In 1944 and 1945 Burbank Park and Recreation Dept. hosted a model airplane building contest for youth 6 to 16 years of age.
It was a big deal for the times as the judges and people helping the kids were from some big aeronautical Companies and Airlines in the local area. Lockheed, Pacific Airmotive, Pan American Airways, Menasco, American Airlines, Western Airlines, Bendix, Hockaday Inc., Adel Precision and the United States Army Air Forces all sent representatives as Mentors and Judges for the contests.
Prizes and trophies were awarded and it was “Big Doings” at Olive Rec here in town. Precision Model building tool sets, Books, War Bonds and Medals were also given to the winners.
Over 400 youth were participants in the annual event. From all the faces in the photos the kids were real happy to participate!
For more pictures click the link below…
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Slowly fading with the city’s ever-changing landscape, the places and people of Burbank’s past tell a vibrant story. Before the arrival of Warner Bros. and Walt Disney, First National Pictures built its original studio lot on Olive Ave in 1926. For over sixty years, Lockheed Aircraft Company produced some of the nation’s best airplanes where the massive Empire Shopping Center now stands. Heavyweight champion James Jeffries turned his Burbank ranch home and barn into a beloved landmark and boxing venue. Inventor Joseph Wesley Fawkes’s scheme to build a monorail to Los Angeles became a local laughingstock. Diehard Burbankers Wes Clark and Michael McDaniel collect these and many more forgotten local stories where they can finally be found.
and their new book, Growing Up in Burbank, just out!!
