Travel by Air - in the past 65 years.
Dec. 20th 2025
Another sleepless night from pain from my Neuralgia and a badly sprained wrist. The much-appreciated early morning sleep was interrupted by a dream that has been repeated many times. My dream is of a large older private blue airplane sputtering over my head and then crashing to the ground in a ball of fire. This has nothing to do with my flying experiences except to bring to mind my many encounters with air flight over the past 65 years. Man’s evolvement out of the dark ages has never been equaled to the advancement we have accomplished in air transportation. Canada back in the middle of the last century was leading the pack with the advanced technology of the Avro Arrow. Pres. Donald Trump is not the first American that has dithered with Canada’s sovereignty. We were on the cusp of greatness with the Arrow ready for production when Pres. John Kennedy threatened our PM, John Diefenbaker and forced us to scrap this wonderful airplane for a U.S. inferior substitute. Sixty years later, Canada would still have an up-to-date fighter bomber in our arsenal and an aircraft industry second to none for further protection of our air space.
Because of our vast real-estate, Canadians were forced to expand quickly into better ways of travel. Rail served its purpose with many private railways that eventually when combined have formed two transcontinental railways, the CNR and the CPR. When air travel evolved, trains were replaced in many cases by airplanes In the late 1950’ and early 60’s, I can attest to that, but I am getting ahead of myself and the plan for my story.
My first flight was about 5 months after we were married. I was a kid and just 21 years old. I had been working for a very large company with factories across Canada. I left my own sales business for a drop in income of 50% to be a salesman in training. I was the youngest ever to be given a sales territory which was like being made a VP. The east end of Toronto was my territory. This was Jack Pember’s #111 territory and Jack lived at 111 Pember Drive in Toronto so that pretty much tells the story. I was his replacement and close to home so I could be observed for future advancement. GSW- “General Steel Wares” was the biggest in Canada in the manufacturing of all products made of steel. From major Appliances to eavestrough, cookware and housewares, bathtubs and water heaters and on and on. I was able to open new direct accounts at my discretion that would allow the customer to buy direct from the manufacturer. My test came when the salesman in Sault Ste Marie, George Dawber, wanted a change due to health problems, he was sick of the north. Territory #185 could be my stamping ground if I wanted it. It was the largest in real-estate but certainly not in $ value of sales. If you could be successful selling in Northern Ontario, you could sell anywhere. This was a huge decision for a newly married couple but we grasped the opportunity with great enthusiasm.
My flight was on Air Canada from Toronto to Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. There was no explanation as to why I was not going to a Canadian port and that gave me a lot of anxiety. I was soon to find that Canada did not have an airport and shared the American one by bussing Canadian travelers by ferry into Canada. There was no bridge across from the USA to Canada either. My arrival was greeted by George who I had never met before. It was late at night and cold dreary and most uninviting and the motel room was not much better. It was a typical Salesman’s motel. I was destined to spend many nights in the future here. The rate was fair and the owner was always accommodating so for $2.75 per night, I was happy. This, by to-days standards seems quite a bargain but some of my other stays would include breakfast at the same price. A few months passed and I was forced to upgrade my stay from the Northern Ranch motel to the new and modern Diplomat Hotel in downtown Sault Ste. Marie. And now back to air travel and airplanes.
Don Edwards was a shy guy living at home and he along with his father and brother had two large hardware stores in downtown Soo. Don asked one day if I liked to fly and my answer was, of course. I was honored to be asked to go for a flight in Don’s airplane. We travelled out of town to the Garden River and tied to a small tree was an even smaller Piper Cub canvas airplane on floats. It was a two-place open cockpit with two seats back-to-back. Do you want to sit in the front or the back seat? Don asked. I remember my response was, “well, it depends on who ‘s driving”, I sat up front, and with little more than a note pinned to the tree with a flight plan, we immediately heard the engine turn over and off we went. It was a beautiful evening, the river was motionless, void of even a ripple on the surface, and that was the problem, we could not get even a swell to unglue our pontoons from the water. After a couple of tries a small outboard appeared and made enough disturbance and freed us for the most glorious flight any one could want to experience. WE travelled north over virgin forests for as far as you could see. Small lakes were spotted here and there and Don said in the winter, he would put bait out and the wolves would be good targets for their bounty, so much for an ear. We flew over Algoma Steel and our little plane was tossed about by the heat coming from the foundry below. This huge company founded only a few years earlier by Sir James Dunn, who was a very good friend of my predecessor at GSW, Frank O’Grady. Our landing back on the river was picture perfect and when I congratulated Don on his flying skills, he informed me that I was his first ever passenger on his maiden solo flight without an instructor on board.
When traveling in Canada and especially in northern Ontario, choices were often limited, walking and canoeing were the first options and then rail that was and still is very limited and then flying. The trans-Canada highway in the 1950’s and 60’s extended only a few miles north of the Soo. Wawa was a small town connected only by a bush road from Hawk Junction where the Algoma Central had a small station. Most everything was brought in by train and then some by air landing on the small Lake that was the connection point to this great little community of stalwart Canadians. I was among the first dozen or so cars to cross the Old Woman River on an ice bridge and successfully arrive in WAWA on the Trans Canada hwy. Only the VW Bug could perform such an act. Not counting the Ford Model T. I did travel on the Algoma Central in pre. 1st. W/War cars. I did take the cab ride through the bush following a huge moose and her baby on the narrow road and I did take numerous trips with Keith Messenger in his many airplanes. Keith was known as a survivor. He had crash landed many times. Bush pilots had to be or they would lose their jobs. One memorable flight was a back-to-school flight. Along with another 10 travelers was a canoe on one pontoon and a full load of cargo. Teachers returning from summer holidays and some fishermen and salesmen were all anxious about the load our single engine workhorse had, just to get airborne. I believe we were to experience the legendary DeHavilland Beaver. This was the truck of the north and after over 75 years many are still doing the work that they were built for. However, with further research, I am sure the airplane that we were aboard was a Norsman. This conclusion is only because of the huge sound of the single engine. The Norsman was known for the earthshaking sound when it was pushed to full throttle when taking off. Most of my trips with Keith were in Cessnas. They were always equipped with pontoons for lake landings. One memorable trip was in the late fall. The weather was iffy but we took off anyway and got to Wawa in good time to be finished with a hefty order and ready to be picked up for the trip home to the Soo. We could hear the airplane above the pickup zone but the ceiling was too low for a safe landing. I along with two other passengers were stuck here until the weather cleared, perhaps tomorrow. Keith arrived about 10:00 AM in weather that to my assessment was not much better than the day before. He had a new plane and I guess he was anxious to see what it could do. Our trip home was a nail biter and perhaps the one flight closest to being a tragic one. This plane had a tail dragger which was encrusted with pine needles indicating one of our descents looking for clear air, was too close for comfort. I avoid carnival rides and roller coasters. A $22.00 return ticket on a flight to Wawa with Keith was all the thrills anyone needs.
We were living in an upscale community in Etobicoke and our two boys were getting to the age where they would enjoy a trip that most never get to see. Toronto in the 60’s from a small airplane. Our neighbor who I only knew by a friendly wave saw our two boys and asked if they would like to go for an airplane ride. I answered for them with a when and where response. The Island airport was our departure place and downtown Toronto was a far cry from what we see today. The Royal York hotel stood out in all her magnificent glory and the tallest building in the Commonwealth, the Bank of Nova Scotia stood tall and proud. Both are gone from the landscape. They are still standing but the city has gobbled them up amongst their glass and stainless-steel towers.
Flying with my friend and associate Neil was a whole different experience. Neil was a big strong happy go lucky guy that brought his silk-screening company into our plant facility as a partner. It was a good relationship as we both gained by the partnership. Neil had a special arrangement that gave him access to a couple of airplanes in Simcoe Ontario. C T Q Charlie Tango Quebec was his favorite. This was an older Cessna, I am not sure what vintage but I always thought #160, that is not correct. It was a 180, 182 or a #172 but it did have a nose wheel and regular landing gear. Joan and I did fly with Neil out of Lake St. John and we both had a turn at the controls. Flying once you’re off the ground is a piece of cake until you run into turbulence or other unexpected problems. Landing is another challenge that takes many lessons to do safely. I, foolishly did it only once and was very lucky to have survived. Neil and I packed some very valuable samples into CTQ for delivery to a new acquaintance in Bradford Pennsylvania, just across Lake Erie. I met the two owners of the Zippo lighter company at the Chicago Housewares show and after their visit to my manufacturing company in Mississauga, they wanted to rep us at the next show in Chicago that was coming up soon. We were to deliver the samples to Zippo. After checking through customs in Hamilton on our return flight, it was a short half hour flight back to Simcoe. We had a pretty busy day and Neil settled back and handed me the controls. As we approached our grassy Landing field, it was almost dark. There was light enough to see the little yellow airplane that was at the end of the runway. Neil was fast asleep and woke up just enough to give me instructions for landing and left me to it. I am sure he was more aware of our situation than he appeared, but I was petrified until we came to a safe stop. I learned very early in life to be aware of decisions of folk who are Bi-Polar. I have many stories about Neil, but this one stands out as being the most interesting and memorable.
Florida was a great place for meeting new and interesting people. Many have become lifetime friends but sadly very few are left to share all of the great memories we had together. As this piece is focused on airplanes and air travel, I am only going to tell stories that relate to that. Larry was my neighbor on the canal where we kept our sailboats. We were sailing buddies but never flew together as his interest in air flight was before I was born. Larry was the son of a very wealthy oil baron and was raised in the lap of luxury. At the age of 12, Larry would drive his miniature Crosley electric car up to the front of the Palmer House hotel in Chicago. Only one of the Melon children had a matching car. Sadly, Larry did not benefit from this great wealth and lived among we peasants in a Mobil Home Park. Larry did however own a number of airplanes and his favorite was a Moth that is still the star of many W/W1 movies. He is pictured in a newspaper back in the early 1930’s beside his baby, and the caption read that he flew to work every day in his vintage airplane.
Roger was my sailing buddy as well in Florida and he sailed his little 30 ft. craft as he drove his tank in W/W2. Many medals were earned by Roger while he was a Tank Commander and he retired from the Army as a full colonel. He actually won an airplane in a movie theatre. I believe it was a Stinson. It was a tremendous loss when this fine man died so peacefully in his sleep after such a full and eventful life. I wrote a short Eulogy that was read at his burial ceremony at Arlington military cemetery.
What a void in our lives we would have had if we had not spent so many winters in our second home, Florida. Howard was a great friend and a man I could relate to in many ways. He was a public-school dropout and a self-made millionaire. As many of my friends were Characters, Howard was certainly close to the top of my list. We lived very close to one another in Canada and in Florida. Our business interests were similar and we could discuss our weekly exploits knowing that this was all in confidence. I got a call one day in Florida and Howard was on his way to go on a airplane flight, would I like to join him? We drove north on the Tamiami Trail to a clearing in the countryside where a single aircraft sat waiting for us. To my astonishment, we were going to fly in a vintage 1936 Ford Tri-motor. The owner and pilot was a Barnstormer going from one place to another all over the USA taking brave flying enthusiasts at their own peril for a 20-minute flight in this antique. We were less than 20 that found a seat in this relic and the pilot was in plain view sitting behind an original wooden steering wheel. There were few instruments and someone mentioned the speed indicator was out board on the wing. After all three engines were running smoothly we slowly taxied to our departure spot and then with full throttle we slowly achieved our takeoff speed of 80 mph. Cruising and landing speed were all at 80 mph. After a short trip out to the Gulf and back over mostly orange groves and farmland we were safely back on Tera Ferma. What a thrill!
A sad note that I will always remember. Both Roger and Howard died the same day. Joan phoned me at my Flea Market with the sad news.
Air travel is and can be very stimulating. For a guy who hates tall buildings or looking over a bridge rail, or the CN tower or the huge Feris Wheel in London, I dislike Gondolas going up and down mountain sides and Roller coasters but I love to fly. I must admit that Helicopters are not my favourite means of air flight but I have flown over the rain forest at tree level in Panama and a dear friend, Tom whose boys owned the Niagara Falls USA helicopter service, took Joan and I for a 30-minute flight over the Falls. SPECTACULAR!
As Travel escorts for many years out of Florida, I was forced to leave Joan to Sheppard almost 100 guests on a cruise in the Caribbean She was on her own as I was obliged to take a guest with a heart attack off on the island of The Dominican Republic. The end result after a 48-hour holiday in Hell was an Air ambulance flight in a converted fighter jet from the Swiss Airforce. I have written this story in more detail in one of my books.
When we are asked, which are your favorite destination in all your travels, it would be hard to not give at least an honorable mention to Turkey. Turkish airline was one of the best, the worst being the Chinese airline where even the stewardesses got sick. Air flights would not be complete without the mention of the first attempt of man to leave Earth’s gravity.
The Chinese solved the problem of aerial navigation long before the 18th century, using balloons, they were called Kongming lanterns. They were first used by the Mongols against Poland in the battle of Legnika. In 1709 a Brazilion-Portuguese priest gave a display for King John V and the Portuguese court. This was a paper balloon filled with hot air.
According to those in the know. The Pyramids and the area of Cappadocia Turkey, are the two best Hot Air Ballooning in the world. In our trip to Turkey, the balloon ride was included. We estimated it to have cost us about $150.00 where back then it would be double that price outside the package. Today the price is far higher. I have to admit that I was reluctant going on this excursion the next day but our driver insisted that it would be the highlight of our trip. He was right. We were picked up by our driver at 5 AM, just before dawn when the breezes over the dessert are the calmest. We were the 1st in the air of more than a dozen other balloons and to our good fortune, our captain was the son of the owner of the company. That meant that we were to be first in the air and last to descend to a waiting trailer that was in touch with us so we could land directly on our target. Our basket brushed the tops of the trees and we flew as high as 3,000 feet.
Our flying and airplane stories started out in the virgin forests of Northern Ontario. One of the last explored parts of our planet. My story is completed with the ancient pre-Christian civilization dating back to the stone age. We have travelled the world but only touched on a minute portion of its wonders. Age has curtailed travel for us but we must count our blessings because the time we needed the opulence of air travel, we were there to experience it. I have been on flights that were as long as 36 hours and no amount of creature comforts will make up for being confined in an aluminum tube with many others feeling the same restrictions. Air travel is not a pleasant experience now that it is almost a necessity in many lives. I sometimes get into a fantasy land and wonder after our time here on earth, will our souls be able to soar like birds and fly through space to anywhere in the Galaxies? That will be the true experience of air travel.
Paul D. Scott rantings and raves .com