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[[stamp]] FROM THE HAROLD & MARVEL MOREHOUSE AVIATION PIONEERS COLLECTION NATIONAL AIR & SPACE MUSEUM [[/stamp]]

DR. HENRY W. WALDEN

Aviation Pioneer - Pilot - Manufacturer - Instructor

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Henry W. Walden was born in Walden, Massachusetts November 10, 1883. For a time during his boyhood the family lived abroad where his father was engaged as a civil engineer. Later the family returned to America where Walden finished his schooling. Being mechanically inclined, and with creative interests, he wanted to become an engineer, but at the insistance of his parents, entered medical college instead. All through his youth he was interested in baloons, then as aeronautics slowly evolved, it commanded his interest. He detested medical college and tried to get out of it, and as a compromise with his parents changed to dentistry, graduating with a D.D.S. degree from Columbia in 1906.. His dental practice was started, but with a growing interest in aviation.

In July, 1908 Walden read about a group of air-minded enthusiasts who had formed the Aeronautic Society of New York. He investigated, became interested and joined the group in September. The society had been formed to discuss and encourage work on flying machines and related problems, provided workshop facilities, flying grounds for flight attempts and in addition had engines available for the use of members. The famous Morris Park Race Track sheds and grounds had been leased for their activities. Walden was elated and soon became an active member of the group's interests and
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