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Fife (Ray B.) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10046
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Ray B. Fife Personal Papers
source:
Fife, Ray B.
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10046
Physical Description:
0.43 Cubic Feet
1 box 15” x 5” x 10”
Date (inclusive): 1900-1982
Abstract: Raymond B. Fife (March 26, 1900 – 1982) was a pioneer mechanic of aviation. Growing up in Venice, CA, he was exposed to the
world of aviation from an early age. This Collection details his life in aviation and includes detailed information on his
work with Curtiss Airplanes.
The collection is open to researchers by appointment.
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.
[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum
Library & Archives”]
Raymond B. Fife (March 26, 1900 – 1982) was a pioneer mechanic of aviation. Growing up in Venice, CA, he was exposed to the
world of aviation from an early age. From 1912 to 1916 he worked with many barnstorming pilots; he ran errands, washed airplanes,
gassed them, opened hangar doors and at the age of 16 he had learned enough to build a complete airplane. When World War
I broke out, he was hired as a mechanic in a “Jenny” (Curtiss JN-4) factory in San Francisco. After the war he entered the
Army Air Service, his duty stations included the base at Rockwell Field, North Island, where he remained from 1931 to 1938.
During War World II he was an aviation mechanic in the Navy and after the war he continued working in North Island as a civilian
aircraft examiner.
In November 3rd, 1961, he was presented with the Superior Achievement Award for his contribution to the construction of a
Curtiss A-1 replica that was donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. He built several flyable airplanes; among
which was a 1912 Curtiss Pusher type racer which he used to exhibit at air shows.
Fife used to say of his Curtiss Airplane: “Riding there is about the same as riding a motorcycle or a bicycle, except, of
course that there are no stop lights to worry about.”
He lived in Coronado, California.
Collection consists of 1 box 15” x 5” x 10”, containing: Sketches and Log book, Personal Trip Notes, Articles, Curtis Pusher
Airplanes Rental Rates, Personal Letters, Sketches and Data of the Navy Curtis A-1, Brochures, Photographs and Negatives,
Notes, Brochures.
Albums 27 (A,B,C), 141 and Bio Photos 02-F-00049-00057
Elrette Sudsbury Collection - INCORPORATED
Related Research Institutions:
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Independence Ave at 6th St, SW, Washington, DC 20560
Archives: (703) 572-4045
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Curtiss-Wright Aircraft
Curtiss A-1 Triad
Naval Air Station North Island (Calif.)
Fife, Ray B.
Sudsbury, Elretta
Curtiss-Wright Corporation