Fife (Ray B.) Personal Papers, 1900-1982

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Summary

Title:
Ray B. Fife Personal Papers
Dates:
1900-1982
Creators:
Fife, Ray B.
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.
Extent:
0.43 Cubic Feet 1 box 15” x 5” x 10”
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Alan Renga
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2015-12-29 19:30:05 +0000 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Terms of access:

Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.

Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Location of this collection:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 234-8291
archives@sdasm.org
Website