Mom's Log
Day 45
Monday, July 11
California
No report this day. [I walked to Manhatten Beach, wrote letters and postcards there, walked to a couple of nearby vintage clothing shops along Highway 1A and bought two old-style dresses and a hat. Made phone calls for two hours to line up more rides.]
Day 46
Tuesday, July 12
California
[Phoned California contacts and arranged printing of more AAC membership cards. Caught up on some record keeping and boxed up some excess baggage to send to Mom and Dad in Ohio.]
Day 47
Wednesday, July 13
California
Dave Pyeatt, Joe Sand and Martha toured the Spruce Goose with P.R. woman, Jennifer. The day it flew in 1947, there were eight men behind the eight engines—largest plane ever built. After the tour they went to Jennifer’s office in the Queen Mary. Martha was given souvenir glasses and a book on Howard Hughes’ life. The three had lunch on the Queen Mary in the Sir Winston Dining Room.
Fantastic Clark Gable look-alike was entertaining the diners.
Then they drove to the Goodyear Blimp in Long Beach. The pilot, Nick [Nicolary] took the Blimp up to altitude and Martha piloted it for 25 minutes of the 30 minute ride. Joe Sand and an L.A. Times photographer videoed. They flew from Carson—over Torrance—Redondo Beach and back to Carson. Martha wore her new black dress (1930’s style) big shoulders—white sailor bow tie—little silver metal mad money purse, and hat—black button shoes.
When the Blimp landed, nine guys pulled on the lines to anchor it and Martha joined them in pulling.
Then they drove to Torrance and talked to people who own a Waco which they use for spotting swordfish for fisherman.
L.A. Times photographer gave M his phone number.