It’s been 85 years since his historic flight, but Charles Lindbergh continues to fascinate American explorers.
By Ruth Chin

After Charles A. Lindbergh made his solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Paris in 1927, newspapers and radios blasted the news of his adventurous achievement. A worldwide frenzy took place honoring this intrepid 25-year-old pilot with unimaginable admiration. This year–85 years since Lindbergh’s historic trip and the 110th anniversary of his birth–Lindbergh continues to fascinate. Three Midwestern museums remember Lindbergh’s legacy to American aviation.

Above: This 1927 photograph shows Charles A. Lindbergh at Lambert Field in St. Louis, Mo., en route to New York. Missouri History Museum photo Below: About 1,000 model airplanes are on display at the National Model Aviation Museum. Ruth Chin photo

A Legend's Midwest Roots

In Little Falls, Minn., Lindbergh’s home today is a state historic site and is open for tours. Visitors will see original family furnishings and possessions. In the visitor center, gain perspective on Lindbergh’s life and his legacy. Step inside a full-scale replica of The Spirit of St. Louis cockpit and envision flying across the Atlantic. Operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, the home is adjacent to Charles A. Lindbergh State Park on the Mississippi River. See bald eagles or explore the ski trails in the park. The home, currently closed for the season, will reopen Memorial Day, Thursdays–Sundays through Labor Day.

Mimicking a Mentor

Following Lindbergh’s 1927 flight, boys imitated their hero by building toy planes and challenging each other as to whose model could fly the highest and farthest. This activity helped to spur everything from newspaper circulation promotions to radio shows, including “The Air Adventures of Jimmie Allen.”

An advertising agency promoting the Skelly Oil Company jumped onto aviation’s golden age by enticing the radio show’s large audience to join the Jimmie Allen Flying Club. For 10 cents, children could win prizes or enter model plane contests.

In 1936, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) was organized in Restin, Va., to sanction all rules and regulations pertaining to model aeronautics. The AMA today boasts 140,000 memberships.

A Museum for Model Aviation

Moving to Muncie, Ind., in 1992, the AMA is located on 1,100 acres. The Frank V. Ehling National Model Aviation Museum displays more than 9,000 artifacts, including 1,000 plane models made and donated by members. The Lee Renauld Memorial Research Library archives historical files and publications. Programs and lectures are held in a small theater. A terminal observation tower also is on site, and 50 people staff the headquarters building.

Across the country, about 2,500 community clubs compete throughout the year to fly their craft at the AMA Nationals held each summer in Muncie. After celebrating its 75th year in 2011, the AMA continues to educate future model airplane pilots.

Meet Me in St. Louis

In 1925, Lindbergh was a member of the 110th Observation Squadron, 35th Division, Missouri National Guard, in St. Louis. He also was working as a flight instructor for the Robertson Aircraft Corporation (RAC) in St. Louis. Later, he would serve as chief pilot for the newly designated 278-mile Contract Air Mail Route #2 (CAM-2) to provide service between St. Louis and Chicago. He opened service on the route on April 15, 1926, and continued on as chief pilot of CAM-2 until mid-February 1927, when he left for San Diego to oversee the design and construction of The Spirit of St. Louis, named for Lindbergh’s current home town and that of his financial backers.

Lindbergh and his St. Louis connection are remembered at the Missouri History Museum in St. Louis. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the trans-Atlantic flight, the museum opened an exhibit that includes photographs and artifacts. A model of The Spirit of St. Louis also is at the museum.

Visitors to the museum may also want to view two special exhibitions, “The Civil War in Missouri” and “Mammoths and Mastadons: Titans of the Ice Age.”

Today’s youngsters may not know of Lindbergh as did their grandfathers, but they are flying in the spirit of his legacy. No other man has influenced so many to learn to fly, invent new aerial products, and explore the world as did Lindbergh.

Ruth Chin is a contributor from Muncie, Ind.