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National Air and Space Museum Archives
Bowman Family Papers
Summary
- Collection ID:
- NASM.1991.0042
- Creators:
-
Bowman, Les (Leslie)Bowman, Martie (Marguerite)Bowman, Larnie
- Dates:
-
1923-1987bulk 1923-1950
- Languages:
-
English.
- Physical Description:
-
1.28 Cubic feet1 records center box
- Repository:
The Bowman Family Papers contain 1.28 cubic feet of material related to the aviation careers of Leslie (Les), Marguerite (Martie), and Larnie Bowman.
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
The Bowman Family Papers contain: log books, licenses, and membership cards for Marguerite, Larnie, and Leslie Bowman; loose materials including maps, newspaper clippings from the 1930s, 1972 and 1985; and miscellaneous photographs, including two of Charles Lindbergh. Three scrapbooks at the end of the collection (1923-1931, 1932-1935, 1936-1987) include photographs (some autographed), personal and business correspondence, and newspaper clippings.
Arrangement
Arrangement
The Bowman Family Papers are arranged by content type.
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
Leslie (Les) and Marguerite (Martie) Bowman were married in October 1919 and had both learned to fly by 1925. Les, a mechanic, worked as an engineer and salesman for the Kinner Engine and Aircraft Company and was involved in both the production and testing of airplanes. Martie was a charter member of both the Ninety-Nines, a women pilots' association, and the National Air Race Association. She set women's speed records and swept three women's racing events on one day in 1938. Les and Martie both tried wing walking, as did their daughter, Larnie, at the age of eight. Larnie learned to fly by the time she was twelve. During World War II, the Bowmans ran one of five civilian schools for the training of Navy fighter pilots. Les and Martie retired from aviation after the conclusion of the war.
Administration
Author
Nathan Drake (1991); Amanda Buel (2019)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Mrs. M. Lorraine Allen, gift, 1991, NASM.1991.0042
Processing Information
2019: Revised by Amanda Buel for DACS compliance / ArchivesSpace transfer.
1991: Original arrangement, description, and housing of the collection by Nathan Drake, Intern.
Digital Content
More …Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Access
No restrictions on access
Conditions Governing Use
Material is subject to Smithsonian Terms of Use. Should you wish to use NASM material in any medium, please submit an Application for Permission to Reproduce NASM Material, available at Permissions Requests.
Preferred Citation
Bowman Family Papers, Acc. NASM.1991.0042, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Keywords
National Air and Space Museum Archives
14390 Air & Space Museum Parkway
Chantilly, VA 20151
NASMRefDesk@si.edu