CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT AND TRANSPORTATION MINI NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 21, 1985
We can all be proud of the tremendous growth of the museum in the past year, both in acquisitions, accomplishments, and stature.
A great deal has been accomplished, but the vitally urgent goal of obtaining a permanent home still evades us.
As most of you know, several years ago we tried to acquire the Fort Langley airstrip/seaplane base as a permanent homesite. This did not materialize as the owner would not accept the Zalesky offer to purchase the property on the museum’s behalf, and it was subsequently withdrawn.
Constant lobbying to the B.C. Provincial Cabinet (and anyone else who would listen) finally resulted in the funding by the Provincial Government of a study to determine the feasibility and best location for all-encompassing transportation museum. This yet to be study, while complete, has released.
In the meantime, Surrey has gone ahead with the Expropriation of the Zalesky farm on which the museum is presently located. The property, along with four others totalling about 52 acres, was taken for parks purposes. While it was a traumatic experience for the family, it did provide some very tangible benefits to the museum, including a 5-year, no cost tenancy on the property; a year of which has already gone.
For many reasons, including the obvious argument that the museum is already firmly established there, a request has been made to Surrey to allow the museum to remain on the property indefinitely.
On behalf of all the volunteers who have make the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation possible, I wish each member and his or her family
Christmas Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year
It is proposed that the entire 52 acres be utilized as a park/museum, featuring, as has always been the intent, all forms of transportation heritage, park and picnic facilities, a small heritage farm centred around the classic Stewart house on the property, and the continued operation of Ward’s Marina at its present low key level.
In all submissions to Government for assistance in providing a permanent home, inclusion of park and picnic facilities have been key to the plan.
While a world class, monster museum at whatever location is decided as being the most optimum may become a reality, it is by no means assured, given the financial problems facing Governments. The Surrey property is a very attractive alternative, and may be far more practical and manageable. The homey, personal atmosphere would be retained as a very large plus.
A formal submission to Surrey should be accompanied by a strong showing of support from the membership. Please. We need your support. Drop us a note now…please don’t put it off. It needn’t be complicated. Something like the sample below is enough:
“By this letter, I hereby acknowledge my support of the the Crescent Road/ Ward’s Marina property being used as a museum/ heritage park by the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation.”
Whatever else you can add to strengthen the proposal would be appreciated, but is not absolutely necessary.
MODEL MAKERS WANTED
The museum has contracted to supply 11 model aircraft for the Northwest Territorial Pavilion at Expo 86. These are either in 1:6 or 1:10 scale, depending on size.
Nine are in the building process, but we still need a (1:10) Lockheed Hercules in Northwest Territorial Airways colours, and a (1:10) Hawker-Siddley 748 in Bradley/First Air colours.
Use any material that will work, provided the finished product is durable, and looks good. Price, per model, is $2,000. paid in cash as soon as the airplane is completed. Deadline is Feb. 28, 1986.
Phone or write if you want to build one, or know of someone who does.
We Repeat…
you can be a part of the effort to insure that our priceless relics are preserved and properly cared for through future generations if you include in your will a bequest to the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation. You may bequeath cash, securities and real or personal property to the permanent Endowment Fund where the income from your memorial will continue helping to support the museum. Or you may choose a special purpose such as constructing buildings, acquiring important relics, the reference library, or renovation or restoration of an exhibit.
You will find that a living trust will secure your wishes while providing income for you or your designate for the rest of your lives.
Think of the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation as you look to the future.
MUSEUM GIFT SHOP
Included with this “Mini” is a catalogue describing some of the items carried in our gift shop. Please look it over, and the next time you want to treat yourself to a gift, or its birthday or other special event time, choose a gift from our stock.
Money raised through sale of goods is urgently needed to support the several restoration projects under way, and for essentials like typewriter ribbons and stationery. Every little bit helps!
GIFT SHOP HOURS: 9-4 weekdays, 9-12 Sats
Potential customers are sometimes deterred by the signs on the gate announcing that the displays are closed. It is only the displays that are closed the gift shop and the library are open.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA
The Stranraer print has been reproduced in 6″x7″ size as a blank greeting card. It’s too late to have them printed for this year unless you pick up in person, but they are perfect for sending notes any time of the year. An added bonus is that the print, which is the same quality as the full size one, can be framed
Package of 6 cards $2.95 (includes 6 envelopes)
ANOTHER CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA!
THE MUSEUM NEEDS OPERATING FUNDS TO TIDE US OVER UNTIL TOURS START AGAIN IN THE SPRING. WE COULD REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN THE FORM OF AN ASSESSMENT, BUT IT MIGHT CREATE HARD FEELINGS.
HOW ABOUT A VOLUNTARY GIFT OF $5. ADDED TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR ORDER FROM THE GIFT SHOP, OR SIMPLY SEND ALONG THE $5. (MAKE IT $10 OR MORE, AND WE CAN ISSUE A TAX- DEDUCTIBLE RECEIPT).
Catalogue CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT AND TRANSPORTATION
STRANRAER GRAHAM WRACE CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT & TRANSPORTATION
“Stranraer”, a fine quality print of an original painting by Graham Wragg of CMFT’s Stranraer CF-BYJ over the Lions Gate Bridge, c1941. Printed on 100 lb. matte bond in full color, each is individually signed by the artist and features a printed RCAF Blue mat, ready for framing. Prints are $15.00 each, plus $3.00 postage and packing. Actual size 22″ x 25″. Order yours today!
History
In the early 1970s, a group of Vancouver area enthusiasts decided to I work together in an effort to preserve as many as possible of those airplanes and artifacts representing Canada’s rich and colourful aviation history.
Collection of material began for the eventual establishment of a museum in Western Canada.
Incorporation as a non-profit society evolved in March, 1977. Registration with Revenue Canada as charitable organization followed. The Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation is now a strong organization of many dedicated members from all parts of Western Canada.
Membership.
As a member you will enjoy:
- Regular meetings with other aviation and transportation enthusiasts, where your full participation is invited.
- A subscription to Museum publications, which through factual, interesting articles keep you informed of the latest Museum happenings.
- Sponsoring specific restoration projects and assisting in the acquisition of aviation and transportation artifacts.
- Plus… opportunities to join research and collection expeditions conducted by museum personnel to all parts of North America. All leads and tips received are researched..
The CANADIAN MUSEUM OF FLIGHT AND TRANSPORTATION is proud to be taking a positive part in preserving cur heritage.
You are invited to in the Canadian Museum of Flight and Transportation Inc. today.
Help us make this dream. a reality!
Aims …
To make available to the general public and particularly to ensuing generations, displays of significant aviation history, aircraft and artifacts and other transportation items.
Envisioned is a large facility to house not only the aviation heritage collections but also the collections of vintage autos, antique firefighting equipment, military vehicles and armament, steam and rail artifacts, etc.
This facility to be located in a park-like setting near Vancouver, British Columbia. A place where families can come to spend the day: with something of interest to everyone. A gift shop and restaurant will be included.
An operating museum is planned, wherein preserved airplanes and equipment will be featured in regularly scheduled working displays.
Restoration work will proceed on a continuous basis with some projects in view of the public.
FABRIC RECOVER SEMINAR
A fabric recover seminar is in progress right now. We’re recovering the museum’s Auster MK6. One wing is nearly done, ready for dope build up, while the other will be started the week of Nov. 25th.
Work goes on Monday and Wednesday evenings, from 7-10 PM, at the museum’s workshop on Crescent Road.
Gogi Goguillot is the instructor, and he really knows what he’s talking about, be discouraged. We teach you all you need and what’s more, knows how to pass on his knowledge. Fee is $40. for as many sessions as you want to attend. We supply all materials.
Sessions will run as long as there is sufficient interest.
LYSANDER PROJECT
Capable people needed to do the woodwork, and help with the sheet metalwork on the airplane. Let us know what you can do, and how many hours per week you can work.
The shop is open Monday through Saturday from 8 to 4:30. Hours other than this can be arranged once you have become familiar with the work required.
PHOTO COLLECTION GROWS
The museum’s photo collection continues to grow, and already ranks among the finest in the country. We’re now ready to input the hand generated material into the computer. Any offers? Also needed are people who can identify photos and make up the worksheets preparatory to inputting into the computer.
NEXT QUARTERLY
mailed about mid-January. Look for another (long) article by regular contributor Lock Madill to be carried over two or more issues. Articles, preferably with photos are needed to continue producing an interesting and informative publication.
WORD PROCESSING TRAINING
A call for people to type up the interviews with pioneers that were recorded this summer under the “Pioneer Profiles” program has been a success, and a number of people are grinding away at the mountain of tapes. But, there is still more than 1,500 hours of transcribing to do.
If you’ve never used a computer, don’t to know to “get typing”. An ideal way to learn a useful skill and something about our aviation history in the bargain.
Everybody welcome, young or old, but you do have to be able to type. We teach word processing, not typing.
Do you have a computer and would like to work at home? Depending on the type of computer that you have, we have utilities to read data generated on other makes. Please let us know the make and model of your computer.
The fund for purchasing a much needed high speed computer printer is coming along well, but we still need about $1,000
EXPO 86 DEMONSTRATION
CMFT will be rebuilding a Stampe biplane as a demonstration project on site, at Expo 86. Each fair-goer is expecting to see all the steps in the process, and a completed airplane must be ready in time for the Abbotsford Air Show. At least three airplanes will have to be constructed to have enough components on display
Lots of volunteers will be needed. The fair is open from 10 A.M. til 10 p.m. seven days a week, and 100,000 people a day are expected to visit each display. Lots of help will be needed. Do not let lack of experience keep you from volunteering. There is work for those who are The next Quarterly newsletter will be learning, too. Minimum shifts are 5 hours. Passes are expected to be available for those who make a reasonable commitment. Museum coveralls or uniforms will be worn.
PLEASE LET US KNOW NOW, SO THAT SCHEDULES AND PASSES CAN BE ARRANGED EARLY. 1986 IS GOING TO BE A VERY BUSY YEAR SO ANY ARRANGEMENTS WE CAN MAKE NOW WILL HELP WORD PROCESSING TRAINING A SUCCESS
NEXT GENERAL MEETING THURSDAY, JANUARY 16TH, 8 P.M. 13527 CRESCENT ROAD, SURREY