Byron Area High School - By Hi Yearbook (Byron, IL)

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CLASS HI STORY In September, 1939, thirty-eight eager passengers boarded the brand new clipper named the Byron. She was a beautiful plane, and it was her first flight. Her pilot was Donald Ashelford; co-pilot, Bob Kennedy; and ticket agent, Alice Eraddy. When the next log of the flight began, Donald Ashelford was again pilot, Carol Gambrel, copilot, and Margene Holdorf, tioket agent. In September the flight was resumed, the plane having been inspected and the passengers given a short rest. Donald Ashelford, having served for two years as pilot, gave his goggles and helmet to Bob Kennedy. Marian Jones was tioket agent in place of Margene Holdorf and Marshall Jones replaced Carol Gambrel as co-pilot. In May, 1948, the passengers of the Byron gave a splendid banquet for some students who had been traveling by plane. This event took place while the ship refueled at Rockford, Illinois. When the journey was halted during the summer, the student passengers were the proud possessors of their class rings. On Aug. 31, 1942, the fourth and final leg of the flight was begun, Hazen Himes was elected pilot, Clell Himes, co-pilot, and Marian Jones once more ticket agent. When both boys bailed out in mid-flight, Bob Kennedy took over duties as pilot and Margene Holdorf as co-pilot. As about this same time we lost another one of our passengers. Marvy Glotfelty left us to join Clell Himes aboard the ship Matrimony and, although, we hated to lose them, we know that they will be very happy on the new ship. Later in May, impressive ceremonies were held in honor of the completion of the four year flight. The number of student passengers was now down to sixteen. With mixed feelings, the passengers, crew, and staff of the beautiful Byron said Farewell to one another, and started out, each one, on a new and more difficult journey.