Stunt pilot Clifton Oleson
Photo courtesy of Iowa Aviation Museum
Volume 16, Issue No. 3, May/Jun 2024
Like a bolt from the blue, McGregor native Clifton Oleson’s storied career as a pilot took off in 1917 when he became the youngest pilot in the U.S. at age 18. During his 50-year flying career he was a popular stunt pilot who performed death-defying aerial feats while barnstorming the Midwest. He also delivered air mail and trained cadets and tested airplanes for the U.S. military for two world wars. Though his career would take him around the world, it always brought him back to Iowa. Matthew Walsh, who teaches history at DMACC, tells the tale of Oleson’s ascension in the world of aviation during the 20th century for our cover story.
Publisher Michael Swanger writes his column about the significance of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy to liberate France and Western Europe from Nazi Germany occupation during World War II, as the world commemorates its 80th anniversary
Get enlightened about the Riverboat Twilight, an essential American experience on the Mississippi River from LeClaire to Dubuque, from Emily Stier.
Author Timothy Walch reminds us of the remarkable political journey of Mary Louise Smith, the first female chair of the Republican National Committee
Discover the intrigue on and off the field around the Algona Brownies, an all-Black team that dominated the 1903 season and was crowned “Colored Champions of the West.” David Jepsen, Professor Emeritus, College of Education, University of Iowa, digs into baseball’s archives to craft this fascinating story.
“Country Roads” columnist Arvid Huisman recalls memories of summer Sundays with his cousins during family reunions.
Book reviews: Steve Dunn’s book about the history of baseball in Des Moines from John Busbee. Michael Swanger reviews Jerry Harrington’s biography of former Iowa Gov. Harold Hughes.
TO READ MORE FASCINATING STORIES ABOUT IOWA HISTORY, subscribe to Iowa History Journal. You can also purchase back issues at the store.