Attendees at the CAHS AGM via Zoom video on June 16 engaged in a lively, informal discussion on an increasingly important issue considering the age of most CAHS members. What are the best ways to arrange to preserve photo collections, art, books, memoirs, memorabilia, records and other historical resources of our members as they pass away?

The question is especially relevant in cases where a member has not designated his or her intentions, leaving the responsibility for aviation assets to family members who may or may not be interested in the material.  In a worst-case scenario, the assets are discarded and disappear. Not only is history lost, there is also a loss of revenue for organizations that can use surplus books, for example, in fundraising. 

A vast amount of material is held in personal collections among CAHS members and aviation enthusiasts across Canada.   Preservation presents a daunting challenge. Aviation organizations and museums that could benefit from a collection may not have the space to accommodate it, nor the staff to catalogue it in detail.  

The issue took on more importance for Toronto aviation enthusiasts this year, with a “garage sale” of the impressive collection of Jack Phipps, CAHS #25, in Toronto.  Jack’s wife, Veronica, conducted a successful two-day sale after Jack did not specify any plans for his collection.

Many of Jack’s books are still in fine condition and not only that, they often contain a fascinating newspaper clip or two. For instance, Jack saved a 1968 Kingston Whig-Standard story on the Kingston Flying Club’s 40^th anniversary.   The opening of the club in 1929, by none other than W.A. “Billy” Bishop, attracted more than 10,000 people and included a crack squadron of Curtiss Hawk fighters flown in from Selfridge Field near Detroit.

Veronica is interested in expressions of interest about remaining items, including prints by CAHS Patron Robert Bradford and no less than 66 books on naval history.

A collection of photos and slides by prolific aircraft photographer Douglas Broadribb, CAHS #2155, of Hamilton is another valuable resource. Fortunately, Doug’s daughter Vicki saved this considerable collection, and I’m now assisting her with preserving it.

As an example of how collections often “migrate” from one person to another – for better or worse – Doug’s collection includes albums by Bill Crimmins. He was an American aviation buff from Virginia who visited Canadian Warplane Heritage air shows at Hamilton.

During the AGM, I mentioned that I planned to disperse some parts of Doug’s collection to different aviation museums. Ted Barris, for his part, rightly emphasized that we should aim higher than dispersal where we can. 

It’s encouraging that Toronto Chapter Director Ken Swartz is very interested in acquiring photo collections such as Doug’s. Ken advised that Neil Aird, well-known aviation enthusiast in Kingston, scans photos from collections and uploads them to the AirHistory.com website.  That’s a really positive approach.

The CAHS, unfortunately, is unable to accept, store or make collections accessible. However, the Executive is interested in an ongoing discussion of potential options. CAHS member Cameron Price, a Cub historian, has suggested an accessible metadata base – to identify a CAHS member’s expertise and collections – to serve as a reference tool on the CAHS website. Also consider the CAHS Journal editor's plea reiterated below, for another variation on this theme.

While we don’t have all the answers regarding this rather mammoth subject, we are certainly not lacking in enthusiasm.  The recent conversation reminded all of us how important it is to arrange for the appropriate, secure disposal of the material before it is too late.