By popular demand, Michael Bludworth returns to talk with the Primetimers, this time in person.
A volunteer historian with the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, he spoke virtually last September about Houston’s aviation history. This May he will focus on the aviation career of Howard Robard Hughes, Jr., better known more simply as Howard Hughes.
As Bludworth describes this focus, “we’ll be seeing more about the ‘early’ Hughes: his time at Rice, the accomplished airman, his great flights, his aircraft, Houston, his movies and other highlights of his aviation career. We won’t spend much time on his antics starting in the ‘50s.”
The son of the inventor of the rotary drill bit (1909) that made his family wealthy, upon his parents’ deaths in the early 1920, Hughes took over the Hughes Tool Company, ultimately selling the then multi-billion dollar company in 1972.
Along the way he combined his own engineering aptitude with business acumen in a variety of industries, notably aviation and movies, in later years becoming reclusive.
Bludworth will fill us in on Hughes’ aviation highlights, among them setting the record in July 1938 for around-the-world flight after which Houston honored him with a parade and re-named the Houston Muiciipal Airport in his name, a short-lived accolade.
Bludworth will speak with the Primetimers on Thursday, May 12, at 11 am in the Activity Center (second floor Sanctuary Building). The program is free and open to all. To remain for the $10 lunch, RSVP by May 10 to primetimers@stpaulshouston.org or call 713-528-0527.
If you missed Bludworth’s program last September or just want to know more about Houston’s Aviation History, watch his Houston Heritage Society interview with Mr. McKinney or join his Facebook page dedicated to Houston’s Aviation History.
Or visit the 1940 Air Terminal Museum virtually (www.1940airterminal.org) or in person at 8325 Travelair St. 77061, open 10 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Sunday.