Lutz Collection

Sherman Lutz and the State College Air Depot

Container and File List

Gift of Phyllis Barr
2001.24

Centre County Historical Society
1001 East College Avenue
State College, PA 16801-6806
814-234-4779
www.centrecountyhistory.org

Papers and correspondence of Sherman Lutz and the State College Air Depot donated by Lutz’s niece, Phyllis Barr. This collection documents the development of aviation in Centre County. Lutz taught 477 students to fly between the years 1933 and 1985. Lutz and his students and colleagues, many of whom went on to work for the military or in the private sector, maintained life-long friendships. 

Lutz Collection

Container and File List

BAKER, ROBERT
1950-1988
Notice of Aviation Week Award for Capt. Robert K. Baker and Crew of American Airlines flight 14 for skill and courage in an emergency; announcement of Robert Baker’s retirement from American Airlines; clipping from Sun City, Arizona newspaper about Robert Baker and Penn State alumni. Raised in State College, Baker took lessons from Sherman Lutz and flew solo in 1933. He worked as a mechanic at the State College Air Depot and flew for American Airlines for 33 years.	

BECKLEY COLLEGE
1931
Photocopy of the cover of The Phoenician, the Beckley College yearbook. Also a photocopy of Sherman Lutz’s yearbook photo and entry. He was an instructor of Internal Combustion in the Aeronautical Engineer Department.
	
BEECHCRAFT
1967
Beechcraft Shop Manual from the 1960s. Belonged to Sherm Lutz. The Beech Aircraft Corporation was based in Wichita, Kansas.

BELL AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
1942
Correspondence to Sherm Lutz from representatives of Bell Aircraft Corporation. (1) statement, signed by Robert K. Stanley, requesting that his NC 36710 Stinson Voyager be dismantled and trucked to Buffalo Aeronautical Corporation at Buffalo Airport; (1) original and (1) copy of letter of thanks from Bob Stanley to Sherm Lutz; (1) copy and (1) original of letters written to Sherm Lutz offering him employment; Western Union from Mark Heanet, Asst. Chief Test Pilot Bell Aircraft Corporation offering Sherm Lutz position in flight research department.
	
BUREAU OF AIR COMMERCE
1934
Aeronautics Bulletin, No.1 and Administrative Procedures for Medical Examiners. Publications belonged to Sherm Lutz.	

FUCHS
1939-1989
Contract between Sherm Lutz and Alice Shutts for aviation lessons; Centre Daily Times clipping about Alice Fuchs of Lock Haven being awarded her Silver Wings Fraternity achievement award in 1984; 1989 Clipping, probably from CDT, about Alice Fuchs’s solo flight at the State College Air Depot in 1939. Alice Shutts (Fuchs) was Lutz’s 92nd student to fly solo. She married Bill Fuchs, a retired Air Force Colonel she met while taking lessons from Lutz.	

GEE, DICK
1943-1947
Photocopies of letters from Appleby Bros. & Whittaker Company of Harrisburg to Sherm Lutz regarding Dick, probably Dick Gee, one of Lutz’s students.	

GETTYSBURG BULLET
1999
Photocopy of newspaper article written by assistant director of the Adams County Historical Society, Ellwood S. Christ, about the Berliner Monoplane, the Gettysburg Bullet. 

HOFFMAN, R. H.
1934-1983
Clippings and write-ups about Richards H. Hoffman, who served as a doctor with the U.S. Air Force in WWII. Hoffman was a student of Sherm Lutz’s and lifelong friend. Includes a 1934 cartoon by Hoffman of his solo flight, with “El Baron”, Lutz, watching from the ground; 1943 article by Jack Benny the performer about meeting Hoffman in Italy during the war, note in local paper about Hoffman, Penn State class of 1923, as Nittany Lion mascot on the field during the Syracuse-Penn State Game at the NYC Polo Grounds; 1983 article about aviation and features Lutz with Hoffman’s leather airmail helmet from 1934.	

LEPLEY, WILLIAM
“Instructions to Newly Hatched Birds” from “A. Fuzzy Fledgeling.” William Lepley was an instructor with Penn State and the advisor for the Penn State Airmen, National Intercollegiate Flying Club.	

LUTZ, SHERM
1931-1998
Miscellaneous materials of Sherm Lutz. Includes 1931 Northumberland County Air Meet admittance card for Lutz; article about Williamsport air meet; article about Oil City air meet; article about crash involving Lutz and Horace Franco; receipt for Sherm Lutz from Temple Market, formerly located at 131 W. Beaver Avenue in State College (1961); cartoons about solo flights; drawing of Pitcairn Mailwing and Travel Air, both from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics; 1931 letter from U.S. Dept. of Commerce regarding Lutz’s piloting license; newspaper clipping “Pilot Flew to the Rescue of a Wedding”; newspaper clipping “‘Air Taxi’ Made Quite an Adventure 45 Years Ago”; newspaper photo of Lutz with caption about plans to sell State College Air Depot land, on Airport Road in Ferguson Twp. to developers;  1987 proclamation from Centre County Commissioners of Sherm Lutz Day, October 17, 1987; program from memorial service held for Lutz at the Spring Creek Presbyterian Church in 1998; (2) programs from May 2000 exhibit of Sherm Lutz and State College Air Depot memorabilia at the Boalsburg Heritage Museum.	

LUTZ, SHERM (Oversized – 15x22)
1933 – 
Clipping “Pilot Brings Serum Here to Aid Boy Who is Stricken with Paralysis”; newspaper clipping of Sherm Lutz and Bob Ishler, WWII pilot, instructor for Army Air Corps, and former Lutz student; 1938 certificate from PA Division of Aeronautics; 1945 certificate from U.S. Dept of Commerce, Civil Aeronautics Administration; 1949 certificate from U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Civil Aeronautics Administration; 1950 U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Civil Aeronautics Administration; 

LUTZ, SHERM: Airmail
1933 – 
Newspaper article and photograph about crash of air mail pilot Charles H. Ames (probably 1933) 

LUTZ, SHERM: Airmail (Oversized)
1949
Mounted newspaper clipping about the inauguration of All American’s stop in State College on the New York - Pittsburgh route in 1949; newspaper article, about airmail.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Aviation
1932-1966
Correspondence to Sherm Lutz from Albert Wessel, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Civil Aeronautics Administration; (3) photocopies of 1966 newspaper article about the launching of aviation in Centre County. The article says that the State College Air Depot was incorporate in 1932. Lutz was using facilities next to what was then the Boalsburg High School. Prior to this, Lutz had been using Thompson farm lands near the State College sewerage disposal plant (probably Vallamont). This sheet also includes notes about 3 pilots receiving certificates of commendation. The pilots were Sherm Lutz, Henry Noll, and Lester Garbrick;  (2) “Miscellaneous Information Regarding Airports in the State of Pennsylvania”; (2) 1957 memos from the Transportation Committee to State College Area Chamber of Commerce members; 1932 order for Waco Airplane.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Business Cards
Business cards for Clyde Shockley of Muncie Aviation Corporation, Wally M. Harkrader of The Perfect Circle Company (piston rings), Howard H. Greene of Kendall Refining Company (oil), and Howard T. Ailor of Waco.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Certificates
1938-1967
Certificates for Sherm Lutz from Ye Ancient and Secret Order of Quiet Birdsmen, OX5 Club of America, Pennsylvania Aviation Trades Association, Indiana University of Pennsylvania Continuing Education, OX5, (2) Aviation Council of Pennsylvania.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Clippings
1932-1987
Newspaper Clippings, including 1969 about Sherm Lutz and Dr. Merritt Scott; State College Air Depot Construction; Purchase of Waco Biplane; 1933 Air Meet; Lutz’s female students; Sale of Air Depot; Article from Penn State Alumni Newsletter; Development of Aviation; Airmail Service; Bob Baker; Schedule for US Airmail pick up experimental route  	

LUTZ, SHERM: Correspondence
1933-1982
Personal Correspondence from: Wolf Flying Services, Inc.; Pete Peisia; Merot Scott; George (probably former student); Ray and Betts (former students?); H.J.M. Jorgensen; Earl Steinhauer; Geo (George) Vase;  Camilla (sister of Lou Hersch) & Harry Federolf;    	

LUTZ, SHERM: Correspondence – Goff
1942-1989
Correspondence to Sherm Lutz from Pete Goff; copy of a letter from Sherm to Pete; letter from Helen L. Goff informing Sherm of Pete’s death. 	
	
LUTZ, SHERM: Flight Coairdinator
1951
Flight Coairdinator manufactured by Halpin Coairdinator Company
	
LUTZ, SHERM: Licenses
1929-1989
US Dept of Commerce, Aeronautics Branch, Pilot’s Identification Cards, Private Pilot Licenses, Mechanic’s Licenses, Temporary ID Card; US Department of Transportation FAA Medical Certificate Second Class;  Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dept of International Affairs, Bureau of Aeronautics, Mechanic’s Identification Card, Private Pilot Cards, Engine Mechanic’s License	

LUTZ, SHERM: Maps – 15x22
1923-1925
(3) Three air navigation maps. Washington D.C. to Middletown, PA; Bellefonte, PA to Cleveland, Ohio; New York, NY to Bellefonte, PA

LUTZ, SHERM: OX5
1973-1996
Program from the 18th Anniversary Celebration of the OX5 Club of American, Pennsylvania Wing. Correspondence between Bob Ishler, Secretary of OX5, Pennsylvania Wing, and the FFA Office in New Cumberland, PA regarding award being presented to Sherm Lutz at their May 4, 1996 meeting.

LUTZ, SHERM: Pilot Records
1931-1995
Letters from Department of Commerce, Aeronautics Branch to Sherm Lutz regarding the issue of his transport pilot’s license, no. 7075. Copies of Sherm Lutz’s pilot licenses and related correspondence; includes a complete airman file for Lutz from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Pilot’s Log Book
1936-1991
(5) Pilot’s log books belonging to Sherm Lutz: 1936, 1936-1937, 1938-1940, 1940-1941, 1962-1991. Taped into the inside back cover of Lutz’s last log book is a Canadian Custom’s permit.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Scrapbook
1933-1951
Newspaper clippings about Centre County aviation, Lutz, and the State College Air Depot from scrapbooks.	

LUTZ, SHERM: Scrapbooks
1940-1972
Newspaper articles about Centre County aviation and the growth of the State College Air Depot and the role it played in the State College/Penn State community.
	
LUTZ, SHERM: Transcontinental Air Transport
1930	
Two certificates of flight with maps showing the plane and train journey offered by Transcontinental Air Transport, Inc. Lutz made the trip from Columbus, Ohio to Los Angeles in 1930. One certificate is for Lutz, the other is blank.	

NATIONAL INTERCOLLEGIATE FLYING CLUB
1938
Charter for the National Intercollegiate Flying Club of the National Aeronautic Association, Penn State Airmen of the Pennsylvania State College for the purpose of advancing collegiate flying. The advisor was Dr. William Lepley; members Richard C. Gee, Harold B. Archer, Kenneth Appleby, Richard Appleby, Raymond Connor, Merle Lehman, Jack Patterson, Alfred M. Reeser, Noretta Allen, Elmer Weaver, Frank McClure, K. E. Warrick. These students appear in Sherm Lutz’s correspondence and photographs over the years.	

REESER, AL
1943-1973
Western Union to Sherm Lutz (1943); newspaper photo of Capt. A. M. Reeser; “Flight Deck” newsletter for American Airlines featuring Capt. Al Reeser; July 1973 “Flight Deck: An Information Bulletin for Professional Crewmen”	

ROBERTS, ELLEN
1936
Photocopy of newspaper article about Ellen Roberts, the first female to solo at the State College Air Depot, in November of 1936 (see STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT - Student Lists)	
STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT
1936-1957
Assorted materials relating to the State College Air Depot: undated article “Ardent Stamp Collectors Flood Local Air Depot with Letters”, “Special Edition is Sent over County”, ad for air cruises and flight training, price sheets from S-B Propellers from Sensenich Brothers of Litiz, Penna; 1931 letter from Centre Hills County Club President F.L. Bentley requesting the Sherm Lutz not fly extremely low or perform stunts over the club and golf course; 1932 copy of newspaper article about the construction of the State College Air Depot field to be located between Oak Hall and Boalsburg; 1932 copy of newspaper article about the new red Waco biplane at the State College Air Depot - then located in Boalsburg -; list of expenses for the depot 1947; 1945 bids and contracts; 1949 authorization from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce Civil Aeronautics Administration for All American Airways, Inc. to operate into and out of the State College Air Depot; 1949 cost estimate for paving the runway; 1954 offer from Frank W. Albert of Philipsburg to purchase the depot; 1957 newspaper clipping about state official taking a chartered flight; 1957 correspondence from Allegheny Airlines regarding the establishment of airport at Black Moshannon 	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT (Oversized – 15x22)
1933
(2) Certificates from the Civil Aeronautics Administration for the State College Air Depot to operate as Primary Flying School and Flight Instructor School 1946 and 1948; original and two copies of 1933 State College Times article about solo flight of Dr. Merit Schott, physics professor at Penn State; copy of clipping about Bellefonte air with photo of Bob Ishler and Sherm Lutz. 

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Aircraft Information
1931-1994
Bill of sale for OX5 motor (1931); invoices and other documents from various companies regarding the maintenance of aircraft for the State College Air Depot.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Airport Records
1989-1991
Documents for a Bonanza 85C owned by Sherm Lutz.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Airport Register
1932-1941
Guestbook for pilots visiting the State College Air Depot during the years 1932-1941.
	
STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Civil Pilot Training Program
1936-1941
Documents from the Civil Pilot Training Program. It appears that Lutz and others (Ishler, Hoffman) were, with the cooperation of the Pennsylvania State College, training students to fly.
	
STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Construction Records
1947
Ledger entries from 1947 regarding expenses for the road, ramp and taxi strips, and sink hole at the State College Air Depot.	
	
STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Contracts
1935-1939
Contracts between Sherm Lutz and students for lessons at the State College Air Depot.

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Correspondence
1935-1939
1935 letter regarding negative for aerial view of Spring Creek; 1948 letter from David J. Peery regarding the removal of his plane from the State College Air Depot hangar; 1950 letter to the editor from Arthur R. Beier regarding aviation development in State College; 1951 preliminary report of the State College Commerce Club Airport Committee; 1951 Western Union regarding flight school reapproval application; 1956 correspondence regarding the Civil Air Patrol airport development in State College; 1958 letter from Vice-President Ossian MacKenzie to Penn State University faculty and staff regarding air service out of the University Park Airport.

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Correspondence – Aeronca
1935-1936
Papers from Aeronca, the Aeronautical Corporation of American, regarding the sale of new and used planes.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Daily Flight Reports
1983-1986
Daily flight reports from the State College Air Depot.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Daily Fuel and Oil Records
1986-1987
Daily fuel and oil records for the State College Air Depot for the years 1986-87.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Financial Records
1960-1987
Financial records for cost of plane rental, repair, insurance for the State College Air Depot for the years 1960-1970.  Financial records for the SCAD through 1987.
	
STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Financial Records-Monthly Reports
1964-1987
Monthly financial records for the State College Air Depot utilities.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Graduation Certificates
1944-1953
Graduation certificates from the US Department of Commerce, Civil Aeronautics Division issued by Sherm Lutz. Certificates indicate that student has completed instruction required by Civil Air Regulations and is eligible to apply for a private pilot certificate and A.S.E.L. rating issued by the Administration of Civil Aeronautics.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Licenses
1934-1967
Commercial Operator’s Licenses and Airport Licenses issued to Sherm Lutz of the State College Air Depot for the years 1934-1967 from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Revenue, Division of Aeronautics.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Progress Chart
1940-1941
A progress chart for scores given to student by their instructor during 1940-1941.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Student Lists
1933-1985
A list of the students of Sherm Lutz who soloed.  Lutz officially trained 477 students, beginning with Dr. Merit Scott in 1933 and ending with Jill Lucas in 1985.  Also, a 1941 list of students Lutz had taught up to that date.	

STATE COLLEGE AIR DEPOT: Tail-Feathers-All-Over-Centre-County, Ltd.
Program from Tail Feathers All Over Centre County, Ltd. with a story and poem about flying.
	
UNIVERSITY PARK AIRPORT
1987
Program from a University Park Airport Open House on October 17, 1987, Sherm Lutz Day.  Along with personal information about Sherm Lutz and his interest in aviation is information about the development of aviation in general.