Mary Goodrich Jenson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mary Goodrich Jenson
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Mary Goodrich Jenson - aviator
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| Born | November 6, 1907 Hartford, Connecticut
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| Died | January 4, 2004 (aged 96–97) Hartford
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | journalist |
| Known for | Ninety-Nines |
| Spouse(s) | Carl D. Jenson |
Mary Goodrich Jenson (born November 6, 1907 – died January 4, 2004) was an amazing early woman pilot and writer. She was the first woman in Connecticut to get a pilot's license. Mary was also the first woman to fly a plane all by herself to Cuba. In 2000, she was honored in the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Mary Goodrich was born in Hartford, Connecticut. Her birthday was November 6, 1907. Her parents were Ella E. (Reed) Goodrich and James Raymond Goodrich.
Her grandfather, Elizur Stillman Goodrich, ran important businesses. He managed the Hartford–New York Steamboat Company. He also ran the Hartford–Wethersfield Horse Railway.
Education and Marriage
Mary went to school in different places. She studied at the Collegio Gazzola in Verona, Italy. Later, she attended Gibbs College. She also studied at Columbia University.
In 1940, Mary married Carl D. Jenson. They had two children together.
Aviation and Journalism Career
Mary Jenson earned her pilot's license in 1927. She was only 20 years old at the time. This made her the very first woman in Connecticut to become a licensed pilot.
While she was still learning to fly, Mary also started a career in journalism. The Hartford Courant newspaper hired her. She became their first aviation editor. The newspaper hired her on one condition. She had to get her pilot's license before a reporter from a rival paper. She succeeded! Later, she became the first woman to have her own column in the newspaper.
Flying Adventures
A year after getting her license, Mary bought her first airplane. It was a Fairchild KR-21. This was a single-engine biplane. She loved to compete in air shows. She took part in races and "bomb throwing" events. This involved dropping bags of flour at targets on the ground.
In the late 1920s, a group of women pilots formed a national club. It was called the Ninety-Nines. This group helped support women who loved to fly. Mary Jenson was one of the 99 founding members of this important group.
Mary also helped lead the Betsy Ross Air Corps. This group lasted from 1929 to 1933. It was created during the Great Depression. Its goal was to support the Army Air Corps. However, the U.S. military never officially recognized it.
Mary flew her biplane all over Connecticut. Around 1933, she made history again. She became the first woman to fly solo to Cuba. Sadly, after this trip, her eyesight started to fail. Because of this, she lost her flying license.
Life After Flying
In 1936, Mary Jenson had another interesting experience. She was a passenger on the Hindenburg airship. This was during its first year of service. She flew over Hartford in the giant airship.
In the late 1930s, Mary worked for Walt Disney Productions. She worked in California. She helped with the famous movie Dumbo. While working there, she met her future husband, Carl.
In 1941, Mary and Carl moved to Wethersfield, Connecticut. Mary became very active in helping her community. She started the town's Women's Association. She also served as its president. Mary also worked on the Board of Education. She was part of the Council of Social Agencies of Greater Hartford.
Mary Jenson passed away in Hartford in early 2004.
Legacy
Mary Jenson's family created a special fund in her honor. This fund is at the Wethersfield Historical Society. The society keeps many historical items and artifacts. These items belonged to Mary and her family. They help us remember her amazing life.
