WILLIAM MCDONALD FELTON

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES Via email from Calobe Jackson, Jr., 6-18-05 Dear Ralph,      I just found your site by goggling I have been researching William McDonald Felton, who owned an AeroPlane School and flying field in Harrisburg, Pa from 1919 to 1924. When Felton purchased his first airplane, Diehl flew it into Harrisburg. He landed on May 30, 1919. The local newspaper showed a picture of Diehl. My understanding is that Diehl worked for Felton as a flying instructor. Diehl is listed as living in Harrisburg in the 1920 Census.      Reading that Diehl left his papers to the Smithsonian, I am anxious to see if Felton is mentioned. Before Diehl some famous French pilot known as the Blue Devil, (Flanchaire), landed to visit Felton. The story goes that this Blue Devil mistakenly flew to Harrison burg, VA. by mistake and then flew to Harrisburg, Pa. Felton's ad of May 30, 1919 mentions this landing, but I have yet to find a newspaper article about it. Unfortunately Felton's AeroPlane School was torn down several years ago.      I would appreciate any information or sources that might contain additional information on Diehl and the French Blue Devil. Thanks for any help Calobe Jackson, Jr. Editor's Note: If any of you can help Calobe in his search for more information on either Felton or Diehl, please contact him through me.

 

ONLINE RESOURCES      If you search for "William McDonald Felton", using the Google search engine, (5-21-05), you will find just one link.

 

Pennsylvania at Risk 1996;      This page offers a fairly complete revue of his life and career. I have reproduced the first paragraph of the article for your convenience.       "In 1923, William McDonald Felton opened the Auto and Aeroplane Mechanical School at 44 North Cameron Street in Harrisburg. In what were still early years for automobiles and airplanes, Felton offered "Practical Training in Flying, Driving and Repairing" these machines. With a business that included an airstrip at 14th and Sycamore Streets on the south side of town, Felton was an important African-American entrepreneur in the early 20th century commercial and transportation history of the area."      If you want to read the rest of this important article, you can access the page by clicking on the title.

 

I have no information as to the dates of his birth or his death   Editor's Note: If you have any more information on this pioneer aviator please contact me. E-mail to Ralph Cooper

 

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