Artifacts from the Archives
Every time the Archive staff opens a new collection, it is a new adventure.
We never know what treasures we are going to find.
instructor rigdon edward's decanter
Rigdon Edwards Jr. was born in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1910. He graduated from Anson High School in 1927, and then McMurry College in 1931. He began working at Magnolia Petroleum Co., now Mobil Oil Co. In 1932 Rigdon married Mary Emma Anderson and had three daughters, Sydney, Sandra, and Sharon. By 1938, he had his flight instructor’s rating and bought a plane. Wanting to join the war effort, he thought about joining the Naval Reserves. After talking to his boss, Rigdon decided to keep flying and wait for an opportunity to serve his country. When the WASP moved to Sweetwater, he became a Primary instructor in the PT-17 for classes 44-3, 44-5, 44-7, 44-9, and 44-10. Four of his students from class 44-9, gave him this decanter. One side of the decanter has his name and the four student’s names, E. Harmon A. Baron, M. Chamberlin, and L. Glezen. The opposite side has an image of two pilots flying, one with his head down| and Rigdon’s favorite saying “Patience Oh Lord!” After World War II, he returned to work for Mobil. His daughter, Sandra, said that his favorite drink to put in the decanter was Scotch which was fitting because he was known to say, “I am born Scotch, Irish, and English, mostly Scotch.”
graduation video for class 44-w-10
On December 7, 1944, the last class of WASP walked across the stage to receive their diploma. WASP from around the country attended this graduation. This day was a bittersweet day for the graduates. On the one hand, they had completed their military training. On the other hand, the job they had trained for would end two weeks later. They arrived at their duty station and were told to go home at their own expense. This video shows different clips of the WASP doing activities during training. Near the end of the video, is the final speech of Jacqueline Cochran and General Arnold to the WASP. We are so thankful for all our supporters and donors. WASP Suzette VanDaell Douglas’ son, Paul, donated this video to us.
Suzette VanDaell Douglas is one of the six WASP currently highlighted in our WASP in the Spotlight exhibit at the National WASP WWII Museum.
USA FLAG FROM Congressman Jodey C. Arrington
On May 24, 2018, Congressman Jody C. Arrington formally requested that a flag be flown over the United States Capitol Building to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the WASP program. Congressman Arrington generously donated the commemorative flag to the National WASP WWII Museum. The flag was presented in an elegant wooden display case, which included a certificate. The certificate bears a heartfelt message acknowledging the WASP’s “pioneering spirit, unwavering support of our veterans, and their dedication to the memories of our heroes, past and present,” reflecting the deep respect and appreciation for the sacrifices and achievements of these remarkable women made.
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