Beschreibung:

Lot of 175+ items. P.G.B. Morriss (1885-1944), born in England, lived in Redditch and apprenticed as a Seaman at the age of 15, but moved to the United States in the early 1900s, eventually becoming an early pioneer in aviation. With J.A.D. McCurdy, Morriss was the first to establish wireless communication while in flight with the Marconi system in 1910. In 1914, Morriss operated a flying boat service in Chicago, and the following year, he opened the Bud Morriss Flying School in the city. In 1916, he went on to serve as assistant pilot and instructor, Chief instructor, and finally Vice President and sales engineer of Benoist Aeroplane Co. in St. Louis, MO. During World War I, Morriss enlisted as a seaman in the Navy, serving for 18 months. After being discharged, Morriss became executive officer of aviation schools at a naval air station. He also played a significant role in the development of commercial airlines. In addition, he was involved in the formation of the Early Birds Aviator Club, which consisted of early fliers who flew solo before Dec. 17, 1916. In his later years, Morriss became involved in the entertainment industry, working in radio broadcasting and acting in some movies after moving to Los Angeles. He also served as Managing Director of the Clark Hotel and president of the California State Hotel Association. The centerpiece of the archive is a plaque presented to Morriss by the Early Birds on Feb. 12, 1930, engraved: With Sincere Appreciation and Affection for the Unselfish Work Done by the Founder and First President of the Early Birds/ P.G.B. Morris, with committee members' names listed below as well as the Early Birds logo, 3 x 5.5 in., mounted on wooden base, 5 x 7.5 in., housed in original case. Also included is a small die for a pin featuring a logo for the Bud Morriss Flying School Chicago, 1.5 in. dia. Another highlight is a scrapbook that was kept by Morriss' wife Mary, which includes 119pp of autographs and inscriptions, detailed sketches and watercolors, and newspaper clippings, many pertaining to advancements in aeronautics, and Bud Morriss in particular. Noted signers include John Philip Sousa and Nellie Melba, the Australian opera singer. This fine lot also includes: over 100 photographs and snapshots, with some copy photos, of Percy G.B. Morriss, along with family, friends, and colleagues, and 30+ celluloid negatives; 20 typed letters, documents, newspaper clippings, and photocopied paperwork pertaining to Morriss and his life and business affairs; 4 certificates presented to Morriss, including one from the Secretary of the Navy to Morriss as a Lieut. (Junior Grade), dated March 1926, and one from the U.S. Army to Lieut. Col. Morriss, recognizing his service at San Bernardino Air Service Command from 1942-1944; menus for an Early Bird's Dinner, 1933 (2) and the Sheriff's Aero Squadron Dinner, 1934 (3), all featuring a printed picture of Morriss posed before an early flying machine; Morris's son, Arthur George Morris' Continuous Discharge Book; and photos signed by actors Dick Foran and Dick Powell. Condition: Plaque in excellent condition; photographs in very good to near excellent condition.