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Richard C. du Pont miscellany

Creation: 1932-1997
 Collection
Accession: 2571

Abstract

This collection includes materials related to Richard C. du Pont (1911-1943), pioneer in early aircraft and gliders and includes news clippings, official governmental documents related to his work as well as the logbook of his yacht, Nahma.

Dates

  • Creation: 1932-1997

Creator

Extent

0.41 Linear Feet

Biographical Note

Richard C. du Pont (1911-1943) was an early pioneer in flight, particularly glider planes. Born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware, du Pont founded All American Aviation, which later became US Airways, in 1939. Prior to his work with All American, du Pont created to Bowlus-du Pont Sailplane Company in San Fernando, California. With that company, du Pont won many record flights in his glider planes. As the company president at All American, du Pont worked on production of top of the line glider planes as well as an air mail pick up system. After the outbreak of World War II, the United States government asked du Pont to serve as an advisor to their glider program. He was killed in a 1943 glider accident in California.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged chronologically.

Scope and Content

Richard C. du Pont miscellany contains items both related to du Pont’s career in aeronautics, but also his sailing vessel, Nahma. Included is the official log book of the boat, describing a voyage from Essington, Pennsylvania in February of 1932. Other items in the collection relate to du Pont’s career, which eventually cost the young pilot his life. Included are reports from the Franklin Institute on the Respess Airship and the Air Mail and Glider Pick-Up and Delivery System. A scrapbook, likely kept by du Pont’s widow, Allaire, further details his distinguished career in flight through newspaper clippings, official government reports, secrecy orders, and correspondence. Also included in the scrapbook are articles and clippings related to du Pont’s death in 1943 at March Field in Riverside County, California.

Access Restrictions

No restrictions on access; this collection is open for research.

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Provenance

Gift of Caroline Prickett and Lana Wright, May 2009.

Separated Material

Richard C. du Pont and Summit Aviation scrapbooks and photographs (Accession 2009.211), Audiovisual Collections and Digital Initiatives Department, Hagley Museum and Library.

Related Names

Subject

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title:
Richard C. du Pont Miscellany
Author:
Andrew D. Engel
Date:
2013
Description rules:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description:
English
Script of description:
Latin
Language of description note:
English

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the Manuscripts and Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 3630
Wilmington Delaware 19807 USA
302-658-2400