GUIDE TO THE COLLECTION

Collection Title: Gerstner Field Collection

Accession Number: 053

Container List

Box 1

File Folder (FF) 1     Transcripts from Lake Charles American Press, June 18, 1917 to July 16, 1918, concerning efforts to
                                    secure the air field at Lake Charles and a photocopy of a list of criteria for aviation camps taken
                                    from the microfilm from Maxwell AFB Historical Center (located between FF 6 and FF 7)
                    FF 2     Newspaper articles concerning the air field, 1917-1919
                    FF 3     Newspaper and magazine articles concerning the air field, 1964-1986
                    FF 4     Information on Lt. Frederick J. Gerstner, flyer for whom the field was named, including his
                                    complete service record
                    FF 5     Information on John Flanders, Lake Charles man stationed at Gerstner
                    FF 6     Newspaper articles, correspondence, photographs relating to death of Major John Purroy Mitchel
                    Microfilm from Maxwell AFB Historical Center with some information on Mitchel's death - photocopy of the
                        film where Mitchel is mentioned (located in the microfilm cabinet of the Archives Office)
                    FF 7     Newspaper clipping on Maj. Maxwell Kirby
                    FF 8     Newspaper clipping on Col. William C. Ocker
                    FF 9     James McCabe's scrapbook (photocopy) relating to Gerstner Field
                    FF 10   List of commanding officers and Louisiana men stationed at Gerstner
                    FF 11   Farewell Flying Frolic of Flying School Detachment at Gerstner Field, program of luncheon and
                                    dance held at Gerstner Field, contains list of officers and enlisted men, no date given
                    FF 12   Photographs from James McCabe's scrapbook - Medical Dept. Staff, Liberty Loan Day in Lake
                                    Charles, 1967 reunion of Gerstner men, photography plane, crashed plane, 1918 hurricane
                                    damage, Gerstner camp scenes; also Gerstner aerial views, 1918-1919; aerial views, 1970's-1980's;
                                    pilots and scenes from the camp; 1947 reunion photo; unidentified Gerstner man standing in front of
                                    tent (personnel lived in tents after 1918 hurricane)

Box 2

                    FF 1     Articles about Gerstner being sold, 1918-1921
                    FF 2     JUG newsletter concerning reunion, 1979
                    FF 3     Thunderbolt Reunion, 1980
                    FF 4     Essington, PA Reunion, 1974 and 1982
                    FF 5     Essington, PA Reunion, 1983
                    FF 6     Essington, PA Reunion, 1984
                    FF 7     Essington, PA Reunion, 1985
                    FF 8     Essington, PA Reunion, 1986
                                 Information on the Philadelphia Seaplane Base (formerly the Lazaretto) which is on the site of
                                    Essington Field
                    FF 9     Correspondence collected by Bud Deaton including letters from:
                                    Joseph Milgram, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Bradford, Mrs. Ira Longanecker, Jr., Jimmy H. Doolittle,
                                    Mrs. Joseph Partridge, photographs of James McCabe, Rudolph Krause, and original hangar from
                                    Gerstner
                    FF 10   Correspondence collected by Nola Mae Ross including letters and information from Pauline Helbling,
                                    Mrs. Edith Roy, John Flanders, Zoe Lassman
                    FF 11   Newspaper clippings on efforts to rename part of Hwy. 14 to Gerstner Memorial Drive
                                    (efforts on the part of Southwest Louisiana Historical Association on renaming the highway)
                    FF 12   Application for Gerstner Field to be placed on National Register of Historic Places
                    FF 13   "Property of Gerstner Field" from National Archives with a list of buildings and their locations,
                                    also shows landing area
                    FF 14   Photographs from Roy P. Smith:
                                    1. Roy P. Smith and his brother W. C. Smith, WWI
                                    2. C. H. L. Gibson and James McCabe at reunion, April 1961
                                    3. Florien Levy and wife at reunion, April 1961
                                    4. Man from Mr. Smith's detachment named Reid
                                    5. Another man from Mr. Smith's detachment - name unknown
                                    6. Rupert F. Cisco
                                    7. Lake Charles Court House
                    FF 15   Roy P. Smith correspondence (letters on the Field are basically transcripts of tapes) and misc. items
                    FF 16   Newspaper articles concerning Will Couch, civilian flying instructor at Gerstner Field
                    FF 17   Correspondence and other information relating to Joseph Milgram, including a telegram written
                                    during the hurricane of 1918 that nearly destroyed Gerstner Field
                    FF 18   Photocopy of book American Aviators in the Great War, 1914-1918 published by the Glasebrook
                                    Foundation in 1984, contains brief military histories of WWI aviators including many who were stationed
                                    at Gerstner Field
                    FF 19   Transcriptions of oral histories of Gerstner veterans, Roy P. Smith, Joseph B. Milgram, E. R. Bradford,
                                    James McCabe; tape of a Gerstner reunion, interview with Mrs. Ozite Primeaux who lived near the
                                    Field during the War
                    FF 20   Articles on camp libraries and ALA's book drives during World War I from Texas Libraries and other
                                    journals
                    FF 21   Material from the American Library Association Archives relating to Camp Beauregard and Gerstner
                                    Aviation Field- includes information on the Mexican Border Traveling Libraries and Harriet C. Long
                    FF 22   Photocopy of The Measure of America’s World War Aeronautical Effort by Edgar S. Gorrell -
                                    contains statistics on training schools, airplanes, engines

Box 3

                    FF 1     Photocopy of The Hawks that Guided the Guns by Lawrence L. Smart, a First World War aviator
                    FF 2     Photocopies of material from Fritzi Krause Wilson, whose father Herman C. Krause, was stationed at
                                    Gerstner Field - includes photocopy of The Flying Book: The Aviation World’s Who’s Who,
                                    newspaper clippings, reunion announcements
                    FF 3     Related articles on First World War aviation including excerpts from books that mention Gerstner Field:
                                    1. Doolittle: A Biography by Lowell Thomas and Edward Jablonski
                                    2. Lightning in the Sky: The Story of Jimmy Doolittle by Carl Mann
                                    3. The Amazing Mr. Doolittle: A Biography of Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle by Quentin Reynolds
                                    4. Order of Battle of the U.S. Land Forces in the World War (1917-1919)
                           5. Encyclopedia of Forts, Posts, Names Camps, and Other Military Installations in Louisiana,
                                        1700-1981 by Powell A. Casey
                                Also excerpts from books about World War I training camps:
                                    1. The Handbook of Texas
                           2. This Flying Game by H. H. Arnold and Ira C. Eaker
                                    3. Pioneer in the U.S. Air Corps by George H. Beverly
                                    4. Wooden Crates and Gallant Pilots by Stuart E. Elliot
                                    5. Kelly Field in the Great World War by Harry D. Kroll
                    FF 4     Bibliography of Gerstner articles from the Lake Charles American Press compiled by Robert C. Benoit
                   
                    PHOTOCOPIES OF MATERIALS FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES FILES PERTAINING
                    TO GERSTNER FIELD FOLLOW IN BOX 3 FF 5 THROUGH BOX 5 FF 13:
                   
                    FF 5     Construction photos and miscellaneous construction information; correspondence concerning hurricane
                                    of 1918; correspondence concerning nationality of cadets' parents
                    FF 6     Correspondence concerning reconstruction of post after 1918 hurricane; drainage; roads; reports of
                                    hurricane damage; supply lists including some airplanes and motors; disbursement of funds
                    FF 7     Correspondence concerning Mason and Hanger Construction Co.; American Construction Co.; Prairie
                                    Farm Lands Co.; LA Railway and Navigation Co.; Lake Charles Railway, Light and Waterworks; other
                                    information concerning damage claims against the government

Box 4

                    FF 1     Personnel reports; accident reports; claims against the government; some information on bonds
                    FF 2     John P. Mitchel reporting for duty; accident reports; personnel reports
                    FF 3     Accident reports; information on moving troops to Gerstner from Essington; instructions; appointment
                                    procedures for aviators; complaints about Gerstner Field made by Walter Wynne
                    FF 4     Correspondence concerning Lake Charles Association of Commerce; mechanics, carpenters, chauffeurs,
                                    others; assignments; pursuit school; aero squadrons named
                    FF 5     Information on civilian employees; strikes and labor troubles; Mason and Hanger and American
                                    Construction Co.
                    FF 6     Commissary reports; information on guards; discipline; flying field rules; special orders
                    FF 7     Report on Field made by Colonel Lee; heroic action report; special orders; accidents
                    FF 8     Request for information on Field from local person
                    FF 9     Information on accidents; demobilization; inspection reports; reports on flying instructors school; radio
                                    department and engineering department

Box 5

                    FF 1     Information on primary instruction school versus pursuit school status for Gerstner; reports on flying hours,
                                    night flying, bombing; cross-country flights; accidents
                    FF 2     Reports on the Field; construction; information on photography, radio telephones, gas training; claims made
                                    against the government; hurricane damage; demobilization; transfers from Brooks, Ellington, and
                                    Essington Fields
                    FF 3     Information on tactical formation flying; flying instruction and aerial navigation; recruiting; pursuit course
                                    lectures and schedules; mechanics training; opening of the Field
                    FF 4     Information on local purchases; inventory of motor transportation; bombing equipment
                    FF 5     Supply requests
                    FF 6     Information on uniforms, helmets; supplies and equipment; demobilization
                    FF 7     Information on wrecked planes/parts and salvaging wrecks; motor transportation; reports on doctors,
                                    nurses, supplies sent to Gerstner after hurricane
                    FF 8     Inventory of motor transportation; gunnery equipment; report on airplanes; airplane ambulances; clothing
                                    and equipment for men
                    FF 9     Information on gunnery equipment; construction; buildings and grounds; Lake Charles Railway, Light and
                                    Waterworks; landing fields and demobilization
                    FF 10   Telegrams concerning hurricane damage; inspection reports; demobilization; Lake Charles Chamber of
                                    Commerce correspondence; report on buildings and grounds
                    FF 11   Historical data concerning construction; fencing and exterior lighting; Chamber of Commerce lease; sewage
                                    and drainage
                    FF 12   Various construction jobs
                    FF 13   Sewage and water supply; flu quarantine; demobilization and efforts to retain Field; fire precautions

Box 6

                    FF 1     Photographs from the National Archives:
                                    #16600 Formation flying, 5000 ft., Aug. 3, 1918
                                    #16601 Formation flying
                                    #16602 Aerial view of Gerstner, 5000 ft., Aug. 3, 1918
                                    #16603 Formation flying
                                    #16604 Formation flying, 5000 ft., Aug. 3, 1918
                                    #16605 Formation flying, 5000 ft., Aug. 3, 1918
                                    #16606 Formation flying, 5000 ft., Aug. 3, 1918
                                    #18473 Hangars 17-21, aerial view, no date
                                    #18474 Second unit looking east, aerial view
                                    #18475 Second unit, hangar 17, shows train
                                    #18476 First unit hangar
                                    #18477 Portion of second unit, shows water tower and train
                                    #18478 Hangars, shows tents
                                    #18479 Four aeros in the air, hangars 17,18,19
                                    #18480 Gerstner at 4000 ft.
                                    #18481 Gerstner at 3000 ft.
                                    #18482 Gerstner at 1000 ft.
                                    #18483 Lake Charles from air, shows courthouse, city hall, lakefront
                                    #18485 Several airplanes in flight, hangars 18,19,20
                                    #18486 Lake Charles from 5000 ft.
                                    #18488 Gerstner vicinity at 4000 ft., June 28, 1918
                                    #18489 Lake Charles at 3000 ft., shows courthouse
                                    #18490 Gerstner at 2000 ft., hangars 1,2,3,4
                                    #18492 Lake Charles at 5000 ft.
                                    #18493 Gerstner at 3000 ft. (the photo was labeled this at National Archives, photo actually looks like
                                        aerial view of lakefront with sawmills in operation)
                                    #19208 Airplane ambulance
                                    #19209 Airplane ambulance
                                    #31447 Hospital stretcher (shows how stretcher looked in airplane ambulance), Nov. 1, 1918
                                    #31448 Hospital stretcher (shows how stretcher looked in airplane ambulance), Nov. 1, 1918
                                    #31449 Hospital stretcher (shows how stretcher looked in airplane ambulance), Nov. 1, 1918
                                    #31450 Hospital stretcher (shows how stretcher looked in airplane ambulance), Nov. 1, 1918
                                    #56314 View showing headquarters and hangars 7-8-9-10, 2200 ft., Aug. 7, 1918, hurricane damage
                                    #56315 Aerial view, hurricane damage
                                    #56316 Aerial view, hurricane damage
                                    #56317 Gerstner Field after hurricane of August 6, 1918, looking south by east, Aug. 7, 1918, 600 ft.
                                    #56318 hurricane damage
                                    #56319 hurricane damage
                                    #56320 hurricane damage
                    FF 2     Photographs made from photos in Herman C. Krause's albums:
                                    2-A Reunion photo with some identification of men
                                    2-B Herman C. Krause
                                    2-C Herman C. Krause
                                    2-D Herman C. Krause
                                    2-E Roy French
                                    2-F Roy French
                                    2-G Roy French
                                    2-H Roy French and Herman C. Krause
                    FF 3     Photographs made from photos in Herman C. Krause's album (cont.):
                                    3-A Airplanes and crashes
                                    3-B Airplanes and crashes
                                    3-C Aerial views and scenes from the Field
                                    3-D Scenes from around Lake Charles
                                    3-E Other soldiers and aviators
                                    3-F Other soldiers and aviators
                                    3-G Other soldiers and aviators
                                    3-H Other miscellaneous photos including mess hall and barracks
                    FF 4     Photographs from scrapbook found in former Reiser home -Reiser family pictures and young men
                                    stationed at Gerstner Field -includes photos of the Handley-Page airplane
                    FF 5     Photos from Imperial Calcasieu Museum:
                                    A. Curtiss JN-4 "Jennies"
                                    B. Armistice Day Parade on Ryan St.
                                    C. Detail of photo of Gerstner men
                                    D. Christmas Day 1918 menu
                                    E. Barracks - outside view
                                    F. Soldier in front of officers tent
                                    G. Y.M.C.A. Building
                    FF 6     Photocopies of photographs from Bill Gabbert Collection (#005) showing hurricane damage and
                                    interior of barracks

                    FF 7     Photographs copied from originals at the Essington Field (copied and donated by Robert Benoit):
                                    A. Lt. Sam Paul, instructor at Gerstner Field
                                    B. Troops lined up at Gerstner Field
                                    C. Grading the landing field at Gerstner
                                    D. Gerstner Field - machine shop
                                    E. Gerstner Field - machine shop
                                    F. Gerstner Field - aerial view
                                    G. Essington, PA - Lazaretto in background
                                    H. Lazaretto at Philadelphia Seaplane Base 1991
                                    I. Frank Mills in plane at Essington
                                    J. Curtiss sea plane in Delaware River at Essington
                                    K. Troops preparing to leave Essington for Gerstner Field
                                    L. Curtiss flying boat, Delaware River at Essington
                    FF 8     Photographs from Robert Benoit (continued):
                                    A. Glenn Curtiss, inventor of Curtiss plane, and Frank Mills, civilian instructor at Gerstner Field
                                    B. Kelly Field, Texas
                                    C. Planes over Kelly Field
                                    D. Planes over Kelly Field
                                    E. Planes in the air - no further identification
                                    F. Planes in the air - no further identification
                                    G. Men standing in front of plane - no identification
                                    H. Frank Reynolds and C. W. Sprague
                                    I. Unidentified pilots
                                    J. Unidentified men around partially constructed plane
                    FF 9     Information from the ceremony dedicating an historical marker at Gerstner Field - placed by the
                                    Southwest Louisiana Historical Association and dedicated September 22, 1991
                    FF 10   Photographs (donated by G. W. Ford):
                                    A. Training flight, 1918
                                    B. Aeroplane, 1918
                                    C. Aeroplane, 1918
                                    D. Aerosquadron, 1918
                                    E. Pilots and soldiers from Gerstner Field with some of the young women of Lake Charles, 1918
                                    F. Pilots and soldiers from Gerstner Field with some of the young women of Lake Charles, 1918

Box 7

                    Photographs of the Handley-Page airplane, several photographs of crashes at the Field, various photographs of
                        pilots and their planes
                    Oversize photographs of Samuel Paul, flight instructor at Gerstner; Major General H. H. (Hap) Arnold; plaque to
                        Col. William C. Ocker; Lt. Col. L. E. Goodier, early commander at Gerstner; 1947 reunion at Gerstner
                    Drainage blueprints of Gerstner Field by F. Shutts & Sons, 1918
                    Part of strut from plane from which Major John Mitchel fell (strut was labeled this - no verification provided)
                    Part of propeller from plane at Gerstner Field
                    Negatives and contact sheets from Herman Krause scrapbooks
                    Property map from National Archives showing buildings and their locations (located in tube outside box)

Box 8

                    Photocopies of articles from the Lake Charles American Press concerning Gerstner Field - these articles are
                        bound in four volumes: 1917, 1918 Part 1, 1918 Part 2, and 1919-1950 (donated for the Gerstner Field
                        Collection by Robert Benoit)

Note: Tapes also available from Talks, Presentations, etc. File.
          Flight Feeding: Canteens - pamphlet issued by the American Red Cross, Southeastern Area, Nutrition Service - Preflight, In-flight
          and Postflight Feeding. (Handwritten note, "As served at the army air base in Lake Charles, LA 1944-45" and also "Gerstner
          Field, Lake Charles, LA") Special/UC/754/.L6/A42