History of the Donald Woodward Airport, LeRoy New York in the 1920s and 30s. Known as the "Finest Private Airport in America." Includes the story of Amelia Earhart's famous Fokker Trimotor, the "Friendship." 88 pages, 171 B&W illustrations, including previously unpublished photos of Earhart. A must for enthusiasts of the "Golden Age of Aviation."
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By mfaville1
Oct 12, 2009
"Great local history for Western NY and early aviation" A great read for anyone in Genesee County or into aviation history. I have family living right on Asbury Road at where the airport is/was located and can still see the hangers and tower from this book. I have heard stories of the "original" Leroy Airport as Brian Duddy here writes about growing up and of the Woodward family and their "Jell-O" empire of the early 20th century. Brian's background in the Air Force and a native son of Leroy, NY makes this a fitting tribute to this lost piece of aviation history literally in our backyards. I've walked the farmers fields that were the runways and tried to imagine the excitement and innovation this brought to the region. Nice job Brian !!
"A great insight into aviation history!" I really enjoyed this short but interesting book. The author goes into great detail about the role a small town airport played in the early days/golden age of aviation. Founded and funded by a local multimillionaire the airport soon became THE place to fly into and a fun place to go. It was a place where the major aviators could see and be seen. The book records all the activities including major air races and flyins. Most interesting is the detailed account of the Fokker Trimotor that allowed Amelia Earhart to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. Profusely illustrated with historical photos including interesting memorabilia. I highly recommend this book to any aviation enthusiast especially those interested in the golden age of civil aviation.
"Early aviation in western NY" Brian Duddy's book fills in an important chapter in the development of aviation in this area. It is an area that was very much involved in aviation,from Glenn Curtiss to the space program. Much of what Duddy writes about has been largely unknown by the general public. Any person interested in aviation history will find this book exceedingly interesting.
