Bethel’s student flyers are young men of courage and determination. In the face of indifference and often discouragement they have persisted in their desire to master the art of flying and are now well along toward success.  They can all fly and fly well.

Only during their spare time have they been able to study and practice and until last fall they were handicapped by lack of a suitable flying field. Through the courtesy of Mr. Clarence Bennett they no have a fine location at West Bethel and they have a J -1 Standard, Curtis motor, and an American Eagle on the field and each student is familiar with both planes. They are all working for the same objective, to secure a transport license which privileges them to fly any kind of airplane anywhere in the United States.

Can any other town the size of Bethel  boast four student flyers? Let us remember that aviation will have an important place in the future of the country and help these young men by the encouragement of appreciation.

The construction of a hangar is well under way.

Left to right—Dean Cunningham, Elmer Bennett, Ray Crockett, Carmeno Onofrio and Harold Lurvey. Click to photo to enlarge.

Roll of Student Flyers

 

Dean Cunningham was born in Farmington, Maine in 1902. He was educated in the town and high schools and worked in Mexico and Rumford for a few years.

He was employed in Kiawansee, Illinois, as chauffeur and private secretary and it was while here that he became interested in flying.

From Illinois Mr. Cunningham went to California and devoted his entire time to aviation, and in an amazingly short while had mastered the art of flying.

For four years he engaged in a flying circus in California and did barnstorming all over the state. He has been in Maine three years in the interests of aviation and has students in Bethel and Farmington.

 

Elmer Bennett was born in Errol, N.H., September 6, 1901, the son of Edward E. and Minnie (Olson) Bennett. He was educated in the common schools of New Hampshire, graduated from Gould Academy and attended the University of Maine.

He has been employed on the Canadian National Railway for nine years.

For two years Mr. Bennett studying aviation and holds a diploma from the Air Navigation School of Buffalo, N.Y. He is eligible for a private license and is working hard to secure a transport license.

 

Ray E. Crockett was born in Bryant’s Pond November 14, 1888, the son of Harry and Mary (Curtis) Crockett. He was educated in the schools of Bryant’s Pond and married Ethel Maude Billings in 1917. They have two sons, Richard and Clayton.

When 18 years old Mr. Crockett began work in Herrick’s machine shop and in 1919 opened a garage on Church Street where he still does business. This is a general garage and service station and Mr. Crockett has no peer as a machinist. He was a pioneer in selling and repairing radios and deals in Radiolas. He is a wizard at “tinkering” of any kind.

Mr. Crockett began flying two years ago and made his first solo flight last season. His aim is to get enough hours to his credit so that he is qualified to apply for a pilot’s transport license, as he is prepared on the other qualifications.

 

 

Carmeno Onofrio was born in Canton, Maine March 8,  1907, the son of Michael and Christina (Anthony) Onofrio.

He was educated in the Canton schools, worked as a mechanic, at an early age  went to Massachusetts, where he worked as a mechanic and developed an early interest in aviation. For four years he has had actual contact with air ships and for the past two years has been in Bethel as a student flyer with Mr. Cunningham.

He has flown to several places in Oxford County, makes frequent solo flights and is nearly prepared to take his examinations for a commercial pilot’s license.

 

Harold A. Lurvey was born in Poland, Maine  in 1895, the son of Fred T. and Jennie (Dunham) Lurvey. He was educated in Bryant’s Pond and married Miss Olive Ramsdell of Farmington in 1920.

Mr. Lurvey first came to Bethel four years ago as manager of Sam’s Fruit Store and is now employed at Skillingston.  He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the American Legion. He has an enviable war record. He served in Co. B, 103rd Infantry, 26th Division and was at Camp Mills, Westfield, Mass. In France he was promoted to the 1st Machine Gun Battalion and saw strenuous service throughout the war.

Mr. Lurvey has been flying for two years under the tutelage of Mr. Cunningham, has made many solo flights and about 100 “take offs” and landings. One hundred hours in the air is required before a transport license can be obtained and Mr. Lurvey will soon be qualified to make application for one.

 

 

 

The Bethel Journals, Donald G. Bennett, PO Box 763, Bethel, Maine 04217

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