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Morrow (Ed) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10103.O/S
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: The Ed Morrow Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10103.O/S
Physical Description:
1.4 Cubic Feet
There are many material types including photographs, negatives, magazines, books, newspapers, correspondence, blueprints,
and drawings. The collection ranges from the late 1920s to modern day material. It is arranged by material type, size, and
subject.
This is a 3 box collection. There is one photograph stored in the Oversized Materials Special Collection (OMSC_00001) box.
It is labeled as MorrowOM_1.
One box measures 15 ½ x 12 ½ x 5 inches. The other two boxes measure 15 ½ x 10 ¼ x 5 inches.
Date (inclusive): 1899-1994
Abstract: Ed Morrow was a key member of the team that built the Spirit of St. Louis
The collection is open to researchers by appointment
Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This collection was donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
The Ed Morrow Personal Papers from the Library and Archives of the San Diego Air and Space Museum
Born in Sherman County, Oregon, Herbert Edwin “Ed” Morrow lived on a farm in Oregon until his early twenties. He studied to
become a machinist, but moved to San Diego in 1922 to learn how to fly. He never intended to work in the aviation industry,
but his mechanical and ironworking skills were sought after. Morrow was a dedicated worker for Ryan Aeronautical, and he was
a key member of the team that built the Spirit of St. Louis. He built the aircraft with precise specifications and requirements
and he had to personally fit some of the parts on the plane under the direct supervision of Lindbergh himself. Morrow was
the last Ryan employee to say goodbye to Lindbergh before his famous flight. Ed Morrow supposedly was the only Ryan employee
to receive two “thank you’s” from Lindbergh – one before the flight, and one during the celebration afterwards. Morrow was
also a roommate of Douglas Corrigan – the “Wrong-Way” pilot – who flew from New York to Ireland.
Morrow retired in El Cajon, California. He was an important figure in designing and rebuilding the replica of the "Spirit
of St. Louis" from memory for the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Ed Morrow passed away on December 7, 1994 in San Diego.
This is a three box collection. One box measures 15 ½ x 12 ½ x 5 inches. The other two boxes measure 15 ½ x 10 ¼ x 5 inches.
There are many material types including photographs, negatives, magazines, books, newspapers, correspondence, blueprints,
and drawings. The collection ranges from the late 1920s to modern day material. It is arranged by material type, size, and
subject.
There is one photograph stored in the Oversized Materials Special Collection (OMSC_00001) box. It is labeled as MorrowOM_1.
Lindbergh Collection
Ryan Aircraft Collection
Album issued to volunteers who built Ryan NYP-3 Spirit of St. Louis Replica; AL-109
Spirit of St. Louis drawings by Morrow.
Items removed and placed with SDASM Curatorial Department
OX5 Aviation Pioneers Member Plaque for Ed Morrow
Wooden Clark “Y” Section Wing Plaque 1926
Metal tin of Spirit of Saint Louis in Paris with four Coasters
Tiparillo cigar box containing three airplane pins and three badges for Ryan Aviation
Small box with safety film from Kodak Processing 1954
Two white work aprons from Ryan Aviation
Framed yellow biplane on ground
Ryan “Spirit” pictures with Ed Morrow
White envelope with postage and photos
Piper Cub along with sketched drawings of prop plane
Items removed and placed with SDASM Film Room
One box of twelve 5” x 7” negatives of the Spirit of St. Louis
Items removed and placed in Oversized Material Boxes
MorrowOM-1 – Photograph of Banquet at Ryan
MorrowOM_2 – Sketches of the Spirit of St. Louis
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Aircraft industry
Morrow, Ed
Lindbergh, Charles A. (Charles Augustus)
Ryan Aeronautical Company
Corrigan, Douglas