J. Gerald Vinkemulder aviation collection

Collection

Identifier: Collection 063

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Vinkemulder collection contains duplicates of various photographs, papers, licenses, and programs documenting aviation circa 1930 (ie. air shows, air circuses and air races). The dedication brochure of Cassard Field presents a brief history of transportation emphasizing the importance of air travel. The photographs depict aerial views of Grand Rapids and its environs as well as various airplanes that visited Cassard Field.

Dates

1926-1934, n.d.

Biographical / Historical

J. Gerald Vinkemulder (1900-1975) was an early aviator in West Michigan. Although he worked first for Ackerman Electric and later built up a profitable business, Vinkemulder Termite Control, his early passion was for flying. He worked as a test pilot and stunt pilot of airplanes during the 1920s and 1930s, even working as a dirigible pilot at times. He founded the Grand Rapids Civil Air Patrol during the 1940s, as well as the Michigan Air Tours, Dawn Patrol and the American Legion Committee on Aeronautics.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (One box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

J. Gerald Vinkemulder (1900-1975) was an early aviator in West Michigan. During the 1920s and1930s Vinkemulder was a test pilot and a stunt pilot, with some experience also as a dirigible pilot. He founded the Grand Rapids Civil Air Patrol during the 1940, and was active in other organizations related to aeronautics. The papers contain duplicates of various photographs, papers, licenses, news clippings and programs documenting aviation circa 1930. The photographs depict aerial views of Grand Rapids and its environs as well as various airplanes that visited Cassard Field. Also included is a dedication program for Daniel Waters Cassard Field in Grand Rapids, later called the Grand Rapids Airport and the Kent County Airport. Dedication of the field marked the beginning of scheduled air service between Detroit and Grand Rapids in 1926.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Earl Spielmacher, accession number 1985.036, 1986.394

Related Materials

Collection 075: Thomas Walsh papers

For further information on aviation history in Grand Rapids see: On Wings of Progress : the Story of Kent County International Airport / by James Van Vulpen. G.R. : Grand Rapids Historical Commission, Kent County Aeronautics Board, c. 1989. This source contains a biography of Vinkemulder, as well as his image, and at least one image from this collection.