Descriptive Finding Guide for the Arnold, George B. Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10006
Finding aid prepared by Alan Renga
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, 92101
(619) 234-8291
10/13/2014
SERIES I: Blueprints and Documents SERIES II: Photos and Negatives
Title: George B. Arnold Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10006
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.36 Cubic feet
One (1) box, 12.5” x 10” x 5”
Date (inclusive): 1893-1956
Abstract: In 1937, George Arnold was in Shien Chaio, China to build an aircraft factory. This collection was assembled by the San Diego
Air and Space Museum. Central Aircraft (CAMCO) was located in Shien Chaio, China. This collection contains photographs of
factory staff and many Chinese workers and gives an insight into the company's production.
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Related Archival Materials note
Digitized images from this collection are available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157633156059833
Albums AL-23A. AL-23B, AL-23C, AVG Photo Collection: (03-Series)
Preferred Citation note
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Conditions Governing Use note
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The materials in this collection were donated to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The collection has been processed and is
open for research with no restrictions.
Biographical/Historical note
George B. Arnold (1893 – 1956) served as vice president and general manager of Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company (CAMCO)
in China, then as an associate with Curtiss-Wright in Buffalo and in China. He passed away in Altamonte Springs, Florida,
on November 17, 1956. Photographs depict the factory in China and have dates that range from 1934-1939. Born in Madisonville,
KY, George Arnold started flying gliders in 1909. After graduating as an engineer from the University of Kentucky, he went
to work for the Curtiss Airplane & Motor Co., and in 1925 became factory superintendent of the Buhl Aircraft Co. He then served
in various capacities in companies such as B/J Aircraft Co., in Baltimore, Chance-Vought Corporation at East Hartford, as
vice president and general manager of Central Aircraft Manufacturing Co. in China, then as an associate with Curtiss-Wright
in Buffalo and in China. Starting in 1933, CAMCO began assembling fighter-bombers at a factory in Hangzhou, constructing aircraft
that would serve as the backbone of the Chinese Air Force during the first year of the Sino-Japanese War. In 1937, George
Arnold was in Shien Chaio, China, to build the aircraft factory. After overseeing operations in Shien Chaio, he returned to
the United States were he operated a plant in Miami, manufacturing aircraft parts and other wartime products for the duration
of World War II.
Scope and Contents note
Collection consist of 1 box, 12” x 2.5” x 10, and contains 113 photographs, 12 negatives, blueprints and documentation regarding
factory work in China.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Arnold, George B., 1893-1956
Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company (China).
Curtiss-Wright Corporation.
China
Curtiss Hawk 2
World War, 1939-1945
World War, 1939-1945--Campaigns--Pacific Area
Folder 01 - Chinese language blueprint of factory.
Folder 02 - Documentation of purchase for second factory and item purchase list, December 15, 1939.
Folder 03 - 113 photographs of factory floor and various personnel.
Folder 04 - 12 Negatives and original envelopes containing negatives (Chinese language materials).
