Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND003 - SHSND Foundation - Aviation Hall of Fame
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 00030
Title: Geneva Schow Oleson
Date: 2013
Creator:
Inscription/Marks:
Summary: Geneva Schow Oleson was born near Regent, North Dakota and raised in Stanton. She was introduced to aviation as a child by her parents, Martin and Madeline Schow. Even as a preschooler, Geneva was thrilled to ride in her father’s open cockpit airplane. Geneva learned to fly as a teenager under the instruction of her father, a North Dakota aviation pioneer. She went on to earn her private pilot’s license at Dickinson in 1945. Geneva later became certified as an aerial applicator pilot in 1971. Geneva’s legacy was her untiring efforts to advance all stages of early aviation in North Dakota. In November of 1946, Geneva established the first aviation publication in North Dakota. The Dakota Flyer included an editorial column for the advancement of aviation, a page devoted to the North Dakota Flying Farmers Association (the fastest growing aviation organization in the state), and a Civil Aeronautics Administration section. The Dakota Flyer encouraged communities to establish airports to enhance the development and growth of their town and to promote business growth and tourism in North Dakota. The magazine also informed Veterans of the GI Bill’s provision for flight instruction. During the 1940s Geneva became a member of the Dakota Chapter of the Ninety-Nines, the woman pilot group organized by Amelia Earhart. As a member, she co-piloted a Cessna 182 from Calgary, Canada to Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the 25th jubilee of the annual Powder Puff Derby. Geneva managed a private airport at Ft. Clark (near Stanton) in 1946 and assisted with the management of the Mott Airport. She also served as Public Relations Director for the Bismarck Aviation Center and was the announcer at air shows throughout North Dakota. In 1961, Geneva and her husband, Todd, purchased Dickinson Air Service. In 1962, Todd was killed while aerial crop spraying. Geneva, out of her passion for aviation and love for her husband, established a scholarship for future aviators. This scholarship has produced a Navy pilot, an Air National Guard pilot, and several airline pilots. Geneva was also dedicated to her children and community. She was a 4-H and Campfire Leader, Saddle Club member and an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Dickinson.
Red ID: FND_I_77379 Image ID: 509200 Image Notes: 10950 00003 00030

Collection: FND003 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - Aviation Hall of Fame
Date:

Summary: The North Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame honors those in North Dakota aviation who brought exceptional recognition to themselves during their aviation careers. A 12-member committee of the North Dakota Aviation Council judges the merits of nominees based on: - Major achievements in aviation in North Dakota - - Significant contributions to the development of others in aviation in North Dakota - - Special service to the State of North Dakota in aviation activities - - Activities that bring credit to North Dakota aviation either nationally or internationally - - Significant contributions to the local community or the state of North Dakota that are not related to aviation (service clubs, church related, political action, etc.) -

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