Welcome! This site
was created to chronicle my lifelong model aviation hobby, and to provide some valuable resources for visitors.
- Kirt Blattenberger
AMA 92498

My Models:
Airplanes, Boats,
Helicopters, Rockets		Airplanes and Rockets
1/2A SkylaneAquila SpiritAstronomyBlade CPBuilding TipsClocksComics
DistributorsElectronicsEngines | MotorsEstesF4U-1 CorsairFlying ClubsForums
Hobby ShopMagazinesManufacturerOld PhotosOrganizationsPeanutsPlans Lists
RadianRadiosSaturn V | 1BShark 15SimulatorsSopwith CamelSparky
SpiritTaylorcraftTrainsVideosVintage AdsVintage RCWoodworking
Vintage Articles: Air Trails / American Modeler / American Aircraft Modeler / Popular Electronics
Modeling in Erie, PA
 
Airplanes & Rockets
Modeling Forums
©1996-2012
Kirt Blattenberger with E-flight Taylorcraft on Snow Skis - Airplanes and Rockets
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) | Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) | Int'l RC Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
League of Silent Flight (LSF) | National Association of Rocketry (NAR) | National Free Flight Society (NFFS) | Society of Antique Modelers (SAM)

AMA Headquarters Staff Photo, 1968
March 1969 American Aircraft Modeler

March 1968 American Aircraft Modeler

March 1969 American Aircraft Modeler Cover - Airplanes and Rockets     [Table of Contents]
Aircraft modeling has undergone significant changes over the decades - both in technology and preferences. Magazines like American Aircraft Modeler, and American Modeler before that, were the best venues for capturing snapshots of the status quo of the day. Still, many things never change, so much of the old content is relevant to today's modeler.

Whether you are here to wax nostalgic, or are just interested in learning history, hopefully you will find what you are seeking. As time permits, I will be glad to scan articles for you. All copyrights (if any) are hereby acknowledged.
Here is a photo of the entire staff at the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) headquarters in 1968. John Worth was the Executive Director at the time. Thirteen people ran the organization's administrative functions. The AMA began in 1936 and had grown to 25,000 members and 459 sanctioned clubs by 1968. In 2010, those numbers are 150,000 members and 2,500 clubs. Headquarters moved from its 1968 location in Washington, D.C., to Reston, Virginia in 1983, and finally to its current location in Muncie, Indiana in 1992. I visited Muncie in November of that year, just a couple months after the grand opening. The paint still smelled fresh, and there was a lot of work in progress. Hard to believe that was nearly 20 years ago, and I haven't had the occasion since then to visit. A LOT has changed, and I'm really wanting to go back.









Airplanes and Rockets - Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) staff in 1968, March 1969 American Aircraft Modeler

The AMA Headquarters staff, responsible for servicing over 25,000 members and 459 clubs in 1968. L to R: Helen Costello, chartered club secretary; Carl Whee ley, Publications Director; Gretchen Cantrell, membership clerk-typist; Lisa Katel, membership/film library clerk-typist; Jocelyn Cardin­ale, FAI/Contest/Records secretary; Giselle Jackson, accountant; Frank Ehling, Technical Director; Pamela Walker, membership clerk; Lucille Ward, Office Manager; Lesley McGill, Mail/Supplies secretary; John Worth, Executive Director; Dorothy Severson, addressing clerk-typist; Jim Stone­back, National Meet secretary. About two-thirds of those shown are full-time employees - most do at least two basic jobs and share several responsibilities.



Posted 1/30/2011