The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-08-27
MEN, WOMEN
AND THINGS


con at the Gay-Teague. given by the
NJ membership council of the Chamber Of
Commerce, including invited guests, to
Col w. T.. Patterson, the new command
ing officer Of the aviation repair depot
I had had the pleasure of meeting Maj.
L. r. knight, the retiring commanding
officer. during the meeting of the Ala
bama Good Roads convention, and it was
through his courtesy that | got my flight
with Lieutenant Steele, who gave me the
third degree in the air.
I also had the privilege of hearing his
address before the body setting forth
the work being done by the government
in aeronautics. IT was a most illuminat-
ing and instructive talk, opening out
many new and novel questions, and it
impressed me SO that ever since 1 have
been strong for the aviation branch of
the service.
I found that he was a great favorite
in Montgomery, and while Bruce Ken
nedy's introduction of him at the lunch
vas in his best style, he did not over
state the esteem and affection in which
the major was held by Montgomerians
who credited him with having been in
strumental in having the Capitol City
chosen as permanent place for the av-
iation repair depot.
In responding to the introduction,
10 nj oh said irpp the
aviation repair depot opened here last
year, you had Camp Sheridan and Taylor
field, and maybe at that period you did
not think much of the aviation repair
depot. The plant, however, cost the gov
eminent about $4,000, and we have never
closed down a day. You are familiar
with our large pay roll and the number
of Officers and men stationed at the
plant. Through the assistance of the
Chamber of Commerce / was able to
make the best showing as to securing re-
cruits of all the stations in the coun-
try, getting 500 within three months, and
wish to thank all of you for your most
kind helpfulness and consideration at all
times"
1t fell to the lot of Charles J. Beane,
president of the Chamber of Commerce,
to introduce the guest of honor, Col w
l.. Patterson, who said: 1.-THE institution
known as the aviation repair depot is
not only the pride of Montgomery, but
as ] understand. the pride of the United
States government. 1t is the banner
field, and its location is ideal. In seeing
Colonel Patterson here, we have evidence
OF the great interest the government is
taking in the project, and we intend to
prove to the new commanding officer
our appreciation. He is man with large
experience in his line of work, both in
this country and abroad Gentlemen, 1t
affords me pleasure to present to you
Col. w. L. Patterson, the new command
ing officer at the aviation repair depot"
Now, / am sure that Colonel Patterson
is going to find warm place in the
hearts OF Montgomerians, for he looks
the part of commanding officer and has
the quiet manner indicative of one sure
of himself and accustomed to being
ADcy Gu, anu Yet WltIldI carries nl11SelI
with becoming modesty by his wish
that Major Knight might be permitted to
remain as his helper in the great work
which had been under his care, and so
well done.
Colonel Patterson, in response, said: II
am down here, gentlemen, because the
aviation repair depot is to be a perma-
pent plant in Montgomery. 1t will not be
abandoned. 1 wish to say to you that
hope to have Major Knight retained, as
he seems to be SO fond of Montgomer-
ians and they of him. I greatly appre-
ciate your hospitality. and from what I
have already heard of the far-sighted-
ness and aggressiveness of your organ
ization. I am sure you will be back
of us in our Efforts
1t was the purpose OF the chamber to
locally as Wright's field to witness an
exhibition staged for it's benefit My boy
Frank was on tiptoe to see it, but the
rain came in torrents and it was post
poned. Bruce Kennedy kindly offered
to take us out later in the afternoon to
SD through the repair depot, and this re-
lieved to an extent his disappointment.
Coming out Of the Gay-Teague, stand
ing for a moment at the entrance be-
fore going out into the weather, Colonel
Patterson kindly invited me out to look
over the plant and field. told him that
had accepted an invitation to run out
at with Bruce Kennedy. He then sal
why wait, come along with u.s." and as
he put so much insstence and cordiality
in the request, I gladly accepted it, and
we jumped into the big government car
and away we went over the muddy roads
out to the field.
Driving up to headquarters, Colonel
Patterson was Joined in a few moments
by Major Knight who had stopped by
to change his clothes. He most gracious
ly took upon himself the task of show
ing us through the various buildings in
which the ships were being gotten In
shpshape. and before I had gone far l
discovered that Montgomery had a right
for outside of the governments large
investment and the big weekly pay roll,
and/the presence of number of charm
ing officers. it puts the Capitol City on
the map as an aviation center.
was not surprised that one of the
matters before the Chamber of Commerce
dinner was the hearing of a, report about
the status of the municipal landing field
and to find that practically arrangements
had been completed and that within a
short time the city could boast that it
was prepared to extend cordial invi-