Marjorie Stinson facts for kids
Marjorie Claire Stinson (born July 5, 1895 – died April 15, 1975) was an amazing American pilot. She was an aviator, a pilot who delivered mail by air, a flight instructor, and even a stunt pilot!
Marjorie learned to fly at the famous Wright Flying School. In 1914, she earned her pilot's license, becoming the ninth person in the world to do so. She became a show pilot, performing exciting flights for crowds. Later, in 1915, she made history as the first woman to deliver airmail in the United States, flying from Seguin to San Antonio, Texas. Along with her sister Katherine, Marjorie taught flying at the Stinson School of Flying, which their mother started. After the school closed, Marjorie went back to performing air shows and later worked for the U.S. Navy. She retired in 1945 and passed away in 1975. Marjorie was also one of the first members of a group for women pilots called the Ninety-Nines.
Becoming a Pilot
Marjorie Stinson followed her sister Katherine into the world of flying. She started learning in June 1914 at the Wright School in Dayton. Her instructor, Howard Rinehart, taught her well. After only 4.5 hours of lessons, she was able to fly a plane by herself for the first time! She was the ninth woman in the U.S. to get her official pilot's certificate.
Marjorie tried to start an airmail delivery route in Texas, but it didn't work out. So, she joined her family's flight school at the Stinson Municipal Airport. There, she became a flight instructor, just like her sister. In 1915, she was the only woman allowed into the U.S. Aviation Reserve Corps. By 1916, the Royal Canadian Flying Corps began sending their students to the Stinson School for training. Marjorie was known as "The Flying Schoolmarm," and her students were called "The Texas Escadrille."
Amazing Air Shows
From 1917 to 1928, Marjorie was a very successful stunt pilot. She performed at many exciting events:
- On July 3, 1915, Marjorie flew two shows in Bogalusa, Louisiana.
- On August 29, 1914, Marjorie and her sister Katherine flew a yellow "votes for Women" banner in their Wright Biplane at a special event in Chicago. They stopped their usual shows to help the suffragette movement, which was working to get women the right to vote. They helped raise $50,000 for this important cause.
- On June 23, 1919, Marjorie flew across Washington, D.C., to help promote a campaign. This campaign was raising $10,000,000 to build a Victory Memorial Building in Washington.
- On April 21, Marjorie flew a small Curtis Plane between Bolling Field and Potomac Park in Washington. After landing, she sold $3,000 worth of bonds to help with the Victory Liberty Loans.
Legacy
Her Passing
Marjorie Stinson passed away on April 15, 1975. Her ashes were spread over the Stinson Airfield, a place that meant so much to her.
Stinson Airfield
The Stinson Municipal Airport was started by the Stinson family in 1915. It is the second oldest airport in the United States that is used for general aviation (flights that are not regular airline flights). Today, it is home to the Texas Flight Museum. During World War 2, the airport was also used as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
