Collection Guide
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Larson (Lou) Photographic Collection
SDASM.SC.10185
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Lou Larson Photographic Collection
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10185
Physical Description:
.3 Cubic Feet
This is a one box collection with measurements 15¼ x 10½ x 5 inches. The majority of the collection contains copy photographs
of various sizes. There are also 15 copy negatives, and scrapbook pages with dirigible photographs and captions in German.
Date (bulk): bulk
Abstract: Photos focusing on World War One aircraft and airships.
Louis Floyd Larson was born in Lakeland, Minnesota on March 7, 1919; his wife, Gladys Evelyn, was born November 19, 1922.
The couple lived in Arlington Heights, IL from about 1951 to 1982 where they were friends and neighbors with Ralph and Eileen
Young. Ralph served during WWII in Germany when he came into possession of two photo albums; one of Zeppelins and another
of WWI photographs. The majority of the photos are stamped on the back with “Charles Donald” of Union City, New Jersey. Apparently
Mr. Donald was a collector and seller of WWI aviation photographs and negatives, military medals, and Richtofen memorabilia.
An ad in the October and November 1945 issues of Flying magazine states, “War Air photos 1914-18. Clear glossy photographs,
Spads, Camels, Nieuports, Fokkers, Albatross on the ground and in the air. Rare Richtofen photographs, Aces, and Crashes.
3 cent stamp brings price lists.” Maybe Ralph purchased the photos from Charles. Ralph and Eileen eventually moved to Fort
Worth, TX, and about 1975, Lou and Gladys drove from Illinois to Texas to visit Eileen after Ralph had passed away. The photographs
had been in Ralph’s possession for thirty years and Eileen was ready to toss them out when Lou asked if he could keep them.
Lou, a retired IBM engineer, and Gladys now reside in Arkansas.
The collection is open to research by appointment.
LTA image collection.
This is a one box collection with measurements 15¼ x 10½ x 5 inches. The majority of the collection contains copy photographs
of various sizes. There are also 15 copy negatives, and scrapbook pages with dirigible photographs and captions in German.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1914-1918
Dirigible
Graf Zeppelin (Airship)
Sopwith Airplanes
Sopwith Camel
Nieuport 11
Spad Aircraft
Larson, Lou
Richthofen, Manfred von
Donald, Charles