Vicky, A Jewish Woman Pilot in 1931

In Vicky’s suitcase I found a newspaper clipping, dated October 16, 1931, that was fascinating. Unfortunately, the date doesn’t appear in the copy that I have. I researched it and found the date of the article. It stated that Vicky was the only Jewish women pilot in 1931. She took flying lessons after she traveled. The money to fly came from the Durant and Lederer families. But where did the motivation come from. No one in my family flew a plane but it was the era of Lindbergh and Amelia. Everyone wanted to be up in the air. Women were expected to be in the kitchen and caring for her husband and children. Well, Vicky had no children and her husband had just walked out on her. She had money and her adventurous spirit probably told her why not learn to fly!
I don’t know if she was a practicing Jew or just on the fringes of her religion. My grandparents were orthodox Jews, but my parents were Reform German Jews. This group of Jews were not accepted during this time.
I imagine that Vicky was like her brother my dad. He was a very liberal reform Jew. Still, it was very unusual for a Jewish woman to become a pilot. She was 40 years old when she learned to fly. She was much older than other women who had learned to fly during the 30’s.
This article was in a bulletin from a synagogue called Temple Emanuel. The clipping is so old that all I can see is the end of the temple’s name “uel”. I know that my parents belonged to this temple. It is located in Chicago, near Lake Michigan and is still in existence today. Because this is so ago it is impossible to locate anyone who might have known Vicky.
I have not been able to find any other information about Vicky being one of the only Jewish woman pilots from that era. There were Jewish men that flew in that era only Vicky and a woman named Ruth Elder were pilots. If anyone knows information about any Jewish women pilots in the early 30’s please email me at: Lflyer333@gmail.com.

Vicky wasn’t famous but. ……

Everyone is famous in some way.  I wrote some of the accomplishments of her flying days. I will tell you more but it’s her spirit that makes her so special. She broke the rules that were expected for women. That’s the kind of women that thrills me. Vicky followed her passion now it’s my turn.

I have divided my story of Vicky into three parts. I only know her early years through her paraphernalia. If I repeat some of this information, I’m sorry but I just feel trilled with her accomplishments.

1. Vicky was a graduate of Roosevelt Field Flying School in Mineola, Long Island New York. This was the same field as Lindbergh, and Amelia. Most of the famous flights in the 30’s were out of Roosevelt Field.  It was the most modern field at the time.  Mineola became known as the “Hot Bed” of Aviation during the Golden Age of Aviation” during the 30’s.   Now I want to continue to tell you more about Vicky’s accomplishments.

2 Vicky participated in the Miami American Air Race.

3. She owned a flying school.

4. She also had a flying school in Juneau, Alaska.

5. She vied with 4 men for a race from Honolulu to San Francisco in 1931.

6. She was an honorary member of the New York Ariel Police.

7. Vicky was a member of the Air Pilots Association.

8. She drove a midget car New York to Cleveland.

9. Vicky was a member of the Aviation Country Club at Palwaukee Airport.

10. Now I go in the way back machine to 1925 when Vicky married a wealthy man named Ward Lederer. This was the beginning of life in the fast lane for Vicky.

I Am Vicky

I know that many people feel close to a relative. For me it’s different. I don’t feel close to Vicky, I know that I am Vicky. I don’t know why I feel this way, but I am not a clone or a twin, but I know that I am Vicky. I’m adventurous, tenacious and ready to take a chance. I never rode a motorcycle, only rode a horse at day camp but in my own way, I was Vicky. See if you see me through, Vicky.
This blog is an outline of the way I found out about me. After my dad died, I open the suitcase that had all Vicky memorabilia found her address book and wrote 100 letters to everyone hoping to find someone who knew of Vicky. I received only 4 replies. Those just said they didn’t know her. I then wrote to any paper that had an address on it. I wrote to her doctors, beautician, landlord, and anyone I could think of. Why am I telling you this? Well, I just wanted to remember all the research I did. Research makes me realize how long ago this was.

Roosevelt field the most unique flying Field

 

Vicky flew out of Roosevelt Field…the most famous flying field in the country. She made friends with Bert Acosta, a well-known pilot in the 20’s and 30’s. This field was the hotbed of aviation. Did this make Vicky famous…no. but she did have some accomplishments that I will tell you about in future posts.

Today I would like to tell you about Roosevelt Field.  Back in the day it was a flurry of activity. It was located in Mineola, New York.  You could see famous fliers there every weekend. They produced airshows and offered rides to anyone adventurous to go up in the air. They hoped these people would also take flying lessons. Teachers were very reluctant to teach women. Some women had to go to Europe to learn.  By the time Vicky took her lessons I guess it was allowed. According to Vicky’s memorabilia she passed her flying tests with scores of 85 and 90. The American public soon learned that some women could fly as good as men. Back to the story of Roosevelt Field.  Races were held often at Roosevelt Field.  I don’t know if Vicky participated in them but I know that the field was always crowded with fliers and people out for some excitement.  The audience could view acrobatic stunts scary and unique. It had balloon bursting contests, plane fights and even men jumping out of planes as everyone gasped in fear for the flier. Roosevelt Field was the only civilian airport that had all this activity. The field had its own newspaper, radio station, and hotel. I know that Vicky stayed at the Roosevelt Field Hotel. It had single and double rooms. and the second floor was used as a ballroom and banquet hall. In good weather I can see Vicky drinking and eating on the terrace looking over the field. It was quite a place. Vicky was still living the high life she had with Ward and the Durant’s. This life was far from the sadness of the Depression.  

National Air Pilots Association

Vicky was endorsed by a famous pilot named Freddie Lund. Each person had to be endorsed by another pilot. He was killed in an air race in the year that Vicky got her license. Betty Lund, Fredie’s wife was also a pilot. The letter was addressed to Vicky at the Roosevelt Field Hotel in Mineola, L.I. New York. I assume that Vicky was staying at the hotel while she took lessons at Roosevelt Field.

Both Betty and Freddie Lund were stunt flyers, flew in races and were barnstormers. I think it was quite an honor for Vicky to be endorsed by the Lunds.

Why Did Vicky Become A Pilot?

That’s a question I can’t completely answer, I do know what influenced her. She had the money for lessons and even enough to buy her own plane. She was adventurous and fearless. Vicky learned to fly in 1930 and remember, it was only a few years since Lindbergh’s famous flight. Everyone wanted to be up in the air.

I don’t know how Vicky’s parents reacted to the news that Vicky was learning to fly. I never knew my grandparents on my father’s side. They passed away before I was born. She was the black sheep of the family.  Also, Vicky was forty years old when she learned to fly and was much older than other women pilots.

Flying Memories

   Flying A Plane Out of the Museum

  Vicky flew out of Palwaukee Field in 1932. She was a member of the Aviation Country Club but my research said that The Aviation Club was at a different airport in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I really don’t know if any of this information is true. I wish I was there when she flew at Gauthier’s Flying Field located at the crossroads of Palatine Road and Milwaukee Avenue about eighteen miles from Chicago. This field became Palwaukee Airport then another name change to Chicago Executive Airport.

 Now there 194 planes at the Palwaukee including two jets the Bombardier Challenger and the Gulfstream Command and five helicopters. There are three fixed-based national operators Signature Flight Support, National Global Aviation Services, and Atlantic. Also Priester Air Charter and Palwaukee Flyers. A fixed-base operator offers services like fueling and flight instruction. Planes bring military men to Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the Veterans Affairs hospitals in the Chicago area.

  In 1953 George J. Priester developed the airport and owned it for 33 years. He installed paved runways, lighting, hangers and an air tower for air traffic control. In 1990 I met with George’s son Charles. I had many questions prepared and I was excited to see planes take off and land. I was more focused on that then asking questions. 

George Priester died in Des Plaines, Illinois and is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

About five years ago I went to the airport to see a group called Young Eagles where they received a free flight. Young Eagles are found at regional airports all over the country and is sponsored by the Experimental Aviation Association. “Sully” Sullenberger, John Travolta and Harrison Ford were former chairmen of the Young Eagles. I wish I was one of those kids and could join this fabulous group.

Maybe, you are wondering why I am telling you about the history of Palwaukee Airport. It makes me recall my memories connected with the airport. I remembered that my brother Bruce took flying lessons at the airport. My mom drove him to the airport before he could drive. He told me that his interest in aviation started when he went up in our neighbors’ plane. He took lessons at Palwaukee with Sally’s Flying School. Sally Strempel was a pioneer in aviation and The Federal Aviation Administration appointed her as one of five women flight instructors in the country.  

 Bruce worked at Sikorsky which is a well-known name in aviation. The company focused on the manufacturing of land planes, amphibious aircraft and invented the first practical helicopter. Then he worked at Boeing for 42 years. Now he is retired and volunteers as a docent and a researcher at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. 

Family lore said that my aunt flew an autogiro which was a precursor to the modern helicopter. I don’t know if that is true, but my father said that his sister did fly that vehicle.

My brother asked me what wanted for my birthday. You can guess my answer. I told him I wanted an introductory flight lesson from Windy City Flyers Flight School located at Palwaukee. I was so excited when the pilot showed me the Chicago Skyline and then the far north suburbs. I took this lesson a long time ago, but it feels like yesterday. I sat in the co-pilot’s seat, but I really didn’t fly the plane.

 I brought my first computer, and it took me three months to decide what to buy. When I took my flying lesson, I didn’t ask ANYTHING. I didn’t know or care that I didn’t even know the pilots name or his experience. I JUST JUMPED INTO THE PLANE AS IF I HAD FLOWN ALL MY LIFE.

After this flight, I decided to ask about flying lessons. I went to Palwaukee and talked to a salesperson even though I knew I didn’t have the money. I was thrilled to hear the information and went home with dreams in my mind and heart.

I thought if I couldn’t take lessons, I would still do the next best thing. I would learn how to fly on the ground. I meet a lady who worked at Windy City Flyers and asked her how I could accomplish this goal. She was kind to loan me video tapes that would help me learn the basics of flight. I didn’t understand the tapes, but I kept watching them. I returned the tapes and wondered how to learn more. I decided to learn from children’s books on the flight.

After this, I joined a group called PACE at Palwaukee. It was a liaison group between the airport and the surrounding communities. This group is not in existence now, but I enjoyed being part of aviation in a very small way.

Then I went to Palwaukee to see The Young Eagles. At Palwaukee and many other airports across the country, kids receive free flight lessons. The group is sponsored by the Experimental Aviation Association. “Sully” Sullenberger, John Travolta and Harrison Ford were former chairmen of the Young Eagles. I wished that I was one of those kids.

On May 8, 2017, Chicago Executive Airport has received the honor of being named the Reliever Airport of the Year. It is an airport that doesn’t have scheduled passenger service. It helps take traffic away from crowded airports like O’Hare in Chicago.

You can see how my interest has continued. I read books about aviation and even wear aviation-themed clothing.  

 Fun is different for everyone… for me, it’s airplanes and airports. Friends ask me if I love aviation and the answer is yes. I say it’s a family thing and it’s MY THING!

I hope you have enjoyed traveling along memory lane with Vicky, Bruce and me.

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Vicky Travelled By Horse, by Motorcycle, By Plane, By Ship and By Train

 

My Aunt Vicky flew a plane, rode an Indian motorcycle and a horse. She was so adventurous!

Addresses Where My Aunt Vicky

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     The Shelton Hotel in New                           York

Vicky lived at these places. In her memorabilia I found that she sure did move around a lot. I believe that she was looking for a new life, just adventurous or broke.

Roosevelt Field Hotel, Mineola, New York (near Roosevelt Flying Field)

725 Sheridan Road, Chicago 

Care of General Delivery Juneau, Alaska

1932 ℅ Mrs. Lucille (babe) Hirschfield sister Chicago

1936 735 Sheridan, Chicago

3324 Indiana, Chicago

Kimball Hotel Springfield, Massachusetts 

1934 % Mrs. Lee Florsheim 534 Addison, Chicago

420 diversely 725 Sheridan, Chicago

% general delivery Juneau, Alaska

325 north 56th-second Street 

Husband Ward Lederer’s 325 West 51 St. New York

1608 South Homan Ave. Chicago

Max Goldberg uncle 5337 S. Cornell, Chicago

Vicky also lived at her sister’s Lucille’s apartment on 3923 Frontier Avenue, Chicago

629 Post Street, San Diego

The Shelton Hotel, New York

3923 Frontier Chicago ℅ Francis Florsheim brother

Francis and Isabelle Florsheim (my parents home) 2531 West Morse, Chicago

From this list you can see that Vicky moved around constantly. When she was broke she usually flopped at my parents home. She had a lot of money but she spent most of it. This was during the depression but she wasn’t on a street corner asking “Brother Can You Spare A Dime.”

 

Maybe a Bush Pilot in Alaska

 Vicky and her partner George C. McCallum

My parents said that Vicky was a bush pilot in Juneau. There were very few women pilots in the 30′ in the US let alone Alaska. I wrote the Juneau Historical Society and see if they have any records about her. Unfortunately, they had no informational about Vicky’s work in Alaska. Other research said she was a waitress. Who knows.

  Another mystery about Vicky. She was a risk-taker and courageous.  I don’t think that she was afraid of danger or the unknown. Vicky took flying lessons at Roosevelt field and stayed at a hotel near the field.  The hotel was a place for dancing in the huge ballroom and eating outside on warm sunny days. The eating area overlooked the field and they could watch the planes takeoff and land. It was a high life which Vicky never lived before.

  Roosevelt Field was the most famous airfield and everything was made for the pilot’s safety. The field had asphalt runways so it was the perfect place to learn to fly. Women started flying but men wondered if it was safe. Male pilots felt women weren’t physically fit and that they couldn’t learn because of their lack of mechanical knowledge.

Vicky  spent and spent until she was flat broke. I know this because of all the places she lived. One of those places was my parents home. She only came there when she was out of money.

  When her husband walked out on her Vicky reported Ward missing two years later in 1927. She looked for Ward on her own for two years because she didn’t want the publicity. When the police were alerted they talked to Wards mother, Mrs. Anna D. Lederer, and his sister Catherine Durant. Neither would give any information to the police. Vicky stayed temporarily at the Hotel Mayger. Vicky didn’t want to live on the family’s charity. 
  It was such a mystery where Ward was living but she was tired of looking for him. Vicky said “Now I am neither married or unmarried.(New York Times, April 4, 1927) Ward wasn’t honest with his own wife. I learned that he had married again but did not give Vicky the courtesy of divorcing her and getting a divorce.

She was drinking, led the high life and made herself so sick that she couldn’t work. Vicky didn’t know how she would survive. She decided that she had to accept the money from Ward’s family and the Durant’s. It was then that she went traveling and then learned to fly. When the world was in crisis Vicky lived well.