Time may separate us, but in the end, memories and love bring us back together.” – Unknown
I attended my 55th Class of ’71 Plainville High School reunion recently. Reunions of all kinds hide lost stories, waiting for rescue. At this occasion, once we caught up with who is who and what they have been up to since the last reunion, the conversation naturally flowed to memories.
The antics, mischief, and fun times make for good stories and laughter. Some of which should remain amongst ourselves for a while longer. I mean, when does the statute of limitations run out on stupid?
What I did not expect were the stories about my father. My heart was warmed by the impact he had on so many of my schoolmates, and that many years later they made a point of saying so.
A Long History
Dad moved to Plainville, Kansas, as a young boy, attending and graduating from the same schools I did. There was a brief absence to serve in the Army. He brought Mom back from that absence. They made their life in Plainville, raising four daughters. He was part of the local business and aviation community, an active member of the Methodist Church, a city council member, and for a few years, Mayor.
What I did not know were the individual stories that follow.
Three Lost Stories Rescued
Chats At The Shop
Some of the reunion activities were held at the VFW. In the afternoon, as we were setting up for the evening banquet, the local veterans were socializing in an adjacent room. One came in to see what the occasion was and struck up a conversation with my husband. I was not in on the entire conversation, but at one point this gentleman made a point to tell me that at a difficult time, Dad reached out to him
Daddy did this. He was very good one-on-one, not so much in groups. He always had a pot of coffee on at the shop. Guys of all ages knew that he was always there to have a cup of what Daddy called, “pretty bad coffee”, and chat.
This occurred as they came in for a vehicle part, a tool, or just some mechanic’s advice. I kept books for the business, so I observed this male coming and going as just a part of what a day looked like at “Hancock’s”. I was never privy to any of the serious discussions, but knew Dad would sometimes send me on an errand to give him the room.
Nothing weird or awkward; it was part of the atmosphere of Dad’s shop.
The Shop And The Civil Air Patrol
I knew Daddy was an active member of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). What I did not know was that, for a time, they met at Daddy’s shop. I also did not know that several of my classmates were in the CAP. This was in the late 60s and early 70s. Why I was not aware of this at the time is a puzzle. I do know that at the time girls were not generally part of the CAP, at least not in Plainville.
My classmate told me those monthly meetings were quite meaningful. The CAP opened his eyes to things beyond our local world. At one point they took a trip in a military transport as part of a CAP training exercise.
In addition to the education and social aspects of the CAP, I know the local CAP helped with search-and-rescue for Emergency Locator Transmissions (ELTs) from small general aviation aircraft. ELTs activate in the case of an accident. The CAP continues active today in many parts of our country.
The Shop And The Biplane
I knew the EAA Biplane I am currently finishing, resided in the back of the shop. I also knew from previous communications that yet another of my classmates was somewhat inspired by interactions with my father. This was both through CAP activities and watching my Dad’s work on the biplane. He eventually earned his pilot’s license AND built his own airplane (or was it two?).
What I did not know was that at one point, when Daddy had reached a plateau building the biplane, this classmate offered to purchase the project. Daddy declined. His reasons were liability issues that were looming in the general aviation industry at the time. Manufacturers were struggling with growing liability claims, and this was spilling into the homebuilt community.
I vaguely remember Daddy mentioning this one time to me, in a discussion about the biplane. The passage of the General Aviation Revitalization Act in 1994 dealt with these issues. Although it did not directly address the homebuilt market, this Act had a mitigating effect.
I have no doubt that this classmate would have built and flown the biplane, as he did go on to build one on his own. I guess the biplane dream was meant to be mine.
Lost Stories Rescued
So three more lost stories rescued! Small ones, maybe, but still worthy of pen and paper, even digital ones. Here’s the thing: being made aware of these stories was only the first step. They then had to be recorded, written down, typed out, and published. Here’s my process:
1) listened to my classmates share,
2) asked questions for more detail, which, by the way, I could have done more of!
3) made notes – I use my planner, but you could use the notes or voice on your phone, or even a napkin!
4) then I took the time to flesh them out in this BLOG
All in all, it probably took less than eight hours over a few weeks to get to this point. One day.
What story will you rescue this week?