limited.” The Graphic, 31 July 1897, 179.

“Should anyone be in doubt my advice is Buy a Bamboo:” A few pages on Bamboo Cycle Company Limited of London, England

An American test firing of a Douglas M31 Honest John short range unguided ground to ground rocket. Anon., “Engins et missiles.” Aviation Magazine, 1 June 1959, 155.

It might not have changed history but would certainly have changed the geography: A brief yet frightening look at the Douglas M31 and M50 / MGR-1 Honest John short range unguided ground to ground rockets, part 2

A team of the Canadian Army’s Royal Canadian Artillery training on a Douglas M31 Honest John short range unguided ground to ground rocket of the United States Army, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Anon., “Rocket Training.” Sherbrooke Daily Record, 13 July 1957, 1.

It might not have changed history but would certainly have changed the geography: A brief yet frightening look at the Douglas M31 and M50 / MGR-1 Honest John short range unguided ground to ground rockets, part 1

A Frisco Soda Water Company of Montréal, Québec, advertisement for the Salvador beer brewed by Reinhardt ‘Salvador’ Brewery Limited of Toronto, Ontario. Anon., “Frisco Soda Water Company.” The Montreal Daily Star, 5 July 1912, 5.

A tale of two Reinhardts; or, A brief look at two long gone and forgotten Canadian breweries

Kenneth Albert Arnold, in the centre, with two other pilots who claimed they had had seen unidentified flying objects, namely Emil J. Smith, on the left, and Ralph Stevens. Anon., “Pilotes qui virent des soucoupes volantes.” Le Soleil, 8 July 1947, 1.

“Everyone has seen the flying saucers, except journalists:” The first sightings of unidentified flying objects / unidentified aerial phenomena in the province of Québec, 24 June to 19 July 1947, part 2

Kenneth Albert Arnold. Anon., “Boise Airman Positive He Didn’t See Ordinary Craft Reflections.” The Idaho Daily Statesman, 28 June 1947, 9.

“Everyone has seen the flying saucers, except journalists:” The first sightings of unidentified flying objects / unidentified aerial phenomena in the province of Québec, 24 June to 19 July 1947, part 1

A typical advertisement for a product offered by O-Pee-Chee Gum Company of London, Ontario. Anon., “O-Pee-Chee Gum Company.” The Aylmer Express, 6 June 1912, 5.

“Chew Chew Chew Chew Your Bubble Gum:” The sweet old times of O-Pee-Chee Gum Company Limited of London, Ontario

Advertisement for the Isetta manufactured by Isetta of Great Britain Limited. Anon., “City Motors Limited.” The Gazette, 21 November 1957, 2.

A look under the hood of one of the symbols of the West German economic miracle of the 1950s; or, The multifaceted and multinational tale of the Isetta microcar, part 2

A typical BMW 250 or 300. Devon Francis, “What you get in the foreign economy cars.” Popular Science, June 1957, 62.

A look under the hood of one of the symbols of the West German economic miracle of the 1950s; or, The multifaceted and multinational tale of the Isetta microcar, part 1

A Spitz planetarium projector at the Planetario Municipal Agrimensor Germán Barbato, the first planetarium in South America, inaugurated in 1955, Montevideo, Uruguay, February 2015. Fedaro via Wikimedia.

Blessed be the one who brings the wonders of the cosmos to the multitude: Armand Neustadter Spitz and his planetarium projectors, part 2

Armand Neustadter Spitz. Hilaire Cuny, “Sciences et techniques – La plus gigantesque tentative de notre temps: La conquête de l’espace cosmique.” Combat, 15 May 1957, 6.

Blessed be the one who brings the wonders of the cosmos to the multitude: Armand Neustadter Spitz and his planetarium projectors, part 1

A typical advertisement of the Toronto, Ontario, firm William Hood & Company. Anon., “William Hood & Company.” The Canadian Grocer & General Storekeeper, 27 May 1892, 9.

“A new trade winner for grocers and general merchants;” or, How William Hood & Company of Toronto, Ontario, became a pretext to dwell upon the mysteries of... castor oil

A typical Tillson Company Limited advertisement. Anon. “Tillson Company Limited.” The Canadian Grocer & General Storekeeper, 13 May 1892, 19.

“A Food, not a Fad:” The life and times of Edwin Delevan Tillson of Tillsonburg, Ontario

Gertrude Dugal, the first francophone Québec women to obtain a pilot’s license – or not, Cartierville airport, Cartierville, Québec. Anon., “La seule diplômée.” La Patrie, Journal du dimanche, 18 May 1947, 1.

“Across the clouds I see my shadow fly:” Some words about Gertrude Dugal, the first francophone Québec woman to obtain a pilot’s license – unless it was someone else

A Vincent Amanda personal watercraft in its element, Ruislip, England, April 1957. Anon., “Triss i bâtar.” Teknikens Värld med Flyg, 2 to 16 May 1957, 8.

Bournemouth, Scarborough, ooh I want to take you. Great Yarmouth, Lyme Regis, come on my reading friend: The Vincent Amanda, the almost forgotten ancestor of today’s personal watercrafts

A close-up view of a radio pill a few moments before the first volunteer patient swallowed it. Anon., “Science – Radio Made to Swallow.” Life, 29 April 1957, 74.

Take one of these pills and your innards will call me in the morning: The digestive saga of… the radio pill

Dan Cooper, as drawn by Belgian “bande dessinée” author Albert Weinberg during his visit to North Bay, Ontario, in May-June 1966. Anon., “Originator of RCAF cartoon hero visits defence bases at North Bay.” The North Bay Nugget, 3 June 1966, 1.

A prolific Belgian “bande dessinée” author who deserves to be better known: the father of Dan Cooper, Canadian hero, Albert Weinberg (1922-2011), Part 2

Albert Weinberg during one of his many visits on Canadian soil. Anon., “Dan Cooper c’est Buzz Beurling.” La Presse, 31 March 1975, A3.

A prolific Belgian “bande dessinée” author who deserves to be better known: The father of Dan Cooper, Canadian hero, Albert Weinberg (1922-2011), Part 1

A typical FFVS J 22 fighter plane of the Swedish air force, or Flygvapnet, Bunge, Sweden, circa 1948-49. Flygvapenmuseum, FVMF.002142.

I have been asked a few times what my favourite airplane was. Well, here is one of my all-time favourites: Sweden’s FFVS J 22 fighter plane, part 2

A typical FFVS J 22 fighter plane of the Swedish air force, or Flygvapnet. Harald Jacobson, “Ett flygplan – en flygepok.” Looping, April 1952, 12.

I have been asked a few times what my favourite airplane was. Well, here is one of my all-time favourites: Sweden’s FFVS J 22 fighter plane, part 1

 An advertisement for products, in this case herrings and sardines, canned by Connors Brothers Limited of Black’s Harbour, New Brunswick. Anon., “Connors Brothers Limited.” Le Prix courant, 29 March 1912, 20.

From lobster bait and potato fertiliser to salt water silver: The humble sardine and Connors Brothers Limited of Black’s Harbour, New Brunswick

A Volvo P1800 comparable to the one driven by Simon Templar, also known as the Saint, a character played on television by Roger George Moore, Volvo Museum, Göteborg, Sweden, 2008. Jarle Vines via Wikimedia.

A saintly automobile from the land of “Pippi” Longstocking and Lisbeth Salander: The Swedish Volvo P1800 grand tourer / sports car, part 2

A typical Volvo P1800 grand tourer / sports car. Anon., “La plus belle auto.” La Patrie du Dimanche, 25 March 1962, 11.

A saintly automobile from the land of “Pippi” Longstocking and Lisbeth Salander: The Swedish Volvo P1800 grand tourer / sports car, part 1

The outgoing representative of the electoral district of Limoux, France, senator Henri Charles Étienne Dujardin-Beaumetz. Joseph Uzanne. Figures contemporaines. (10th edition) (Paris: Librairie Henri Floury, 1906), no page number.

“My dear Védrines, it is a voting failure:” Charles Toussaint “Jules” Védrines and the partial legislative election of Limoux, France, in March 1912, Part 2

Cartoon of Senator Henri Charles Étienne Dujardin-Beaumetz messing with “Jules” Védrines, the defeated candidate in the Limoux, France, by-election of March 1912. Anon., “La course Limoux-Palais-Bourbon.” Le Rire, 30 March 1912, no page number.

“My dear Védrines, it is a voting failure:” Charles Toussaint “Jules” Védrines and the partial legislative election of Limoux, France, in March 1912, Part 1

The Lincoln Continental 1950X / Ford X-100 laboratory on wheels. Anon., “La Ford de l’avenir.” Photo-Journal, 28 February 1952, 8.

The car of tomorrow as imagined 70 years ago: The Lincoln Continental 1950X / Ford X-100 laboratory on wheels

Edward T. Faulkner and his Curtiss JN-4 Canuck, Honeoye Falls, New York, 1962. Canada Aviation and Space Museum 2985.

It took off at 100 kilometres/hour, flew at 100 kilometres/hour and landed at 100 kilometres/hour, more or less: The saga of the Curtiss JN-4 Canuck

An advertisement of David Brown (Canada) Limited of Toronto, Ontario, showing the tractors offered by a British sister / brother firm, David Brown Tractors Limited. Anon., “David Brown (Canada) Limited.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, February 1962, 75.

“Do you want to drive my tractor? Let us go and load some hay.” A very brief look at the history of the British firm David Brown Tractors Limited

Tomanowos, better known as the Willamette meteorite, American Museum of Natural History, New York City, New York. Anon., “Ça et là, par l’image.” Le Samedi, 22 February 1947, 8.

Tomanowos, a visitor from the sky or Moon: A brief look at the largest North American meteorite known today

Vera Elsie Strodl wearing the leather flight jacket she wore during the Second World War. Glennis Zilm, “Only Canadian honored – Long love of flying brings award to aviatrix.” The Gazette, 1 February 1972, 8.

God may have been her co-pilot, Or, The remarkable career of a remarkable pilot, Vera Elsie Strodl

John D’Alton Woodlock with one of his sons, Peter Woodlock, in front of the family television set, Iberville, Québec, summer of 1949. Arthur Prévost, “Dix ans avant CBFT – À Iberville, on a la TV depuis 14 ans!...” Le Petit Journal, 14 January 1962, A-49.

But sadly, like so many great minds, Québec television pioneer John D’Alton Woodlock was gone too soon – and quickly forgotten

An advertisement of the Société auxiliaire agricole of Paris, France, showing a Pavesi P4 or Agrophile-Pavesi agricultural tractor in action. Anon., “Société auxiliaire agricole,” L’Agriculture nouvelle, 14 January 1922, 4.

Once upon a time there was an acrobat tractor: The beautiful although partly military story of the Pavesi P4 farm tractor and the career of Ugo Pavesi

Two of the great fighter planes of the First World War: A SPAD S.VII of the Royal Flying Corps or Aéronautique militaire and an Albatros D.III of the Luftstreitkräfte. Anon., “A Dog Fight.” Canadian Aviation, January 1932, 12.

The tale of the most extraordinary photographs ever taken of air fights during the First World War, Or, The long and short of the Cockburn-Lange collection

An overall view of one of the first telephone networks in Canada, Montréal, Québec, 1878. Anon., “Le premier téléphone qui ait jamais été installé à Montréal.” La Presse, 27 January 1912, 5.

They were among the first to reach out and touch someone: A look at one of the first telephone networks in Canada

The Canadair CL-44 leased by British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), September 1963. This Seaboard World Airlines Incorporated aircraft carried 19 racing cars from the United Kingdom to the United States on that flight, its first in the colors of BOAC. CASM.

A good swing deserves another: The saga of the Canadian Canadair CL-44 cargo plane, Part 2

An advertisement from the aircraft manufacturer Canadair Limited of Cartierville, Québec, extolling the merits of its ginormous cargo plane, the Canadair CL-44. Anon., “Canadair Limited.” La Presse, January 23, 1962, 29.

A good swing deserves another: The saga of the Canadian Canadair CL-44 cargo plane, Part 1

Advertisement published by the Zeller’s Limited stores of Calgary, Alberta, which highlighted the Reely Ride-’em tractor produced by Reliable Toy Company Limited of Toronto, Ontario. Anon., “Zeller’s Limited.” The Calgary Herald, 11 December 1961, 32.

Toys, glorious toys, we are anxious to try them: A few pages on Reliable Toy Company Limited of Toronto, Ontario

A de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter utility floatplane operated by Northway Aviation Limited of St. Andrews, Manitoba, Fishing Lake, Manitoba, September 2005. Mark Swaffer via Wikimedia.

Canada’s flying one tonne truck: The de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter

A Moline Plow Company advertisement showing a Moline Universal Tractor in action. Anon. “Moline Plow Company.” L’Agriculture nouvelle, 10 December 1921, 707.

A very successful vehicle and, dare I type it, a sidehill gouger of the farm tractor industry: The Moline Universal Tractor

The Douglas DC-8 jetliner of Canadian Pacific Airlines Limited of Vancouver, British Columbia, known as Empress of Montreal. Anon., “Empress of Montreal DC-8 First CPA Jet Visitor.” The Gazette, 6 December 1961, 17.

An article whose punchline I am reluctant to divulge so early in the game: Or, A speedy DC used by CP

The United States Air Force Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar cargo plane borrowed by Iron Ore Company of Canada Incorporated in 1951. Anon., “Fret aérien – L’opération Ungava – Le fret aérien accélère l’application d’un projet. » Interavia, December 1951, 672.

“In the interests of national security”: The role played by a United States Air Force Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar cargo plane in the development of the Knob Lake region’s iron ore deposits

The Vertol Model 42 of Skyrotors Limited of Arnprior, Ontario, chartered by Spartan Air Services Limited of Ottawa, Ontario, as part of Operation High Tower. Anon., “Operation High Tower.” The Ottawa Citizen, 8 November 1961, 3.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to move stuff around: Spartan Air Services Limited of Ottawa, Ontario, the Ottawa radio station CFRA and Operation High Tower

One of the two life-size aluminum alloy sculptures of whooping cranes created by Wolfram F. Niessen for Regina Municipal Airport, Regina, Saskatchewan. Anon., “Regina Honors the Whooping Crane.” The Ottawa Citizen, Weekend Magazine, 18 November 1961, 38.

Let’s talk about art, humans. All the humans. Louder now. Help me out. – Wolfram F. Niessen, John Cullen Nugent and the life-size aluminum alloy sculptures of whooping cranes created for Regina Municipal Airport

Joseph Alphonse Ouimet. Anon., “Le pionnier de la télévision préférait la radio à une bicyclette neuve.” La Patrie, 5 November 1961, 26.

“The pioneer of television preferred radio to a new bicycle:” An overview of the career of Joseph Alphonse Ouimet, a founding father of Canadian television

An advertisement published by La traction et le matériel agraires Société anonyme for the American Beeman Junior garden tractor. Anon., “La traction et le matériel agraires Société anonyme.” L’Agriculture nouvelle, 12 November 1921, 664.

“Green acres is the place to be. Farm livin’ is the life for me:” The American firm Beeman Garden Tractor Company and the Beeman Junior or Model G garden tractor / walking tractor

An ascent made by Québec female fairground balloonist and parachutist Florida Lanthier. Maurice Desjardins, “Dans une modeste maison de Montréal-Nord -- Florida Lanthier, reine des parachutistes, vit de couture... et de souvenirs.” Photo-Journal, 8 November 1951, 3.

Shadows and light in the skies of Québec: A preliminary look at the life and times of Québec female fairground balloonist and parachutist Florida Lanthier

The Mobile Demonstration Irradiator put together by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. Anon., “Boon to Canadian potato industry.” Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 21 October 1961, 6.

One hot potato, two hot potatoes, three hot potatoes, four: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited of Chalk River, Ontario, and the early days of food irradiation in Canada

A Mathis VL 333 light and economical automobile. Fernand de Laborderie, “Le 33e Salon de l’automobile.” La Nature, 15 October 1946, 331.

A vision of the future for a firm running out of steam: The French Mathis VL333 light and economical automobile

A coastal reconnaissance Bristol Bolingbroke destined for the Royal Canadian Air Force being assembled at the Fairchild Aircraft Limited factory, Longueuil, Québec, 1941. Anon., “Les C.F. et la R.C.A.F.” Le Samedi, 18 October 1941, (c).

“We must get aircraft equipment and look after our coasts” – The Royal Canadian Air Force and the Bristol Bolingbroke coastal reconnaissance aircraft

The prototype of the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter on display at the Canada Aviation Museum, Ottawa, circa 2001. CASM.

From pole to pole and horizon to horizon, the Twin Otter was, is and will be there: A very brief pontification on one of the best Canadian aircraft ever designed

The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario, February 2009. Wikipedia.

The strange and baffling case of the switched aeroplanes; or, Even when using New Mathematics, 4112 never equals 5878: The tall tale of the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, part 2

The Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum when it belonged to the Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Ontario. H.J. (“Titch”) Jenkins, “Correspondence – Ottawa’s – and Sowrey’s – B.E.2c.” Flight, 12 October 1961, 600.

The strange and baffling case of the switched aeroplanes; or, Even when using New Mathematics, 4112 never equals 5878: The tall tale of the Royal Aircraft Factory B.E.2 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, part 1

Isidore Joseph Amédée Marsan. Anon., “Isidore Joseph Amédée Marsan.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, 17 September 1921, cover.

One of the pioneers of agricultural science in Québec and Canada: Isidore Joseph Amédée Marsan

An advertisement for St. Lawrence Starch Company Limited, Port Credit, Ontario. Anon., “Advertisement – St. Lawrence Starch Company Limited.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, September 1941, 61.

Free, magnificent cards bearing drawings or photographs of Allied aircraft! Collect them all!

An Aluminium français-Grégoire automobile, Cité de l’automobile – Musée national – Collection Schlumpf, Mulhouse, France, May 2010, Wikimedia.

‘Tween two joints, he really did something: Jean Albert Grégoire and his magnificent automobiles, Part 2

 An example of the French CGE-Tudor electric automobile. C. Faroux, “Un progrès considérable de la voitures électrique.” La Vie automobile, 25 September 1941, 284.

‘Tween two joints, he really did something: Jean Albert Grégoire and his magnificent automobiles, Part 1

The one and only example of the Italian long range airliner Breda Zappata BZ 308. Jacques Gambu. “Breda Zappata BZ 308.” Aviation Magazine, 1 September 1951, 21.

Il Constellation italiano, an unrecognised star in Italy’s aeronautical firmament: The Breda Zappata BZ 308 long range airliner

Paul Fjeld in the family residence, Rosemère, Québec. Claude-Lyse Gagnon, “Parti avec $200 en poche – Un jeune Québécois a pu voir décoller Apollo 15.” La Patrie, 15 August 1971, 12.

Space, the final frontier towards which travels our planet, the Earth; this is the life story of Paul Fjeld, space enthusiast and artist for over half a century

Advertisement for the Frontenac Blue Label lager of National Breweries Limited of Montréal, Québec. Anon., “Advertisement – National Breweries Limited.” Le Samedi, 23 August 1941, 12.

The great victim of the Montréal beer war of 1925: Frontenac Breweries Limited of Montréal, Québec

A Karou Karou all-terrain vehicle. Anon., “Opération Camping à Saint-Hilaire.” Photo-Journal, 26 July to 1 August 1971, 47.

All-terrain, all-weather, all-pleasure: Karou Incorporée of Drummondville, Québec, and the Karou all-terrain vehicle

The first production example of the Canadian-made Avro Anson advanced training aircraft fitted with the moulded plywood fuselage, location unknown, 1943. CASM, 23290.

Not everyone knows that aircraft manufacturing can be a contact sport: Clarence Decatur Howe, Harvey Reginald MacMillan and the production of Avro Anson advances training aircraft in Canada, Part 2

A pair of Canadian-made Avro Anson advanced training aircraft operated by No. 10 Service Flying Training School, Royal Canadian Air Force Station Dauphin, near Dauphin, Manitoba, 1943-44. CASM, 27297.

Not everyone knows that aircraft manufacturing can be a contact sport: Clarence Decatur Howe, Harvey Reginald MacMillan and the production of Avro Anson advanced training aircraft in Canada, Part 1

The very first electric streetcar operated by Telegraphen-Bau-Anstalt von Siemens & Halske, Berlin, German Empire. Anon., “The first electric railway in Berlin.” Canadian Illustrated News, 9 July 1881, 21.

A streetcar named Straßenbahn Groß-Lichterfelde, or, How Telegraphen-Bau-Anstalt von Siemens & Halske put in service the world’s first electric streetcar

An advertisement showing an Italian SAME Buffalo tractor. Anon. “Advertising – Les Entreprises Biasotto & Hardy (Canada) Incorporée.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, July 1981, 26.

They were all the same, brothers to each other: Francesco Cassani, Eugenio Gabriele Cassani and the Società Accomandita Motori Endotermici (SAME)

A Canadair North Star of British Overseas Airways Corporation, London Airport, Heathrow, England, September 1954. Wikimedia

Around the world in eighty hours: A few pages on the Canadair North Star, part 2

The prototype of the Canada North Star, 1946. Canada Aviation and Space Museum, KM-08329

Around the world in eighty hours: A few pages on the Canadair North Star, part 1

An advertisement for a hay cutter made by La Machine Agricole Nationale Limitée of Montmagny, Québec. Anon., “Advertisement – La Machine Agricole Nationale Limitée.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, 11 June 1921, 556.

Don’t let it be forgot that once there was a firm, for one brief shining moment, that was known as La Machine Agricole Nationale Limitée of Montmagny, Québec

The Folland / Hawker Siddeley Hoverstretcher in action. Anon., “Airborne comfort.” The Calgary Herald, 9 June 1961, 19.

Developing the germ of an idea: Maurice Joseph Brennan and his hovercraft

Some mothers and children about to get aboard one of the Douglas DC-3 airliners converted into Nurseryliners by United Air Lines Incorporated, San Francisco, California, April or May 1946. Anon., “Service aérien pour bébés.” Photo-Journal, 20 June 1946, 12.

Sit back. Relax. Enjoy the flight – Babies on a plane: United Air Lines Incorporated and its Nurseryliner service

The Canadian engineer and amateur astronomer James Hargreaves with an instrument he had built himself. Jean Taillefer, “Un voyage de 180 jours au Soudan, en Afrique; une expérience astronomique de 180 secondes.” Le Droit, 16 June 1951, 13.

“An Ottawa scientist makes a sacrifice for science:” The Canadian engineer and amateur astronomer James Hargreaves and his travels around the globe

The prototype of the Fairchild F-11 Husky bushplane shortly before its first flight, June 1946. Canada Aviation and Space Museum KM-05311.

You’re good, doggy, but as long as the rodent’s around, you’ll always be second best, see: The brief yet long story of the Fairchild F-11 Husky bushplane

A cutaway view of Canada’s Fleet Model 50 Freighter bushplane. Anon., “Fleet’s Trainer and Transport.” Aviation, May 1941, 61.

It could (and should?) have been one of the greats: Canada’s Fleet Model 50 Freighter bushplane

Wilfrid-Henri Perron. Claude Asselin, “Une encyclopédie québécoise pour les horticulteurs.” Photo-Journal, 3 to 9 May 1971, 12.

Chez Perron, tout est bon: A giant of Québec and Canadian horticulture, Wilfrid-Henri Perron (1897-1977)

The cyclecar / “vélomobile” / “vélocar” / bicycle car / “automouche” with pedals and / or auxiliary engine Le Dauphin. Edmond Massip, “Un cyclecar à pédales et moteur auxiliaire.” La Vie automobile, 25 May 1941, 153.

The cyclecar / “vélomobile” / “vélocar” / bicycle car / “automouche” with pedals and / or auxiliary engine Le Dauphin: An (extreme?) solution to the fuel shortage in Paris during the German occupation in the Second World War

The Pitcairn PCA-2 autogiro of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum during its grand tour of the United States, when it was owned by Sealed Power Corporation. Anon. “Pohled na Ciervovu autogiro za letu.” Letectvi, November 1932, 310.

“‘Flying Windmill’ here on Wednesday”: The great journey of Donald Walker and the Pitcairn PCA-2 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, part 2

The Pitcairn PCA-2 autogiro of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum when it was owned by Standard Oil Company of New York. Anon., “Advertisement – Standard Oil Company of New York.” Aviation, May 1931, 22.

“‘Flying Windmill’ here on Wednesday”: The great journey of Donald Walker and the Pitcairn PCA-2 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, part 1

A sober, no-frills advertisement from Elzéar Fortier Limitée of Québec, Québec. Anon., “Advertisement – Elzéar Fortier Limitée.” L’Action catholique, 8 April 1946, 9.

He was a smooth operator: Elzéar Fortier and the production of soft drinks in Québec, Québec

Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin and Charles Augustus Lindbergh. The caption of these photographs mentions the striking resemblance between these important people in the world of astronautics and aeronautics. Anon., “Lancement du premier homme dans l’espace – Comment se sont déroulés les événements en Union soviétique.” La Tribune, 13 April 1961, 24.

That was also one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind: The flight into space of Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin in the French language press of Québec, 12-15 April 1961, Part 2

Major Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin during his visit to Helsinki, Finland, July 1961. Wikimedia.

That was also one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind: The flight into space of Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin in the French language press of Québec, 12-15 April 1961, Part 1

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation radio host Claire Wallace interviewing Trans-Canada Air Lines interior accommodation engineer Diana Jocelyn Dudley, January 1946. Anon. “Air Transportation – Radio Broadcast over Niagara.” Canadian Transportation, April 1946, 200.

No place for a lady?! Balderdash!: Trans-Canada Air Lines’ first interior accommodation engineers, Diana Jocelyn Dudley and Janet Elizabeth Lowe

Peter Müller at the controls [sic] of the Pedroplan, Berlin, Germany, March 1931. Anon., “Cologne contre Marseille – Le mystère du ‘Pédroplan.’ [sic]” Les Ailes, 2 April 1931, 14.

I want to fly my bicycle, I want to fly my kite: Peter Müller and the Pedroplan

The Phillips Saucercraft hovercraft, Mount Hope, Ontario. Anon., “Flying saucer crack-up”. The Calgary Herald, 2 March 1961, 1.

A most intriguing INFO (Identified Non Flying Object): The Phillips Saucercraft hovercraft

Dr. Ann Elizabeth Noelle Grace tending to one of her patients, Montreal General Hospital, Montréal, Québec. Claude Adams, “An eye-opener for our reporter – Team of women doctors shatters Ben Casey myth.” The Gazette, 3 March 1971, 31.

Shattering the Ben Casey and James Kildare myth: Canada’s first female pediatric surgeon, Dr. Ann Elizabeth Noelle Grace

 An advertisement from Langlais & Frère Incorporée of Québec, Québec, extolling the merits of the Zetor 25 tractor. Anon. “Advertising – Langlais & Frère Incorporée.” L’Action catholique, 3 March 1951, 14.

They shall beat their swords into plowshares; or, A brief look at the Czech state-owned firm Zbrojovka Brno Národní Podnik

Some personalities present at the inauguration of the École d’avionnerie de Cartierville, Cartierville, Québec, 3 March 1941. Anon., “À l’inauguration de l’École d’avionnerie de Cartierville.” La Presse, 4 March 1941, 19.

A magnificent achievement, full of promises for the future, swept away by the narrow mind of Maurice Le Noblet Duplessis: The École d’avionnerie de Cartierville

The presentation of the first Boeing Model 747 of Air Canada at Montreal-Dorval International Airport, Dorval, Québec. Anon., “Des milliers de personnes ont vu le géant des airs.” La Presse, 22 March 1971, A 1.

66 327 people cannot be wrong, but they can be cold: The presentation of the first Boeing Model 747 of Air Canada at Montreal-Dorval International Airport

The Fokker D.VII of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, March 2019. CASM.

One of the great combat aircraft of the 20th century and one of the many jewels of one of the most remarkable aviation and space museums on planet Earth: The Fokker D.VII and the airplane of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

An advertisement from Équipements Ascot Incorporée of Saint-Élie-d’Orford, Québec, extolling the merits of the UTB U530 tractor. Anon. “Advertising – Équipements Ascot Incorporée.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, February 1981, 28.

They shall beat their wings into plowshares; or, A brief look at the Romanian government firm Uzina Tractorul Braşov

An editorial cartoon highlighting the launch of the Soviet planetary probe Venera 1 in February 1961. Edmund Alexander Sebestyen, “To Venus With Love.” Saskatoon Star-Phoenix, 14 February 1961, 4.

Trying to lift the veils under which Venus hid itself from our gaze: The saga of the Soviet planetary probe Venera 1

A Jacobs Jaycopter at rest, Edmonton, Alberta. Lyn Harrington, “Cutting helicopter training cost.” Canadian Aviation, February 1961, 20.

A helicopter simulator with a difference: it flies – Canada’s Jacobs Jaycopter

Editorial cartoon showing King Neptune offering his crown to the crew of the English Electric Canberra which crossed the Atlantic Ocean in February 1951. Charles R. Knight, “Ready to Abdicate.” The Windsor Daily Star, 22 February 1951, 4.

Several thousand words on the English Electric Canberra / Martin B-57 Canberra and the small role played by Canadair Limited in its history

The first production example of the Piasecki HUP Retriever helicopter. Anon., “News Picture Highlights.” Aviation Week, 15 January 1951, 9

“Shoe,” Retriever, “Hupmobile” or Army Mule – a HUP by any other name is still a HUP: The Piasecki HUP Retriever and H-25 Army Mule helicopters, and the HUP of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

A view of the Warsak Dam, northern West Pakistan. Anon., “Inauguration du barrage de Warsak.” Le Droit, 27 January 1961, 12.

Frankly, my dear, we did give a dam: Canada and the Warsak dam in Pakistan

One of the first de Havilland Canada Chipmunk imported to the United Kingdom. Anon., “De Havilland [Canada] DHC-1 ‘Chipmunk.’” Aviation Magazine, 1 January 1951, cover.

A Tamias striatus cavorting in the clouds: The de Havilland Canada Chipmunk

The 5th pre-production de Havilland Canada AC-1 Caribou. Larry Booda, “Aeronautical Engineering – Aviation Week Pilot Report – STOL Caribou Calls for Special Handling.” Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 23, 1961, 56.

A flying truck which gave soldiers atom-age mobility: The de Havilland Canada Caribou

The Oberth Moon car as imagined in 1960. I.M. Levitt, “Le problème du transport sur la Lune.” L’Action catholique, 10 July 1960, 5.

I’m just not sure this vehicle was well thought through: The Moon car of astronautic pioneer Hermann Julius Oberth

The Ferrari 512 Pininfarina Modulo, on display at the 1971 edition of the Salon international de l’Auto de Montréal, Montréal, Québec. Jean D. Legault, “Une première mondiale et 12 continentales.” La Patrie, 17 January 1971, 31.

One of the most famous dream cars of all time: The Ferrari 512 Pininfarina Modulo

A rather sober advertisement for F.A. Fluet Enregistré’s La Canadienne spruce beer. Anon., “Advertisement – F.A. Fluet Enregistré.” L’Action catholique, 4 January 1951, 5.

A small beer which was no small beer: F.A. Fluet Enregistré of Québec, Québec, and La Canadienne spruce beer

A scene captured at the launch of the Jeu de l’électricité by Éditions Héritage Incorporée, Montréal, Québec, 6 November 1968. Anon., “–.” Le Devoir, 6 November 1968, 11.

A B C Abécédaire. Viens avec nous autour de la Terre: The Société Radio-Canada’s Tour de Terre children educational television program

An advertisement selling the merits of the Vin St.Georges. Anon. “Advertising – T.G. Bright & Company Limited.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, December 1940, 2.

To treat the family this holiday season, do not forget the Vin St.Georges: A brief look at a pioneer of the Canadian wine industry, T.G. Bright & Company Limited

The Bell Model 47 operated by Airspray Limited, Ontario. Anon., “Helicopter – Down on the Farm.” Canadian Aviation, September 1947, 25.

Old Macdonald had a farm, Ee-I-Ee-I-O. And on that farm he had a Bell, Ee-I-Ee-I-O: A few more words on the early days of agricultural aviation in Canada

An advertisement announcing the introduction into service of Trans-Canada Air Lines’ Vickers Vanguard short to medium range airliner. Anon., “Advertisement – Trans-Canada Air Lines.” Maclean’s, 3 December 1960, 8-9.

From “big Viscount” to Merchantman: The abbreviated journey of the Vickers Vanguard

 The Convair 580 operated by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing of Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, Ottawa, Ontario, September 2001. Wikipedia.

It was one of the greats: The Convair 580 remote sensing aircraft of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

An Air Tractor AT-502 agricultural aircraft operated by Southeastern Aerial Crop Service Incorporated, Belle Glade State Municipal Airport, Florida, June 2013. Wikipedia.

Wings over the world: The PT6 turboprop and turboshaft engine, Part 2

The first turboprop engine designed in Canada, the PT6 of Canadian Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company Limited. Anon., “Advertisement – Canadian Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company Limited.” The Gazette, 14 November 1960, 24.

Wings over the world: The PT6 turboprop and turboshaft engine, Part 1

The 14 volumes of the 1960 edition of L’Encyclopédie de la jeunesse of Grolier Limitée. Anon., “Advertisement – Grolier Limitée. » La Tribune - Perspectives, 12 November 1960, 31.

A book of knowledge: L’Encyclopédie de la Jeunesse

Roxana Hartley and Mr. Jolie / Lord Robert Brummel, the main protagonists of the 1930 American play Dancing Partner, Belasco Theatre, New York City, New York. Anon., “The Stage Goes ‘Air-minded’.” Scientific American, November 1930, 355.

A play in an airplane, and an airplane in a play: Dancing Partner, 1930

The Supermarine Spitfire on display for the 20th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, 18 September 1940. Anon., “News roundup – Battle of Britain ceremonies.” Aircraft, November 1960, 58.

A gift for heaven: The Canada Aviation and Space Museum’s Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIb

Some of the displays of the National Aviation Museum, Uplands Airport, Ottawa, Ontario, early 1960s. CASM, negative number 4446.

Happy birthday to us. Happy birthday to us. Happy birthday dear CASM. Happy birthday to us: A few words on the early days, weeks, months and years of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

A somewhat inaccurate (life-size?) reproduction of Sputnik I on display in Prague, Czechoslovakia, as part of an exhibition commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution. Anon., “Modèle du satellite russe.” Le Nouvelliste, 10 October 1957, 1.

Québec / Canada and the simplest satellite, the PS-1 spacecraft, in other words Sputnik 1: An overview of what was published in the French language Québec press between 5 and 12 October 1957, Part 4

Pierre Dorion, « L’ère des émotions. » La Presse, 9 October 1957, 4.

Québec / Canada and the simplest satellite, the PS-1 spacecraft, in other words Sputnik 1: An overview of what was published in the French language Québec press between 5 and 12 October 1957, Part 3

The simplest satellite or PS-1 spacecraft, in other words Sputnik I, a little before its launch, September 1957. NASA.

Québec / Canada and the simplest satellite, the PS-1 spacecraft, in other words Sputnik 1: An overview of what was published in the French language Québec press between 5 and 12 October 1957, Part 2

A somewhat inaccurate drawing of the spacecraft PS-1, in other words Sputnik I, in orbit around the Earth. Anon., « Fusées et satellites seraient invincibles. » Le Soleil, 8 October 1957, 1.

Québec / Canada and the simplest satellite, the PS-1 spacecraft, in other words Sputnik 1: An overview of what was published in the French language Québec press between 5 and 12 October 1957, Part 1

Eldon Douglas McEarchern working on his agricultural Piper PA-18 Super Cub as one of his sons watched on, Carman, Manitoba. Anon., “Les fermiers volants de l’ouest canadien.” Le Samedi, 22 October 1960, 25.

Oh, what a beautiful mornin’! Oh, what a beautiful day!: An overview of the first decade of the flying farmer movement in Canada

One of the towed threshers designed and fabricated by Dion & Frère Incorporée of Sainte-Thérèse-de-Blainville, Québec. Anon., “Publicité – Dion & Frère Incorporée.” Le Bulletin des agriculteurs, September 1940, 47.

A century of agricultural technology and innovation in the Laurentides region of Québec: From Dion & Frère to Dion-AG

Jani Moreau, female flight attendant as imagined by Québec artist Nicole Lapointe. Anon., “Un nouvel illustré: Jani hôtesse de l’air.” Claire, 15 September 1960, cover.

She is not a waitress in the sky: Jani hôtesse de l’air and some words on the presence of female flight attendants in popular culture

An infuriated Clara shredding the Curtiss biplane piloted by George F. Russell, Dongan Hills, New York, 10 September 1910. Anon., “La vache et l’aéroplane.” Le Petit Journal – Supplément illustrée, 25 September 1910, 312.

A close encounter of the strange and unusual kind, or, How did Clara the cow meet a Curtiss biplane in Staten Island, New York City, New York

The first Douglas DC-3 airliner delivered to Trans-Canada Air Lines, Montreal (Dorval) Airport, Dorval, Québec, circa 1945-48. CASM, negative number 25515

A gleaming example of one of the most famous and significant aircraft of the 20th century: The Douglas DC-3 of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum

The first Fleet Model 80 Canuck light / private airplane, Fort Erie, Ontario, March 1946. This aircraft belonged to Sturgeon Air Services Limited of Fredericton, New Brunswick. CASM, negative number KM-07962

Teaching to fly because it has wings: Canada’s Fleet Model 80 Canuck light / private airplane

A Zenair CH-701 manufactured under license by Czech Aircraft Works Společnost s ručenim omezeným, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 2011. Wikimedia.

Born in a garage, but now all the world is a market for Zenair Limited: A look at the Cold War era designs of Christophe Jean Heintz, Part 2

Christophe Jean Heintz at the controls of the Heintz Zenith. Anon., “–.” Aviation magazine international, 15 to 31 August 1970, cover.

Born in a garage, but now all the world is a market for Zenair Limited: A look at the Cold War era designs of Christophe Jean Heintz, Part 1

The Echo 1A satellite balloon during an inflation test, 1960. National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

The wonderful lead balloons of Claude Williams Coffee, Junior, Walter Edward Bressette and William J. O’Sullivan: The Echo satelloons in Québec and elsewhere, Part 2

The Echo 1A satelloon whizzing in the sky, above the École normale de Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, Québec. Dominique Lapointe, “Une visite qui nous est devenue familière – L’Écho 1 continue à se promener tous les soirs sur notre région.” Le Progrès du Saguenay, 27 August 1960, 7.

The wonderful lead balloons of Claude Williams Coffee, Junior, Walter Edward Bressette and William J. O’Sullivan: The Echo satelloons in Québec and elsewhere, Part 1

One of the Found FBA-2s of Georgian Bay Airways Limited. H.L. “Des US et du Canada 2 formules d’avions légers – 1 Le Found ‘Flying Truck.’” Aviation magazine international, 1 July 1964, 39.

A small Ontarian flying truck relocated in the land of the kiwis: The Found FBA-2 bush airplane

The one and only Cushioncraft CC1, initially known as the Britten-Norman BN-1 Cushioncraft / CC1 Cushioncraft. Anon., “News Digest – New Cushion-rider.” Canadian Aviation, August 1960, 46.

It seemed like a good idea at the time: The bananas of the British Cameroons and the Cushioncraft CC1 hovercraft

The one and only Canadian Car & Foundry CBY-3 Loadmaster. CASM, negative number 17826.

The eight lives of a unique flying boxcar, the Canadian Car & Foundry CBY-3 Loadmaster

The atomic / nuclear pulse rocket imagined by well-known American illustrator Francis Xavier Theban Tinsley. Anon., “Advertisement – American Bosch Arma Corporation.” Aviation Week, 4 July 1960, 13.

A nasty blast from the past: Francis Xavier Theban Tinsley and the atomic / nuclear pulse rocket

Walter Thomas Leavens examining the cups which drove the agitator mounted inside the hopper of the Piper J-5 Cub Cruiser light / private airplane flown by Leavens Brothers Air Services Limited. Anon., “Crop Dusting with a Cub.” Canadian Aviation, July 1945, 50.

Weed’em and Reap: Leavens Brothers Air Services Limited and the early days of agricultural aviation in Ontario / Canada after the Second World War

L’Aviateur du Pacifique.

A scientific romance and war novel from the Belle Époque: L’Aviateur du Pacifique of Captain Danrit (Émile Driant)

The Fouga CM-8 Cyclone / Sylphe jet-powered glider. Anon., “–.” Aviation Magazine, 1 June 1950, cover.

I love the clouds… the clouds that pass… over there… over there… the marvelous clouds! The Établissements Fouga et Compagnie and its jet-powered gliders

The Sharp / Bond Minicar Mk A microcar presented to the people of Montréal, Québec, by local dealer Budd & Dyer Limited. Anon., “Jusqu’à 110 milles au gallon.” La Presse, 10 June 1950, 26.

A microcar designed in a time of austerity: The Bond Minicar

A Koser / Koser-Hrovat KB-3 Jadran hydroglider, Adriatic Sea, summer 1949. In the background, the coastal passenger ship Dalmacija of the government-owned shipping firm Jadranska Linijska Providba. Anon., “Gliding and sailplanes in Yugoslavia.” Sailplane and Glider, June 1950, 125.

Above the lakes, above the vales: The Koser / Koser-Hrovat KB-3 Jadran hydroglider

Tsar Nikolai II, on the left, with his hands behind his back, looking at the aeroplanes which took part in the Sankt-Peterburgskaya aviatsionnaya nedelya, St. Petersburg, Russian Empire. Anon., “Nouvelles sportives – Le tsar chez les aviateurs.” La Revue aérienne, 10 June 1910, 349.

Miracle of miracles, look what the plane dragged in: The Sankt-Peterburgskaya aviatsionnaya nedelya

The Dane Jan Bo Kristensen performing a precision landing with a parafoil during a national competition organised by the Dansk Faldskærms Union, Randers, Denmark, August 2005. Wikipedia.

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly: The life and times of a master of the wind, Domina Cléophas Jalbert, Part 2

Domina Cléophas Jalbert, on the left, and Hamnett Pitzer Munger with one of the kytoons made by Jalbert Aerological Laboratory Incorporated to study atmospheric pollution. Anon., “Ce que devient un jouet d’enfant.” La Presse, 23 May 1950, 3.

Imagination is the highest kite one can fly: The life and times of a master of the wind, Domina Cléophas Jalbert, Part 1

Two of the young employees of Ontario Model Aircraft Company at work, Toronto, Ontario. Arthur Lowe, “Kindergarten of the Air.” Maclean’s, 1 May 1940, 24.

A kindergarten for the air age: Ontario Model Aircraft Company / Model Craft Hobbies Limited and a few other words on scale aircraft modelling in Canada before and during the Second World War

The one and only Monte-Copter Model 15 Triphibian, Seattle, Washington. Anon., “World Air News.” Air Pictorial, May 1960, 167.

The day of the triphibs: Monte-Copter Incorporated and the Model 15 Triphibian helicopter

Vladislav Verner’s little sweetie, the Verner W-01 Brouček. Anon., “Private Flying.” Flight International, 14 May 1970, 806.

Malé letadlo a skvěly příběh / A small airplane and a great story: The Verner W-01 Brouček homebuilt airplane

The crate containing Jean Versailles’ Blériot Type XI on the specially-equipped horse-driven truck belonging to Shedden Forwarding Company Limited, Montréal, Québec. Anon., “Le premier aéroplane à Montréal.” La Presse, 28 May 1910, 12.

Montréal has its first aeroplane: The Blériot Type XI of Jean Versailles and William Carruthers

A black-and-white image depicts a group of men standing underneath a Royal Air Force Avro Lancaster; they are loading cloth supply bags into the bomb bay. Wikimedia Commons

He gave them bread from heaven to eat: A few words on Operation Manna and Operation Chowdown, April-May 1945

A boy and elements of a toy on display at the 1950 edition of the toy fair of New York City, New York: Stefan Olsen and the cloud chamber of a Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab. Anon., “La page des enfants – Initiation atomique.” Photo-Journal, 13 April 1950, 20.

One of the most dangerous toys of all times: The Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab

One of the Aeronautica Macchi AL-60s used in Canada by Northwest Industries Limited to interest potential customers, Edmonton, Alberta. Anon., “Aeronews.” Air Progress, July 1969, 15.

An L-402 by any other name is still an L-402 – or an AL-60 or a Conestoga or a Ranger or a Santa Maria or a Trojan, unless it’s a Kudu, Part 2

The first prototype of the Lockheed L-402. Anon., “Le Lockheed-Azcarate C.L.-402.” Les Ailes, 16 April 1960, 1.

An L-402 by any other name is still an L-402 – or an AL-60 or a Conestoga or a Ranger or a Santa Maria or a Trojan, unless it’s a Kudu, Part 1

One of the advertisements published in Québec newspapers to promote the new Glas Goggomobil T700 automobile. Anon., “Advertisement – Eugène Roy Limitée.” La Presse, 1 April 1960, 39.

In search of… the Glas Isar / Isard T700, an automobile previously known as the Goggomobil T700

The aerosled designed and built by Kenneth J. Richards. Anon., “Traîneau moderne.” L’Auto, 9 February 1940, 1.

The magical mystery week is waiting to take you away, or, Does anyone in the blogosphere know anything about the Richards aerosled or the Lawrence aerosled?

From left to right, Boum-Boum, Ba-Ba and Bi-Bi, in other words the Lunours. Anon., “Toute la vérité sur la soucoupe de St-Bruno – Un coup monté de $100,000.” Photo-Journal, 23 February to 1 March 1970, 1.

We are Bi Bi Ba Ba Boum Boum: The saga of the Lunours

An example of the Swedish STAL Skuten turbojet engine on display, under guard, in Stockholm, Sweden. Anon., “Production – First Swedish Turbojet Revealed.” Aviation Week, 27 March 1950, 36.

A tale of two engines, or four, or even six: The STAL Skuten, Dovern and Glan

Frances Marian “Poppy” Northcutt in one of the space exhibits of the Palais de la Découverte, a science centre in Paris, France, not Texas. Anon., “Astronautique – ‘Poppy’ à Paris.” Aviation Magazine International, 15 to 31 March 1970, 42.

Her parents find her job exciting, but they would like her to marry: Frances Marian “Poppy” Northcutt at NASA and beyond

Turi Widerøe speaking with a flight attendant aboard a Sud Aviation SE 210 Caravelle jetliner of Scandinavian Airlines System Denmark-Norway-Sweden. J.-C. Fortin. “SAS ne compte qu’une seule femme pilote de ligne: Turi Wideroe.” Le Petit Journal, 1 March 1970, 28.

Turi Widerøe paid a flying visit to Montréal the other day

A few aspects of the fourth Montréal Motor Show. Anon., “Ouverture de l’exposition d’automobiles et de yachts.” La Presse, 28 March 1910, 1.

A week at the Coliseum: The 1910 Montréal Motor Show and the first aeroplanes displayed in Québec / Canada

Doctor Margaret Beznak with one of her research subjects. Elizabeth Motherwell, “Elle succède à son mari à la tête de la faculté de physiologie de l’U. d’Ottawa.” La Tribune, 3 February 1960, 17.

A stellar example of the contribution made by people who choose Canada: A few words on the life and times of Doctor Margaret Beznak

Sisters Maria Cleofas and Maria Innocenza of the Franciscan Sisters of St. Aloysius Gonzaga aboard an AVIA / Lombardi FL.3 light / private airplane during their flight training, Turin, Italy. Anon., “Le ciel leur appartient.” Le Soleil / Perspectives, 20 February 1960, 12.

Sister Bertrille was not the first flying nun, or, Let’s talk about Sisters Maria Cleofas and Maria Innocenza – and about Sister Mary Aquinas too

The Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, ca 2007. Wikipedia.

So far away from home: The Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Part 2

A Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker operated by Alaska Coastal Airlines, Incorporated, Juneau, Alaska. This floatplane is now on display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa, Ontario. Keith Petrich, “Bush Flying Is Dead.” Air Trails Pictorial, February 1945, 26.

So far away from home: The Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Part 1

A typical New-Map / Rolux Baby microcar. Anon., “La voiturette ‘Baby VB-60’ à Québec au milieu de février.” L’Action catholique, 14 January 1950, 12.

The car that was more economical than the streetcar: The New-Map / Rolux Baby microcar

Charles Aznavour with the Beehoo / Magna Amphicat all-terrain vehicle he was examining, Montréal, Québec. His daughter Seda is near him. Suzanne Piuze, “Aznavour m’a dit…” La Patrie, 25 January 1970, 20.

I would love to own one; on my boat, that would be dandy: The off road journey of the Beehoo / Magna Amphicat

The lunar habitat imagined by Rocco G. “Roy” Scarfo. Anon., “C’est écrit dans le ciel.” La Patrie du dimanche, 24 January 1960, 6.

He was one of the greats: Rocco G. “Roy” Scarfo, space artist, and the world beyond tomorrow

A demonstration of the lightness of the Williams Jet No.1 turbojet engine. Anon. “23-lb. Turbojet Develops 70 lb. of Thrust.” Aviation Week and Space Technology, 18 January 1960, 126.

This engine may have been a bit heavy but her smile still stayed on: The Williams Jet No. 1 and its successors

The General Development / Christmas airliner, near New York City, New York. Anon., “Potężny łoskot silników powietrznych gigantów powitał rok nowy.” Lot Polski, January 1930, 1.

The powerful roar of the aerial giants’ engines greeted the new year: The troubling saga of William Wallace Whitney Christmas

Some actresses and actors who contributed to the success of the Québec science fiction television series Opération-Mystère, 1958. From left to right, Luce Guilbeault, Marcel Cabay, Georges Groulx, Louise Marleau and Hervé Brousseau. Société Radio-Canada.

Opération-Mystère, a television series which answered the needs of the sputnik and flying saucer generation

The aluminium bridge of Arvida, Arvida / Saguenay, Québec. Anon., “Premier pont tout en aluminium.” Le Petit Journal, 4 December 1949, 51.

On the bridge of Arvida, a national historic civil engineering site, they are dancing, they are dancing

The Piaggio P-7 at rest in its element. Joaquin de la Llave y Sierra, “Antes y después de la Copa Schneider.” Aérea, December 1929, 8.

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try, try, try again: The odd story of the Piaggio P-7

A poster for the Japanese science fiction film Uchû Daisensô

Uchû Daisensô, or, A battle in outer space from the land of the rising Sun

The very first Zar Zar-Car automobile / microcar, Windsor, Ontario. Arthur Prévost, “La première auto entièrement canadienne bientôt en vente!” Le Petit Journal, 25 October 1959, 67.

In search of a Canadian car: The Zar of all the Windsors

Soviet astrophysicist Alla Genrikhovna Masevich and her daughter, Natasha Josifovna Friedlander. Sam Schecter, “Deux Canadiens en Russie – Rencontres avec l’élite russe.” Le Soleil / Perspectives, 26 September 1959, 11.

Her name is Masevich, Alla Genrikhovna Masevich

The University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies Great Flapper ornithopter during trials, Malton, Ontario, 2005. http://www/ornithopter.net

To dream, perchance to fly: The saga of the Great Flapper

Beth Ross posing for a photographer as she cleaned up the main fragment of the Dresden chondrite in front of the office of The Dresden News. Anon., “Adding lustre to meteor that startled a province.” Toronto Daily Star, 13 July 1939, 1.

The art of the deal in rural Ontario; or, The unhappy tale of the Dresden chondrite

Gérard Duquette, foreman at Héroux Incorporée, on the right, with many family members and 2 of his workers, 20 July 1969. Roger Nadeau, “Les ouvriers de la Héroux ont tressailli de joie en voyant le LEM sur la Lune.” Le Petit Journal, 27 July 1969, 4.

Did you know that the Eagle landed on the Moon on legs made in Québec?

Canadian engineer Owen Eugene Maynard with a model of the Convair Atlas launch vehicle topped by a McDonnell Mercury space capsule, 1962. Roger Nadeau, “Une foule de techniciens canadiens ont pris part au vol d’Apollo 11.” Le Petit Journal, 20 July 1969, 4.

The little guy from Sarnia who put the first human on the Moon

The first Taylor J.T.1 Monoplane, White Waltham, England. Anon., “Sport and Business.” Flight, 19 June 1959, 839.

Tinker, Taylor, monoplane

Constance Cann Wolf caught on film as she herself caught on film a scene that caught her eye, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The gas balloon belonged to the Balloon Club of America. Anon., “Balloon over Paris.” Flying, May 1959, cover.

Suspended under a twilight canopy: Constance Cann Wolf and the wonderful world of ballooning

The unloading of the nitroglycerin carried from Shelby, Montana, to Calgary, Alberta, aboard the (purple?) Stinson SB-1 Detroiter operated by Great Western Airways Limited, February 1929. Anon., “–.” Canadian Aviation, April 1929, 17.

Unsafe at any speed or time

A prototype of the Kamov Sever-2 aerosled in its element. Anon., "’Mail Train’ to North." The Gazette, 26 March 1959, 2.

Oh what fun it is to ride in a Kamov Sever-2

The SIMCA Fulgur concept car. The French parachutist and model Colette Duval was at the controls. Anon., “Actualités.” La Patrie du dimanche, 1 March 1959, 2.

It was fulgur, fulgur, fulgur, fulgurable

The Spirit of Canada hot air balloon. Peter Calamai, “Lots of hot air and a high old time.” Canadian, 26 August 1967, 14.

This magnificent man in his flying machine

The road section monitored by the speed radar set of the Connecticut State Police, near Glastonbury, Connecticut. Anon., “L’actualité en images – Pièges à comboys.” La Patrie, 16 February 1949, 14.

Cowboy traps did not appear yesterday

Cecil George Armitage at the controls of an Aérodoo, Richelieu River, Québec, November 1968. Anon., “Et maintenant… l’Aérodoo.” Vallée de la Petite Nation, 30 January 1969, 15.

The Mancunian candidate; or, How to float near the ground with the greatest of ease

Some members of the Ligue des avions miniatures de Montréal examining the radio controlled model then under construction. Christian Verdon, “Avion-miniature contrôlé par la radio.” La Patrie, 7 January 1939, 44.

A league of their own: The long forgotten story of the Ligue des avions miniatures de Montréal

Santa Claus’ two rigid airships over the Saint Lawrence River abreast of Québec, Québec. Anon., “Advertising – A.E. Rea & Company.” La Presse, 2 December 1910, 15.

A thoroughly modern Santa Claus

A poster for the movie From the Earth to the Moon

Jules Gabriel Verne would not have been amused: From the Earth to the Moon

An image from the credits of CF-RCK.

A captivating television show: CF-RCK, Part 2

The main actors of the Société Radio-Canada television show CF-RCK, Yves Létourneau (on the right) and René Caron. Anon., « Une scène de CF-RCK avec René Caron et Yves Létourneau. » La semaine à Radio-Canada, from 2 to 8 January 1960, cover.

A captivating television show: CF-RCK, Part 1

Loading up Voo-Doo, the Waco Hadrian used for the first transatlantic flight by a cargo glider, Montreal Airport (Dorval), Dorval, Québec, June 1943. Anon., “Flying into focus”. Flying Aces, October 1943, 7.

It was magnificent. It was splendid. It was pointless.

A poster of the Italian-French movie La morte viene dallo spazio. We see 2 members of the control centre’s team: the unsavoury French researcher and the pretty but cold mathematician.

Movie titles can be so… positive and cheerful: The Day the Sky Exploded

The host of the weekly television show Plein Ciel, on the right, and his technical adviser, Captain Marcel Everard. Anon., “Introduction à l’aviation.” La semaine à Radio-Canada, 29 November to 5 December 1958, 12.

A television show I would have liked to see during my youth

Lift off of the hydrogen balloon that carried aloft the antenna of the American emergency radio transmitter BC-778, better known under the name “Gibson Girl.” Anon., “Gibson Girl to the rescue.” Flying Aces, septembre 1943, 30.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Two Rohrbach Ro VIII Rolands operated by Iberia, Compañía Aérea de Transportes Sociedad anónima, Madrid, December 1927. The one in the background was used for the Madrid-Barcelona flight of 14 December. Anon., “Inauguración del nuevo servicio aéreo Madrid-Barcelona.” Aérea, October-December 1927, 33.

Never on a Sunday: The tall tale of an Iberian Roland, Part 1

Related Stories

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 piloted by Second Lieutenant Franciszek Jarecki, Rønne airfield, Rønne, Denmark. Jarecki is the gentleman marked by an arrow. Anon., “Undamaged Red Jet in NATO Hands.” The Gazette, 7 March 1953, 2.

A flight for freedom which pierced the Iron Curtain; or, The day Second Lieutenant Franciszek Jarecki escaped from Poland aboard a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15 jet fighter

The prototype of the Astro Kinetics Aero Kinetic Lift, Houston, Texas. Anon., “Aircraft and Powerplants – Crane version of ‘flying saucer’ projected in U.S.A.” The Aeroplane and Commercial Aviation News, 7 March 1963, 24.

“Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a Texan flying saucer!” Astro Kinetics Corporation of Houston, Texas, and its unique looking vertical take off landing aircraft

The Canadair Silver Star of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Ottawa, Ontario, June 2005. This aircraft was flown by the Red Knight, the solo aerobatic pilot of the Royal Canadian Air Force, in 1961-64. Alain Rioux, via Wikimedia.

It really kept going and going and going: A brief look at the Canadian career of the Lockheed / Canadair Silver Star jet trainer, part 2

Canada’s Minister of National Defence, Brooke Claxton, left, during the taking of possession of the first Canadian-made Lockheed T-33 Silver Star jet trainer, Cartierville, Québec. Anon., “M. Claxton reçoit le premier réacté T-33 fabriqué ici.” La Patrie, 13 February 1953, 1.

It really kept going and going and going: A brief look at the Canadian career of the Lockheed / Canadair Silver Star jet trainer, part 1

A Woolery Machine Company runway de-icing device in action at Cologne-Wahn airport, Cologne, West Germany. Anon., “Ancillary Review – Flame-throwing – On Ice.” The Aeroplane and Commercial Aviation News, 28 February 1963, 29.

Come on, PB, light my fire. Try to set the ice on fire: A peek at the American firm Woolery Machine Company and some of its ideas and products

The Junkers Ju 52 bushplane registered as CF-ARM of Canadian Airways Limited of Montréal, Québec, Manuan Lake, Québec, August or September 1940. CASM, 13469.

Old bushplanes never die, they just fade away: A few lines, all right, many lines on the remarkable career of a Junkers Ju 52 “flying box car” named CF-ARM, part 3

The Junkers Ju 52 bushplane registered as CF-ARM of Canadian Airways Limited of Montréal, Québec, under repair, Arviat, Nunavut (Eskimo Point, Northwest Territories), September 1932. CASM, 1208.

Old bushplanes never die, they just fade away: A few lines, all right, many lines on the remarkable career of a Junkers Ju 52 “flying box car” named CF-ARM, part 2

The Junkers Ju 52 bushplane registered as CF-ARM of Canadian Airways Limited of Montréal, Québec. Anon., “Pionnier des transports lourds dans le nord du Canada, le ‘Cargo volant’ a fini sa carrière.” Photo-Journal, 29 January 1948, 2.

Old bushplanes never die, they just fade away: A few lines, all right, many lines on the remarkable career of a Junkers Ju 52 “flying box car” named CF-ARM, part 1

Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Sergeant Bob Electro caught in the act of saluting the commanding officer of RCAF Station Clinton, Group Captain John Gordon Mathieson, Clinton, Ontario. Anon., “Six-Year-Old Sergeant.” The North Bay Nugget, 7 January 1963, 15.

Dōmo arigatō, gunsō Electro, mata au hi made: The electronic adventures of Royal Canadian Air Force / Canadian Armed Forces Sergeant Bob Electro

The 10-inch flight impact simulator of the National Research Council of Canada at some point during its long career, Uplands / Ottawa, Ontario. NRC.

A great Canadian success story you should know about: A brief look at the National Research Council of Canada flight impact simulators donated to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Part 3

A bushplane, the de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, on display at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. A new text panel sits in front of the aircraft: a gray structure with wood-tone side panels and dark metal legs. Its backlit surface presents the name of the aircraft, a selection of images, and interpretive texts. A life-size display of a dock sits to the right, followed by another aircraft and panel.

Whispering Loudly: An Update about the “Quiet Updates”

The 3.75- / 3.5-inch flight impact simulator of the National Research Council of Canada at some point during its long career, Uplands / Ottawa, Ontario. NRC.

A great Canadian success story you should know about: A brief look at the National Research Council of Canada flight impact simulators donated to the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, Part 2

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