Edward L. Leiser Aviation Collection, 1883-1934

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Summary

Creators:
Leiser, Edward L.
Abstract:
This collection contains 25 spiral-bound books by Edward L. Leiser detailing the day-to-day events in aviation history of San Diego, California, between 1883 and 1934.
Extent:
2.25 Linear feet (5 boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Edward L. Leiser Aviation Collection, MS 48, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains 25 spiral-bound books by Edward L. Leiser detailing the day-to-day events in aviation history of San Diego, California, between 1883 and 1934. The books are composed of narratives plus copies of advertisements, illustrations, photographs, and maps. Book twelve, volume two, part one contains information on female pilots. Note: Books Fourteen (1931) and Sixteen (1933) are missing from the collection.

Biographical / historical:

Between the early 1990s and 2003, Edward L. Leiser composed over twenty-five volumes detailing San Diego’s rich history in aviation. He theorized that aviation began in San Diego with John Montgomery’s man-carrying glider in 1883. Leiser documented the activities of many San Diegan pilots following John Montgomery and all their trials, accidents, and record achievements. Also documented are the beginnings of the North Island Naval Base, the Army Aviation School, and the Aero Club of America, as well as air shows, trouble with the Wright brothers, and aviation activity during WWI.

Processing information:

Collection processed by Laura McMahon on January 8, 2008.

Arrangement:

The volumes are arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego Historical Society does NOT hold the copyright to this material and is NOT able to grant reproductions rights. The original manuscripts are at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Copies can only be made for research purposes.

Preferred citation:

Edward L. Leiser Aviation Collection, MS 48, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
Website