“1937 National Air Maneuvers”, Faded color

“The early 20th Century and the Golden Age of Aviation were good to Miami Florida when there were airlines, barnstormers and racers galore. A particular air race, the All-American, was held annually from 1929 through 1935 — later reborn as the All-American Air Maneuvers from 1935 through 1941 then from 1946 through 1950. Different classes raced, included a women only event, as well as parachute competitions and huge fly pasts to open the gala. Later, in the late 1930s, Culver Aircraft Company (with Albert Mooney as the chief designer) engaged famed industrial designer Viktor Schreckengost (Cleveland Institute of Art ) — who was responsible for a variety of designs ranging from the semi-tractor cabover design to flatware — to create the beautiful K K Culver Trophy for the winning aviator of the women’s racing class.”

“This national, invitational contest was held in the 1940’s and early 1950’s at the Opa Locka Airport*, about 7 miles north of MIA, Miami International. The Cole brothers, Duane, Lester and Marion were all invited participants during the years 1949 up to 1952, the last year of the event. This meet was a weeklong affair, sponsored by Gulf Oil Company and held in mid January. It included air races and daily airshows in addition to the aerobatic contests. At the conclusion of the Miami program, participants were invited to fly their aircraft to Cuba for additional performances and prize monies. Contestants were required to be members of FAI and to successfully complete an eightfigure qualification sequence. Marion recalls that about half of these qualifying maneuvers were outside and that one was a single roll in a 360-degree turn. Several wellknown pilots failed to qualify.”