From "Doc Alders, Farmington's Lone Eagle": Flying was usually taught in a biplane with two cockpits, one behind the other in tandem. Control was primarily by stick. The plane had controls in the rear for the instructor and the forward controls would permit the student to fly the plane. The new Aeronca monoplane was designed to seat two people side-by-side in an enclosed cabin. Control was by a wheel rather than a stick. When equipped with a trainer, it had two wheels side by side. Pathfinder Flying Services had just acquired an Aeronca K and Henry used it to give Doc flying lessons. Henry didn't like side-by-side with a wheel control. He just couldn't get used to it. He went back to the trainer with tandem controls and stick. He sold the Aeronca K to Doc. It only had less than 50 hours on it. Doc not only ended up with a flying license but also a brand spanking new airplane.
The Alders boys had taken out the vineyard and orchard that their dad had planted years before on the forty-five acres on the road to Bellota. It was only natural to put in an airstrip on the property running along the road. The airstrip was graded off level and smooth using a scraper. It was soon apparent to everyone in Farmington that a yellow aircraft with black trim was perched smartly on the edge of town. It was a stone throw from the Alders Service Station. Although he didn't indulge in the carnival-like barnstormer practice of selling rides, Doc did take a few people up. Mostly close friends and family.
"Switch on" "Contact" This was the classic routine for starting a single engine aircraft. The pilot would be seated in the plane ready to taxi and someone standing in front of the propeller would give it a flip following the "contact" declaration and the engine would start. Doc never found this procedure necessary. He would simply stand beside the plane and while reaching up into the cockpit he would flip the propeller with his other hand. He could start the engine by himself without bothering someone else.
Doc made a few unorthodox landings around the area when it was dry. Another time he landed at the California Gold Dredge on the Hunt Ranch east of Bellota and took the tour.
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I attended the Farmington Holiday Bazaar that was held at the Farmington Methodist Church on Saturday. I was very impressed with the handcrafted items on display. It just goes to show you how talented the women of Farmington are. There were several different flavors of soup, pies and an array of assorted cookies and candies. I did have to try the soups. I purchased the broccoli soup and the chicken tortilla soup. I took it to go, because I decided this would be an excellent opportunity to not have to cook dinner. They provided French bread to go along with the soup. Of course I had to get a dessert. I bought myself a chocolate cream pie and Ed an apricot pie. Then I found the cookies and homemade candy. Everything was very, very delicious. There was also a raffle for a handmade quilt. The winner of the quilt is Vi Wallen of Riverbank, a second prize was a fleece throw won by Karen Dirks of Valley Springs. A third prize winner was Maria Craig.
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Two birthdays are being celebrated at the end of the week. Birthday wishes goes out to Peggy Lyda, on Friday, October 19th, love family, Ralph, Danielle, Marvin, Rick and Renee. Also Happy Birthday to Herman Boone on Saturday, October 20th.
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Remember the Escalon United Methodist Church will be holding its 17th Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, October 27th. The dedicated crafters have been working many months in creating unique items. There are tickets available for a beautiful quilt. $1/ticket, 6 tickets/$5. Need not be present to win. Lunch of soup, (choice of two), Genova French bread, a slice of pie and a beverage, all for $6. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homemade jams and jellies. There will also be 'Ready to Bake' frozen fruit pies. Eight different varieties. First come first served basis until all are gone. Berry pies, $11; all others $10.
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I would still like to hear from you. Have you taken a trip? Have you had out of town visitors? Let me know of family birthdays, anniversaries and new arrivals to your family. Whatever you want to add to the Farmington News is welcome. Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.
The Alders boys had taken out the vineyard and orchard that their dad had planted years before on the forty-five acres on the road to Bellota. It was only natural to put in an airstrip on the property running along the road. The airstrip was graded off level and smooth using a scraper. It was soon apparent to everyone in Farmington that a yellow aircraft with black trim was perched smartly on the edge of town. It was a stone throw from the Alders Service Station. Although he didn't indulge in the carnival-like barnstormer practice of selling rides, Doc did take a few people up. Mostly close friends and family.
"Switch on" "Contact" This was the classic routine for starting a single engine aircraft. The pilot would be seated in the plane ready to taxi and someone standing in front of the propeller would give it a flip following the "contact" declaration and the engine would start. Doc never found this procedure necessary. He would simply stand beside the plane and while reaching up into the cockpit he would flip the propeller with his other hand. He could start the engine by himself without bothering someone else.
Doc made a few unorthodox landings around the area when it was dry. Another time he landed at the California Gold Dredge on the Hunt Ranch east of Bellota and took the tour.
*****
I attended the Farmington Holiday Bazaar that was held at the Farmington Methodist Church on Saturday. I was very impressed with the handcrafted items on display. It just goes to show you how talented the women of Farmington are. There were several different flavors of soup, pies and an array of assorted cookies and candies. I did have to try the soups. I purchased the broccoli soup and the chicken tortilla soup. I took it to go, because I decided this would be an excellent opportunity to not have to cook dinner. They provided French bread to go along with the soup. Of course I had to get a dessert. I bought myself a chocolate cream pie and Ed an apricot pie. Then I found the cookies and homemade candy. Everything was very, very delicious. There was also a raffle for a handmade quilt. The winner of the quilt is Vi Wallen of Riverbank, a second prize was a fleece throw won by Karen Dirks of Valley Springs. A third prize winner was Maria Craig.
*****
Two birthdays are being celebrated at the end of the week. Birthday wishes goes out to Peggy Lyda, on Friday, October 19th, love family, Ralph, Danielle, Marvin, Rick and Renee. Also Happy Birthday to Herman Boone on Saturday, October 20th.
*****
Remember the Escalon United Methodist Church will be holding its 17th Annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, October 27th. The dedicated crafters have been working many months in creating unique items. There are tickets available for a beautiful quilt. $1/ticket, 6 tickets/$5. Need not be present to win. Lunch of soup, (choice of two), Genova French bread, a slice of pie and a beverage, all for $6. Lunch will be served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Homemade jams and jellies. There will also be 'Ready to Bake' frozen fruit pies. Eight different varieties. First come first served basis until all are gone. Berry pies, $11; all others $10.
*****
I would still like to hear from you. Have you taken a trip? Have you had out of town visitors? Let me know of family birthdays, anniversaries and new arrivals to your family. Whatever you want to add to the Farmington News is welcome. Please contact me if you have items for the Farmington News column. E-mail me at farmingtonnews@gmail.com or phone 896-6697.
