L.I. Aviation Library Topic

Carol Froehlig, left, licensed commercial pilot and L.I. aviation historian, was introduced by Barbara Minerd, Program Co-Ordinator for The Friends of the Library.

To commemorate Veterans Day, a special program entitled "Arsenal for Freedom, L.I. During WW II" was presented at the library on Thursday, November 9.

Carol Froehlig, a licensed commercial pilot and L.I. historian, discussed the role played in the war effort by several Long Island companies including Sperry, Fairchild, Grumman and Republic. By 1944, these companies employed 100,000 workers, 40% of whom were women. Mitchell, Floyd Bennett, Roosevelt and Westhampton airfields were also a major source of activity.

A power-point slide presentation showed the various models of planes built by these corporations.

Funding for this program was provided by The Friend of the Library.