Viewing page 27 of 38

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

During the late fall of 1915 Stadlman took on the task of rebuilding a Benoist-type XIV flying boat for P.G. (Bud) Morriss who was in the process of organizing a school and flying service to open in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the following spring. Morriss had several modifications and changes he wanted made and Stadlman was assisted by well-known Chicago aero modeler Joe Lucas. In early 1916 the work was moved to Grand Rapids and preparations were underway to operate a flying school and carry passengers at nearby Reeds Lake for the summer. The project was financed by several Grand Rapids businessmen, and Harry Powers was to fly the plane. Later that summer B. R. (Fish) Hassell also flew for the group and Stadlman took care of the mechanical end of the project. Operations continued that summer, then evidently the backers decided to build planes. In December, 1916, Stadlman and B. F. Kenyon, a member of the firm, made a trip to Washington, D.C., to see about possible government contracts, then on to Curtiss School at Newport News, Virginia, returning by way of Buffalo, New York, to visit the Curtiss factory.

In May, 1917, Stadlman was completing a new flying boat with a Curtiss OX engine, which was exhibited at the annual local auto show that spring, with Stadlman in charge of the display booth. In June the Michigan Aircraft Company was formed, with Stadlman as Chief Engineer and Factory Superintendent; E. J. Clark, President; Jewell Clark, Vice President and Pilot; B. F. Kenyon, Secretary; and R. J. Seyberth, Treasurer and Business Manager. Their first shop was located in a former movie theater building. At that time the company had two planes in operation and two under construction. The firm continued through World War I and developed a very creditable flying boat along Curtiss lines, and operated two flying schools, one at Muskegon Lake, the other at Macatawa Park. There was evidently some interest in their boat for Coast Patrol work, but apparently the business was not favored with the growth it deserved and was dissolved.

5