Descriptive Finding Guide for the Fred B. Churchill Personal Papers SDASM.SC.10026
Finding aid prepared by Alan Renga
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
10/16/2014
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA, 92101
(619) 234-8291
Title: Fred B. Churchill Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10026
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.36 Cubic feet
1 box, 15”x5”x12”,
Date (inclusive): 1914-2000
Abstract: Fred Churchill was involved with Ryan Aeronautical and served as the official Federal Aviation Agency representative for the
Ryan Navion program. This Collection contains material relating to his life and Ryan Aeronautical.
Related Archival Materials note
T. Claude Ryan Collection - http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/collections/collection_item.php?id=50
Dedication Ryan Library Collection
Photo Collections: Ryan Aeronautical Plant Photo Collection Ryan School of Aeronautics Teledyne Ryan
Conditions Governing Access note
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”]
The collection consists of 1 box, 15”x5”x12”, and contains correspondence regarding Fred B. Churchill (FBC), paper work from
the 1940s, certificates and awards. There are 32 photographs in the collection, many of the Churchill’s retirement party,
but also some of his time at Ryan Aeronautical. The collection also contains photographs and information about his wife, Betty
Jane Churchill (maiden name: Frank).
Fredrick Bret Churchill (1914 - 2000) was born February 12, 1914, in El Dorado Springs, MO. In 1940 he joined the Ryan School
of Aeronautics in Hemet, California, specifically for the Army Air Corps pilot training program as Assistant Maintenance Supervisor.
He very briefly modeled for Ryan ads after winning the Ryan "Popularity Contest" in 1942. After WWII he was assigned to flight
services duties for Ryan Aeronautical in San Diego and eventually served as the official Federal Aviation Agency representative
for the Ryan Navion program. For most of his career, Churchill was an industrial engineer and planner, ultimately working
as an administrative accountant for Ryan until he retired in 1967. Two years after his retirement, Ryan Aeronautical became
part of Teledyne in 1969. In 1999, Northrop Grumman purchased Teledyne Ryan. Churchill’s wife, Betty, worked at Ryan as a
secretary for Earl D. Prudden, Ed Uhl, and William Wagner. Fred passed away February 12, 2000 at the age of 86.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Churchill, Fred B., 1914-2000
Ryan Aeronautical Company.
Ryan, Tubal Claude, 1898-1982
Hemet Flying School
Ryan L-17 Navion
World War, 1939-1945
Box 01
Folder 01 – Correspondence
Physical Description:
1. To Ryan School of Aeronautics, from A.M. Widinger – Transcript for Fred B. Churchill – September 5, 1942.
2. Reference from J.H. Spencer, September 9, 1942.
3. Reference from Robert C. Stone, September 28, 1942.
4. Application for Mechanic Certificate Fred B. Churchill to Ryan School of Aeronautics –September 10, 1942.
5. Notice of Hire, and envelope, October 11, 1940.
6. R.P. Stone, Inter-Department Correspondence, October 31, 1942.
7. B.F. Buckley Inter-Department Correspondence, November 30, 1942.
8. FBC to Civil Aeronautics Administration, March 3, 1943.
9. Hofmann to FBC, an IOU, May 6, 1943.
10. Ryan School of Aeronautics, Training Course subscription for FBC, January 15, 1944.
11. William I. Fernauld, Maj., to FBC Note of Gratitude & end of service, November 29, 1944.
12. K.H. Skinner, Western Airlines Job Offer, December 11, 1944.
13. Paul E. Wilcox, Letter of Reference for FBC, December 22, 1944.
14. Payroll Deduction for War Bonds, June 9, 1947.
15. T. Claude Ryan to FBC, Inter-Department Correspondence, August 4, 1952.
16. Recovery Budget Covering Remainder to 6th Release Fabrication Division, July 24, 1958.
17. Betty Churchill to Arthur, two weeks retirement notice, December 15, 1967.
Folder 02 – Certificates and Awards
Physical Description:
1. Ryan Aeronautical Company, T. Claude Ryan, Certifying FBC was “employed in the performance of essential War Work,” with
envelope, June 7, 1946.
2. American Society for Medals, June 6, 1952.
3. Ryan Aeronautical Company, Ryan Development Program, October 10, 1952.
4. Ryan Aeronautical Company, Clear Technical Writing, December 17, 1959.
5. Ryan Aeronautical Company, Ryan Work Simplification Program.
6. United States of America Civil Aeronautics Administration, Designated Manufacturing Inspection Representative, February
27, 1948.
Folder 03 – PLM (Plane Log Maintenance) Inspections
Physical Description:
1. 12 sheets of PLM inspection reports and schedules from 1942-1944.
Folder 04 – Miscellaneous
Physical Description:
1. Ryan Aeronews, Newsletter 1968.
2. Retirement party farewell card.
Folder 05 – Photographs
Physical Description:
36 Photographs