1897-1972 |
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THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION CHAPTER 117 WEB PAGE ERNIE HALL CHAPTER, WARREN, OHIO, USA |
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The resolution congratulates Hall "for his outstanding record of achievement in the field of aviation." The resolution was introduced by Rep. Bishop Kilpatrick of Warren, long-time friend of Hall, who was taught to fly by Hall many years ago in a World War I "Jenny" The resolution cites Hall's "unmatchable record of 50 years of continuous flying experiences," adding that Aug. 30, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first flight in a replica of the Blériot monoplane which he built himself and which now is exhibited in the U. S. Air Force Museum at Dayton. Hall at the time of his first flight was only 18. He later flew with "flying circuses" and also taught flying for the Curtiss Exhibition Co., then opened his first flying school with a Wright flying boat at Conneaut Lake in 1915. He then established his own flying school at his own airport on Route No. 46, east of Warren, operating it continuously except when he wa a civilian flight instructor in the U. S. Army in World War I, and later when he served as Ohio Aeronautic Director. During World War I he taught many men who later achieved fame on the airlines or in the military services. He still operates the Warren airfield. The resolution cites Hall's record of over 17,000 flying hours, and his membership in the Early Birds, an organization of flyers who flew solo prior to Dec. 17, 1916, and many other aviation organizations. Hall was named "Mr. OX-5 of 1958," the No. 1 spot in an organization of pilots who had flown airplanes powered with Curtiss OX-5 engines, built during World War I. The House resolution states: "Resolved, that in recognition of the outstanding record of accomplishments achieved by Ernest C. Hall, a remarkable man of the age 69, in the field of aviation, we, the members of the 104th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this resolution and causing a copy therof to be spread upon the journal, extend to him sincere congratulations." |
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via email from Gene Ziegler, 5-5-2005 According to my father, Ernie lived with his parents on Chestnut Street in Warren, Ohio and built the Bleriot at their residence. He attempted to take off over the Back Fence and was not successful at the time. It is to my understanding that he also kept his bird on the Meadowbrook Farm on East Market Street. I also soloed under Earnie's teaching from his field on Rt. 46 at Howland. Ernie told me himself of ordering a new propeller and keeping it under his bed until spring time. He said that he wouldn't allow his mother to dust under the bed and that the first flight with the new prop he busted it. Said that his mother would not let him forget how he had protected it only to break it. I soloed under Ernie in 1960 in one of his famous Piper J-3's in 4 hours and five minutes. I had had some time with a private pilot Bob Sherwood who had learned from Ernie in a Glider and later owned an OX-5 WACO and a number of other aircraft. Ernie was one of a special breed of which we do not see today. I will relish my time with him and the other old timer who flew when flying was flying, not drive up and down as it is today. Gene Zeigler Warren Ohio |
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My dad worked at Wean Manufacturing and would stop on his way home for "very short" flight lessons with Ernie, trying to keep them a "secret" from my mother. Are there any records of the "N" numbers of Ernie's Cubs flown during that period? Who has Ernie's log books? I would love to know more about Dad's flying with Ernie. Dad passed away last November at age ninety leaving a legacy of his love for flying. Howard Rundell Jr. Northville, MI Editor's Note: If you can help Howard answer any of his questions, please contact him through me at ralphcooper@earthlink.net |
via email from Nancy Leffingwell Huber, 1-30-07 We were probably the only kids at Garfield elementary who had flown in those days and I think gave a verbal report on the experience, possibly a written, but don't think we even were into cursive writing yet, when we took the flight. Seems kind of amazing and people look at me funny when I say that I had my first plane flight with a contemporary of the Wright brothers. My second flight was in 1952 from Key West to Havana in what I think was a Ford Tri-motor. Last year, one was at the Oakland/Pontiac airport near my farm in Michigan and we took pictures of it flying over and it looked like what I remember of the Havana flight. My husband actually went over and saw the plane, but I was caring for my equine dependents. He is into flying and I am into horses. Third flight was a perfectly normal one in December 1952 from Willow Run to Youngstown (which at the time we called Vienna, (pronounced Vi Enna long I), to come home for Christmas from the University of Michigan. The airline lost my luggage and I was over a week without a wardrobe to speak of. A friend, who was 5 feet 9, lent me some slacks, which at 5 foot 5, I rolled up a few inches. Have pretty much avoided flight ever since as it seems any time I board a plane, something stupid happens. Nancy Leffingwell Huber Bloomfield Hills, Michigan with farm in White Lake, Michigan |
via email from Bob Raschilla 6-3-10 I just happened to google Ernie Hall, and saw your request for the aircraft numbers on Ernie's 3 J-3s. If someone hasn't already supplied you with that info, here they are. 32355, 7432H and 2151M. I was told that when Ernie passed away, and the planes were sold, they were incredibly easy to disassemble, because they were lubricated and in such good shape. I first flew with Ernie on May 13th, of 1956, which was my 19th birthday. I believe that I was the last one to fly with him on August 5th, of 1972, in my 1946 Cessna 140. I had already received my license, and and had soloed the 140, but couldn't find an instructor to sign me off (or wouldn't). Hope that little bit of history and nostalgia help. I now fly my own Mooney 201. Regards, Bob Raschilla |
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Contributed by Cathleen Clapper, 12-21-10 I came across a link to your earlyaviators.com site from the Warren, Ohio site. My father, mother, brother and myself all took lessons at Hall's Airport from Ernie. I am attaching a picture of Ernie and another pilot who flew at Hall's Airport, Bill Thomas (deceased). They were both family friends and this photo was taken around 1968 or 1969 at my mom and dad's house. I am certain I have more photos of Ernie. If I come across them, I will scan and send to you for your archives. Cathy Clapper We lived down the street from Hall's Airport, next to the cemetery. My father, James Clapper, passed away two years ago August. |
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by Roy P. Williams This webpage offers a very comprehensive revue of his life and career. I will try to obtain the complete biography from the email address above. This webpage is also accessable from the homepage of: CHAPTER 117 WEB PAGE ERNIE HALL CHAPTER, WARREN, OHIO, USA |
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Joint services for Ernest C. Hall and his sister, Mrs. Hazel Cox, were held Friday, December 8, 1972 at First Presbyterian Church in
Warren, Ohio. Hall, 82, died Tuesday night at St. Joseph Hospital, where he had been a patient for one day after suffering a heart
attack. Mrs. Cox, 85, with whom he lived, died Monday. "Ernie", who operated a flying school in Warren, began flying in 1909, taking some of his early instruction from the Wright Borthers. He taught flying during World War I at the Curtiss School of Aviation at Newport News, Va. He had taught flying continuously from 1915 until he was hospitalized. At the Early Bird Reunion, he was elected First Vice President for 1973 |
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If you have any more information on this Early Bird, please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper Back 
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