ROBERTA NEE ADAMSStaff Writer

Tullahoma once again hosted the Beechcraft Museum’s annual Beech Party, this being their 36^th year. It was a three-day event chocked full of seminars, tours, round table and panel discussions, speakers on all aspects of flying, tech experts, book signings, and, of course, flying the planes themselves. The party was very well attended, with over 170 planes and 900 visitors.

With the theme this year being “Generations of Flight” there were a number of third generation pilots who led a panel discussion. There were also special events for the children, including a scavenger hunts and rides in a flight simulator.

A special event this year was the ribbon cutting for the newly upgraded and expanded American Aviation History Exhibit housed in the Walter Beech hanger. The exhibit encompasses the log cabin that was the original office for the museum, which is connected to the original hanger. There is an open area with several panels that tell the story of the museum from the beginning of Beechcraft to the present day. Artifacts are on display in this area as well as within the log cabin.

The exhibit also has a Women’s History section, which includes some very interesting artifacts. One of the very first women in flight was Louise Thaden, who earned her pilot certification in 1928. Her license was number 74, signed by Orville Wright himself. Her license, flight suit, and several trophies from her racing days are on display there. In one race she even beat Amelia Earhart.

After opening remarks by Charles Parish, President, the ribbon cutting ceremony got under way with Hugo Castillo singing a wonderful rendition of Frank Sinatra’s 1958 hit “Come Fly with Me.” Vice President Jody Curtis then introduced the project, the exhibit team, and the ribbon cutting VIPs. Besides Charles Parish and Jody Curtis, the group included John Parish, Sr., founder, Gayle Gorman Green and Jeff Gorman, Jennifer Pitt, granddaughter of Walter and Olive Ann Beech, Tom and Paulette Esselman, Tom Gillard, John Horst, Kathy Hull, Less Marsh, and Kiby Totty.

Jennifer Pitt was present throughout the party to sign copies of the book, “The Barnstormer, and the Lady,” about her grandparents Walter and Olive Ann Beech, pioneers in the aircraft industry. Though originally written by Dennis Farney, Jennifer has updated the anniversary edition with extra pages and pictures.

Visiting the museum is time well spent for anyone with an interest in or curiosity about aviation, even if the museum has been previously visited. Vice President Jody Curtis says that each year it is their goal to complete at lest six new projects. The crowds of repeat visitors to the Beech Party every year attests to that, and new visitors quickly become repeat visitors themselves. Everyone is welcome.