Articles
Who do you consider an Wisconsin Aviation Legend?
John Dorcey Nov. 2, 2024
Nominations for induction into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame (WAHF) are due December 1 for consideration into the Class of 2025.
Stories that Soared
Amy Rabideau Silvers Sept. 4, 2024
Remembering the pilots and aviation experts whose obituaries made headlines.
Art Scholl - Air Race Pilot?
John Dorcey June 22, 2024
Who knew that Art Scholl was an air race pilot? Not just an air racer but a pretty good one at that.
Leo J. Kohn - Capturing Aviation
Rose Dorcey April 30, 2024
In the vibrant world of aviation photography, success hinges on a unique blend of creativity, an eye for detail, and a crucial element — patience. While creativity may come natural for some, true mastery comes when waiting for just the right moment. Leo J. Kohn elevated aviation photography because of his extraordinary patience.
Wisconsin's Aviation Museums
John Dorcey March 30, 2024
How many aviation museums are there in Wisconsin? Better read this article and make sure.
The Fighting Foxes
John Dorcey Feb. 11, 2024
The Junior Chamber of Commerce from nine cities in northeast Wisconsin collaborated on a recruitment contest for the US Navy during 1942. This is the story of the Fighting Foxes Naval Air Cadet Squadron.
On the Good Ship Lollipop
John Dodds Jan. 21, 2024
John Dodds' article explores the meaning of the song "On the Good Ship Lollipop" sung by Shirley Temple in the 1934 film "Bright Eyes," symbolizing an imaginative journey on an airplane and the wonders of childhood. It mentions the Chordettes of Sheboygan, and their hit "Lollipop;" and the history of lollipop production in Racine, Wisconsin. The final question asks readers if they have their own "Good Ship Lollipop."
Miracle on 34th Street and Other Places
John Dorcey Dec. 4, 2023
The magic of Christmas is a story that is shared in numerous ways - writing, music, movies and most importantly deeds. This story is about one man that shares his talent with hundreds if not thousands through the gift of music. We found it was the method he used to do that sharing so important to our goals of collecting, preserving and sharing Wisconsin's aviation history.
Crop Dusting at Peninsula State Park
Michael Goc Nov. 8, 2023
An outbreak of spanworms occurred during the summer of 1925 amid the hemlock forests of Wisconsin's Peninsula State Park. The Conservation Commission used a never attempted method to save the park and its forested bluffs.
Airports, Fixes, and Waypoints
John Dorcey Oct. 13, 2023
Airports, fixes and waypoints
Wisconsin's Passport Program - Wings Over Wisconsin
John Dorcey Sept. 27, 2023
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has a "Passport Program" that encourages pilots to visit all of Wisconsin's public use airports. Steve Benesh of Oshkosh was awarded the top prize, a leather flight jacket, at the Wisconsin Aviation Conference held last week in Appleton.
Marston Mat
John Dorcey Sept. 4, 2023
Traditional runway construction methods during times of war are not acceptable. In 1939, while most of the world was at war, the United States addressed this problem among many others. This is the story of how Marston Mat solved that issue.
Lindbergh's Badger Days
John Dorcey Aug. 15, 2023
Did you know that Charles Lindbergh, before he was a pilot, attended UW-Madison? A review of the book that shares stories of Lindbergh, the student, 1920-1922.
Medal of Honor
John Dorcey Aug. 6, 2023
A happenstance opportunity to hear two recipients of the Medal of Honor led to a search for Wisconsin's Medal of Honor recipients.
Flying the Bridge Across Lake Michigan
John Dorcey July 15, 2023
The first flight for Kohler Aviation Corporation's Bridge Across Lake Michigan. On Aug 29, 1929 the Loening C-2C Air Yacht departs Grand Rapids MI arrives about 90 minutes later in Milwaukee WI. Two days later, on Sep 1, 1929, the first revenue flight was flown.
Kohler Aviation Corporation
John Dorcey June 28, 2023
A brief history of the first across the lake airline.
Call for Hall of Fame Nominations
John Dorcey March 13, 2023
Who has made a difference in Wisconsin aviation history? Who among those folks will you nominate for induction into the Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame?