Jul 2018 Amelia Earhart’s Legacy Lives On
If you have a “thing” about Lockheed Electra’s, Hudson automobiles (that have a surprising history) or the mystery of Amelia Earhart, you just might love this post.
In the background sits Muriel, the last remaining airplane that’s exactly like the one Amelia Earhart flew. In the front, her green, 1932 Hudson, Essex, Terraplane.
This week I had an unexpected treat – spending a few days at the Amelia Earhart festival in Atchinson, Kansas. The Festival is an annual event that celebrates the aviatrix who famously said “When a great adventure is offered to you – you don’t refuse it.” It’s been 81 years since Amelia Earhart accepted that offer and sadly was lost, but love for her and the mystery of her disappearance lives on.
Amelia once owned this very car. Current owner is Jim Somers of California pictured at the Festival with former Lockheed Electra pilot Ann Pellegreno.
Amelia with her Terraplane, gifted to her at an autoshow during the Great Depression.
As publicity demanded, Amelia broke a champagne bottle over the winged hood ornament, “I christen thee Essex Terraplane”.
The Festival’s Pioneering Achievement Award Luncheon was Saturday, the recipient, Jessica Cox.
Jessica was born without arms, is a very powerful speaker and demonstrated how she learned to tie her shoes at age 6.
The highlight of the event was the Saturday afternoon Chasing Earhart discussion panel in the O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium. This unprecedented event brought together the most star studded group of individuals ever assembled to discuss the life, legacy and disappearance of Amelia Earhart and Fred Noonan.
A variety of disappearance theories were presented.
And no conclusions were made. It was, however, very interesting to be privy to the many theories about their disappearance, and the latest information available on the whereabouts of Amelia, Fred, and their Lockheed Electra.
The Earhart panel
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