Lindy out in public in the 50's and 60's?

June 11, 2008 10:48 AM

Where can I find a list of any of Charles Lindbergh's public appearances in the 1950's and 60's? I'm especially interested in whether he made any public appearances, speeches, or lectures in California during that time.

I realize he was a very media-shy individual, but he was involved in various corporations and groups that would occasionally call for his presence. The more public the event, the better!

Thank you!

posted by np312 to society & culture (3 comments total)

the Lindbergh papers at the Minnesota Historical Society may be a start.
posted by Ironmouth at 10:58 AM on June 11, 2008

A quick scan of the headlines of the LA Times from those decades brings up no mention of public appearances. It appears Lindbergh even declined his invitation to attend a state dinner given by President Nixon on August 13, 1969, at the Century Plaza Hotel, in honor of the the Apollo astronauts.

There is this story, however, from December 15, 1955, by Hedda Hopper. "Lindbergh Gets Lost on Bel-Air 'Flight'":

Charles Lindbergh, greatest navigator of the century, couldn't find his way from Pasadena to the home of Billy Wilder in Bel-Air for their first conference on "The Spirit of St. Louis." They made a date to meet at Wilder's house. Lindbergh was visiting friends in Pasadena. The appointed hour came and went. An hour and a half later Wilder had a telephone call from Lindberg [sic], who said "Terribly sorry to be late, but how do I get to your place from Fairfax Ave. and Wilshire Blvd.?" "How did you get there?" asked Billy. "By bus, naturally," answered the Lone Eagle. To which Wilder gasped, "Don't move151;I'll be there in ten minutes to pick you up."

It appears to be in something of a national gossip column, however, so the story may be apocryphal.
posted by steef at 6:49 PM on June 11, 2008 [1 favorite]

"Don't move—" Damned em dash is the bane of my paltry existence.
posted by steef at 6:52 PM on June 11, 2008