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Timm (Wally) Personal Papers
SDASM.SC.10142
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
San Diego Air and Space Museum Library and Archives
Title: Wally Timm Personal Papers
Identifier/Call Number: SDASM.SC.10142
Physical Description:
0.43 Cubic Feet
one box 15” x 5” X 10.5”
Date (inclusive): 1893-1978
Abstract: Wall D. Timm was an aviation mechanic and a Signal Corps instructor. Then during the 1920s, he became a barnstormer and Hollywood
stunt pilot. After WWII, he worked for Beechcraft.
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”]
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Wally D. Timm was born in Lakefield, Minnesota, in 1893. He worked closely with his brother Otto in designing aircraft. Wally
started out in 1910 as a mechanic for Al Wilson in exchange for flying lessons. He worked for the Signal Corps Aviation School
as an instructor in 1917- 1918. In 1921 he flew an airplane from Venice, CA, to Lone Pine, CA, and then to Bishop, CA, in
a record time of four hours and five minutes. He also worked for Hollywood during this time with partner Frank Clark. He barnstormed
from 1921 to 1928, and eventually, in 1934, he formed the Timm Airplane Company with his brother Otto. They designed the Timm
T-S140.
After World War II, he partnered with Norm Larson to sell Beechcraft planes at Glendale Airport. One of these planes, a Beechcraft
Bonanza, called the Waikiki Beach, was piloted by Bill Odom on a record setting flight and is now on display in the Smithsonian
National Air and Space Museum. Wally remained active in aviation into the 1950s. He passed away in El Cajon, CA on April 29,
1978, at the age of 81.
This collection consists of one box 15” x 5” X 10.5” containing photographs, news articles, telegrams, memos, an award certificate,
and flyers, including autographed materials.
Related SDASM Resources:
AL-191 – J.D. Fairchild, album containing 1920s barnstorming photos.
Stunt flyer photos.
Related Research Institutions:
For the Beechcraft :
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Independence Ave at 6th St, SW, Washington, DC 20560
Archives Phone: (703) 572-4045
http://airandspace.si.edu/
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Stunt flying
Timm Aircraft Corp
Beechcraft (Airplanes)
Motion Pictures
Timm, Wally D.
Goebel, Arthur Cornelius
Clarke, Frank