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[[preprinted]]
ST. PETERSBURG NEWS SERVICE
ST. PETERSBURG 1, FLORIDA
[[image - drawing of two palm trees and water]]
[[line]]
The Sunshine City
[[/preprinted]]

August 22, 1952

To All Earlybirds
In America

Dear Sir:

Our department has been carrying on research for some time into the history of the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line, operated here from January 1 to May 1, 1914.

This is partially at the instance of the author, John G. Shea, who is writing a history of U. S. Commercial Aviation, and also for the purpose of establishing St. Petersburg's rightful claim to the title of "Birthplace of Scheduled Air Transportation".

We feel that you, as an Earlybird, and a pioneer in aviation, will recall many of the facts relating to the persons, dates and planes connected with the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line. We will greatly appreciate your attention to the enclosed questionnaire and will welcome any and all facts you can give us in connection with early aviation. Should any details come to your mind that are not included in the questions, please incorporate them.

We will be grateful to you for your assistance.

Very truly yours,

[[signature]] G. Blair White [[/signature]]
G. Blair White,
News Writer
St. Petersburg News Service

GBW,'m
Enc.