The Fame and Shame of Aviation Explorer
Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr.
Ellen Rice
Historical Paper
Junior Division
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
Rice 1
“Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.”
— F. Scott Fitzgerald
In 1927, Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. flew a tiny plane solo from New York to Paris, instantly
becoming a worldwide hero. He set an aviation milestone, and coincidentally was the first to encounter
the power of modern media, which shaped his life through opportunity and tragedy. Transatlantic flight
was born of the Jazz Age, the energetic post-World War I era that fostered innovation in the arts, fashion,
and social experiments such as Prohibition. New media were explored; newsreels and home radio enabled
Americans to see and hear around the globe. Aviation was also taking off. WWI’s race to dominate the
aerial battlefield had pushed this fledgling science ahead, so that circling the globe seemed possible. No
pilot, however, could master the vast Atlantic Ocean — until Lindbergh. Idolized as the perfect, dashing,
daring icon for the age, Lindbergh’s tremendous popularity made him and the media explore new
territory. His media encounters advanced aviation, but people wanted to know Lindbergh himself, so the
press invaded his privacy. Eventually, unrelenting scrutiny exchanged his hero’s image for that of a
political goat. Lindbergh was the first to feel modern media’s two-edged sword: fame and shame.
Jazz-Age media brought the world to
Americans’ doors. Nearly 21,000 periodicals
circulated thanks to faster presses, but visual and audio
innovations were the rage. Theaters showed newsreels
of global events, and radios became a household
fixture (Figure 1).1 The media boom demanded more
information to fill space. Reporters ruthlessly sought
stories. Advertising consumed space and also paid
bills. From these, a form of news-entertainment arose:
Figure 1. Five years after the first commercial radio broadcast
in 1920, fifty million Americans had radios. (See: Allan)
prize challenges. Sponsors got publicity, and challengers provided sensational news. In 1919, New York
hotelier Raymond Orteig offered the most famous prize: $25,000 for the first non-stop New York – Paris
flight. Two British pilots had crossed the Atlantic, Newfoundland to Ireland, but Orteig hoped that
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doubling the distance would advance aviation. The contest created a media frenzy, captivating the public.
Aviators became celebrities. One challenger, Renee Fonck, piloted a luxurious state-of-the-art 4-man
plane. Laden with presents for Parisians and roasted duck for dinner, it crashed during take-off, killing
two.2 In 1926, Charles Lindbergh, Jr., an unknown flier, watched newsreels featuring the failures. “Why
shouldn’t I fly from New York to Paris?” he thought.3 A year later, he did.
Charles was born in 1902 to Charles, Sr. (C.A.) and Evangeline Land Lindbergh. He grew up
fishing, hunting, and tinkering with machines on their Little Falls, Minnesota farm. By age 11, he was the
family driver and mechanic.4 In 1907, C.A., a lawyer,
was elected as a U.S. Representative. His marriage
failed, and they separated. Charles spent falls and
winters in Washington. He witnessed politics’
Figure 2. The University of Wisconsin Rifle Team: Lindbergh
excelled in this at college. He is 3rd from left, back row.
(MHS photo. See: Charles Lindbergh with ROTC)
hardships when C.A. was pelted with eggs for
opposing America’s entry into WWI.5 Although
Charles was a mediocre student, the University of Wisconsin admitted him in 1920; he failed-out two
years later (Figure 2).6 Fascinated by aviation, he tried aerial acrobatics called barnstorming. “Daredevil
Lindbergh” liked walking the wings of flying airplanes, but ultimately, he wanted an aviation career.7 In
1923, he trained as an Army pilot, graduating first in his class. Army assignments were scarce, so he tried
another dangerous job: airmail pilot — 85% of the
early pilots died. Lindbergh mastered crash
landings and parachuting on the harsh St. Louis –
Chicago route. He felt prepared for Orteig’s
challenge.8
Lindbergh analyzed the failed attempts:
teams flying heavy planes. He believed soloing in a
light plane, essentially a flying gas tank, was best.
Figure 3. Lindbergh with Spirit of St. Louis. Gasoline filled its nose;
otherwise weight was minimized: a wicker seat, a compass and
watch for navigation, but no radio or parachute. (See: Standing).
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In 1926, St. Louis businessmen financed his plane, asking in exchange to name it Spirit of St. Louis so
their city would be publicized as aviation’s capital.9 Publicity was unimportant to Lindbergh — he was
focused on exploring long-distance flight.10 Unnoticed by the press, Lindbergh and Ryan Airlines built a
sleek, fuel-efficient plane in six weeks (Figure 3).11
On May 10, 1927, Lindbergh flew Spirit of St. Louis from San Diego to St. Louis to New York, in
a record 22 hours.12 Two respected pilots, Richard Byrd and Clarence Chamberlin, also prepared to
compete, but storms kept them all in New York.13 Meanwhile, they encountered swarms of reporters. It
was Lindbergh’s first exposure to the media circus (Figure 4).14 The intensely private pilot was annoyed:
“Depending on which paper I pick up, I find that I was born in Minnesota, that I was born in Michigan,
that I was born in Nebraska... I’m told that my
nickname is ‘Lucky,’ that I carry ‘devices’ on my
plane which will enable me to ‘snatch a snooze’
while steering a ‘beeline’ to Paris.”15 A tabloid faked
a photograph of Lindbergh kissing his mother.16
During testing, Lindbergh broke a tail-skid swerving
around photographers on the runway; luckily, it was
fixable.17 This became typical of his media
encounters: trying to avoid them, but at a cost.
Figure 4. Reporters turned Lindbergh’s love life and his tendency
to blush into front page news. He was often misquoted.
(See: Associated Press)
The skies cleared on May 20. Byrd and Chamberlin faced problems, but Lindbergh was ready.
Byrd shook his hand, wishing him luck. This encounter became the first talking newsreel. Spirit of St.
Louis lifted-off muddy Roosevelt Field, bound for Paris, 3,600 miles away.18 An observer remembered,
“We just looked at each other and said, ‘Probably never see the poor guy again.’”19 Lindbergh’s take-off
and subsequent sightings were broadcast worldwide, but he had no radio. The experienced pilot,
completely alone, mastered the 33-hour flight. On May 21, with 150,000 spectators, Spirit of St. Louis
landed near Paris.20 The far-reaching power of the media stunned Lindbergh: “I had no idea that my plane
had been so accurately reported along its route.”21 Instantly, the handsome 25-year-old was a global idol.
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He had intended to explore Europe, but President Coolidge sent USS Memphis to bring the hero home.22
America caught “Lindy Fever” (Figure 5). People danced the Lindy. Lindbergh songs, poems,
and an avalanche of articles appeared, many inaccurate.23 A whirlwind of ceremonies honored Lindbergh,
including New York’s largest ticker-tape parade.
He agreed to promote aviation by flying Spirit of
St. Louis on a tour to all states, and Central and
South America. Lindbergh encountered enormous
crowds and endless dignitaries, which advanced
aviation tremendously, but he tired of attention:
“When I finish this tour, I will be through with
public speaking.”24 His privacy, however, had
Figure 5. Lindbergh and his plane adorned merchandise: games, clocks,
matchboxes, plates, as well as these coats and hats.
(MHS photo. See: KL Fenney)
been exchanged for fame. People wanted more
Lindbergh, so the media did its utmost to oblige.
The tour personally benefited Lindbergh. He encountered Anne Morrow, a writer and daughter of
the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. Anne, raised in an erudite, upper-class family, had qualities that
Lindbergh, an aviation “grease-monkey,” admired but lacked.25 In 1929, they quietly married and left on a
honeymoon boat trip. Within two days reporters encircled their yacht.26 Lindbergh coached Anne in
aviation, and they explored North Atlantic and Asian air routes.27 Flying provided adventure — and a
refuge from the press.
Their first child, Charles III, was born in 1930. Media attention intensified, forcing the
Lindberghs to move to the countryside for privacy. Instead, they encountered tragedy. Twenty-month-old
Charles was kidnapped. “The Crime of the Century” dominated headlines for four years with ransom
notes, payoffs, and tainted evidence (Figure 6). Finally, the toddler was found buried in the woods. Bruno
Richard Hauptmann was convicted and executed.28 The Lindberghs blamed more than Hauptmann: “My
parents were dogged by the media,” wrote daughter Reeve. “They believed the excesses of the press were
responsible for the kidnapping and death of their first son.”29 Lindbergh appealed to the press “to permit
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our children to live the lives of normal Americans,” to no avail.30
By December 1935, intimidating media encounters forced the
Lindberghs across the Atlantic, to live discretely near London.31
In 1936, European war loomed. Germany, severely
punished for its WWI role, prospered under Nazi dictator Adolf
Hitler and threatened aggression again. This worried Germany’s
neighbors, as well as Americans, so U.S. diplomats asked
Lindbergh, respected worldwide, to survey Europe’s military
capabilities. Lindbergh complied but was forced to face the media
again. Of the European powers, Germany impressed Lindbergh
Figure 6. Coverage of the tragedy of the Lindbergh
baby was everywhere (See: Time front cover)
the most. His confidential report named Germany “the natural air power in Europe.” This leaked to the
press, who questioned Lindbergh’s allegiance: “U.S. Intelligence or Hitler’s propaganda machine?”32 In
1938, Nazis occupied Czechoslovakia and induced Kristallnacht, an anti-Semitic riot. Meanwhile,
Lindbergh, planning to move to Berlin, accepted Hitler’s Service Cross of the German Eagle.33 American
media juxtaposed images of Czechoslovakia and Kristallnacht with Lindbergh’s German medal. People
hissed at Lindbergh newsreels.34 His heroic image had been exchanged for one of Nazi-sympathizer.
Lindbergh’s fame provided a media soapbox, and he decided to use it. In Europe, Lindbergh
encountered Nobel-laureate Dr. Alexis Carrel, with whom he had collaborated earlier on heart pump
technology. Carrel’s support of white superiority and eugenics caused controversy, but Lindbergh
believed he “had the most stimulating mind I ever came to know well.”35 In 1939, after political
discussions with Carrel, Lindbergh touted similar views in Reader’s Digest, declaring “inheritance of
European blood” as the “most priceless possession,” and to guard against “dilution by foreign races.”36 He
had exchanged his heroic image for that of a white supremacist.
In 1939, as European hostilities grew, the Lindberghs returned to America for safety, though
Lindbergh dreaded media encounters: “The press would, of course, make constructive work as difficult as
possible with their lies and rumors... How can democracy hold its head high when there is no freedom for
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those who have once attracted the interest of its public and its press? ... I did not find real freedom until I
came to Europe.”37
Lindbergh, like many Americans, supported keeping out of Europe’s conflict. He felt another
world war would “destroy the treasures of the White race, a war which may even lead to the end of our
civilization.”38 President Roosevelt believed Great Britain and France represented democracy, and should
be aided against German and Italian fascism.39 In September 1939, Italy invaded Albania, and Germany
invaded Poland; Britain and France declared war. Lindbergh had resumed Army Air Corps duty but
resigned to publicly oppose FDR. On September 15, Lindbergh used his soapbox again, speaking on all
major radio networks. He stressed three themes: first, America should only defend itself; second, Britain
and France cannot defeat Germany even with U.S. help; and third, this is Europe’s quarrel.40 For two
years, he spoke for the anti-war America First movement. In
support, Anne wrote The Wave of the Future which deplored evil
dictators, but the media highlighted her remarks on fascism: “...
is some new, and perhaps even ultimately good, conception of
humanity trying to come to birth?”41 Journalists labeled both
Lindberghs as Nazi-sympathizers.
Lindbergh’s aviation heroism could not overcome his
political ineptitude. Besides holding views that hinted of Hitler,
he underestimated the media’s might.42 A hero’s fall is as
Figure 7. This made Lindbergh look like a Nazisympathizer, although he is actually reciting the
Pledge of Allegiance (See: People; War).
newsworthy as his rise, so the press rushed, often irresponsibly,
to discredit politically-naive Lindbergh (Figure 7). In the late
1930s, Little Falls’ water tower, proclaiming LINDBERGH’S HOME TOWN, was painted over. National
media reported the town’s apparent disdain for Lindbergh. Actually, the citizens admired him; they simply
needed time to find affordable sign painters (Appendix A). They relettered the tower in 1942, yet the
rumor persists in A. Scott Berg’s Pulitzer Prize book, Lindbergh, and Little Falls’ City Hall.43
Successful politicians need media savvy, but Lindbergh lacked it. He had a cool demeanor and
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was a dull speaker.44 His opponents, FDR and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, were excellent
orators, adept at swaying public opinion using the media. Also, Britain, while not yet winning the war,
held on bravely despite Germany’s persistent air attacks. For the first time, Americans heard a foreign war
as it happened. Newsman Edward Murrow broadcast from London with bombing in the background,
generating American sympathy.45 In 1941, while 81% of Americans preferred staying out of Europe, 68%
favored involvement if it was necessary to defeat Germany.46 Lindbergh refused to say even that he hoped
Great Britain would prevail.47
Lindbergh exchanged his fame for shame with a speech on September 11, 1941. He listed three
groups pulling America into war: the British, FDR’s administration, and Jews, especially their media
influence.48 The outcry was tremendous; Lindbergh’s animosity toward the press had gone too far. He
hoped his speech would result in “open and frank discussion” but even America First publicly
disapproved; Anne’s family also opposed him.49 He exchanged whatever was left of his heroic image for
one of political fool and anti-Semite. Consequently, he was refused military reinstatement after America
declared war in December 1941. Still, Lindbergh helped design combat planes. Finally, in 1944, he was
allowed to be an “observer” in air-combat. He taught pilots how to conserve fuel, and shot down a
Japanese fighter.50
After WWII, Lindbergh continued exploring aviation and rocketry, but without much publicity.
Then, he began writing prolifically about himself: childhood, aviation, wartime, and philosophy. His book
The Spirit of St. Louis won a Pulitzer Prize and became a movie. After craving privacy, why did he write?
“[A]ccuracy means something to me,” he wrote. “It’s vital to my sense of values.” He felt “there were so
many false stories.”51 Writing, however, is a one-way encounter, not a two-way exchange. He wrote about
Germany’s medal: “Goering had given me the medal with good intent and friendship. ... I did not want to
throw it back in his face;”52 but ignored Secretary Harold Ickes’ query of why he relinquished his U.S.
military commission but not this medal.53 On his anti-Semitism, Lindbergh was silent. After his death,
daughter Reeve lamented: “Why didn’t you tell us what to do about these words you left behind...?”54
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Today’s media continues to investigate Lindbergh. Much about him is puzzling: he loved privacy
but wrote autobiographical epics; he hated politics but joined WWII debates. He despised the media —
while suffering terminal cancer, he planned a hasty burial to beat reporters’ arrival — but used them to
promote his heartfelt causes: aviation,
isolationism, and later, environmental
conservation.55 Lindbergh’s devotion
to Anne seemed obvious; yet he often
left home without revealing his plans,
Anne thought, to thwart the press.56 In
Figure 8. Lindbergh and Brigitte Hesshaimer’s children: Dirk, Astrid, and David. Born
in Germany between 1959 to 1967. To them, Lindbergh was family friend Careu Kent.
(See: Koch).
2003, another reason surfaced: his
second family (Figure 8).57
Lindbergh experienced one of exploration’s greatest individual triumphs, yet his fame led to
tragedy: the loss of a child, and to shame when he ventured into politics. His transatlantic flight opened
the world to aviation, but it also made him the first mass-media hero in an age of sensationalism. He was
prepared for anything in aviation, except the publicity it brought. The encounters between the press and
Lindbergh shaped his life, and kept exchanging his public image: from hero to crime victim, from
politician to outcast, from aviator to autobiographer. Lindbergh fought to control these encounters; he
wanted the media to report only what he deemed newsworthy and accurate. Instead, the public wanted to
know more and modern media gave them that power. People wanted to form their own opinions on what
Lindbergh said and did. Today, celebrities and media still fight this battle, searching for balance between a
free press and individual freedom. As Lindbergh found out, fame brings tremendous opportunities, but is
just a short step away from shame.
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Appendix A: This Little Falls newspaper tries to dispel the rumor circulating in the national media that
Lindbergh’s name was removed from his childhood hometown’s water tower because of his political
views. Little Falls just had trouble finding a skilled painter to do the lettering.58
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Abbreviations used in Notes and Bibliography:
AML:
AOV:
CAL:
FBI:
FDR:
LF:
MHS:
RL:
SSL:
SSLm:
WJ:
Anne Morrow Lindbergh
Autobiography of Values by CAL
Charles Augustus Lindbergh, Jr.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Little Falls (Minnesota)
Minnesota Historical Society (St. Paul)
Reeve Lindbergh
Spirit of St. Louis (book written by CAL)
Spirit of St. Louis (movie)
The Wartime Journals of Charles A. Lindbergh by CAL
Notes
1
Alice Goldfarb Marquis, Hope and Ashes: The Birth of Modern Times 1929–1939 (NY: Free
Press, 1986), 10; Robert Hunter Lyman, ed., The World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1927 (NY: New
York World, 1928), 262; Robert Hunter Lyman, ed. The World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1928 (NY:
New York World, 1929), 151–4; Ted Gottfried, The American Media (NY: Franklin Watts, 1992), 112;
William Tobin, E-mail interview by author, 21 March 2004.
2
Heaven and Earth: Lindbergh’s Journey (Series: Century Events that Shaped the World),
Narrated by Peter Jennings (Princeton, NJ: Films for Humanities and Sciences, 1999), Videocassette
(Stamford, CT: ABC Video), MHS, Videotape 787; Lindbergh: The Shocking, Turbulent Life of America’s
Lone Eagle (American Experience), Directed by Steven Ives, Produced by Ken Burns (WGBH Boston,
1996), Videocassette (Shanachie Entertainment Corp. 1997); R. Conrad Stein, The Spirit of St. Louis
(Cornerstones of Freedom series) (Chicago: Children’s Press, 1994), 9.
3
CAL, The Spirit of St. Louis (NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1953), 15–17.
4
CAL, Lindbergh Looks Back: A Boyhood Reminiscence (St. Paul: MHS Press, 2002), 12–21,
5
Von Hardesty, Lindbergh: Flight’s Enigmatic Hero (NY: Harcourt, 2002), 33.
29–30.
6
CAL, Class notes., Ms, ca. 1920–1922, MHS, Lindbergh, Charles A. and family papers 1808–
1987, P1675, Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987, Folder: Univ. of WI, Madison; Brian Horrigan, “‘My Own
Mind and Pen’ Charles Lindbergh, Autobiography, and Memory,” Minnesota History, Spring 2002: 4.
7
Bruce Larson, “Barnstorming with Lindbergh,” Minnesota History, Summer 1991: 231–8.
8
Heaven and Earth; CAL, Autobiography of Values (NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1976), 5–
11; CAL, SSL, 15.
9
CAL, SSL, 17, 72–4. Spirit of St. Louis, Directed by Billy Wilder, Performance by James
Stewart, (Warner Bros., 1957. Warner Home Video, 1997), Videocassette.
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10
CAL, SSL, 129–31; idem, “Remarks on Ross” folder, TLS, 1 – 11 August 1968, MHS,
Lindbergh, Charles A. and family papers 1808–1987, P1675, Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987, p. 25; “An
Epic of the Air,” LF Daily Transcript, 25 August 1927: 4.
11
CAL, SSL, 67–91; Lindbergh: The Shocking, Turbulent Life; Replica Spirit of St. Louis, Visit to
Lindbergh Terminal, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 28 February 2004.
12
James Cross Giblin, Charles A. Lindbergh: A Human Hero (NY: Clarion Books, 1997), 54–5.
13
CAL, SSL, 155–9; “Bad Weather Delays all Paris fliers,” NY Times, 14 May 1927: 1.
14
“Blushing Daredevil, Who Will Attempt Paris Hop Alone, Idol of New York Hero
Worshippers,” St. Paul Daily News, 16 May 1927: 1; Associated Press. “’Monoplane My Only Love,’
Says Lindbergh as Girls ‘Rush’ Him,” St. Paul Dispatch, 14 May 1927: 1.
15
CAL, SSL, 162–3.
16
CAL, SSL, 166; “Mrs. Lindbergh bids calm good-by to son,” NY Times, 15 May 1927: 2; A.
Scott Berg, Lindbergh (NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1998), 108.
17
“Fliers test planes, awaiting good day,” NY Times, 15 May 1927: 2.
18
CAL, SSL, 194; “Lindbergh hops off on long flight to Paris,” St. Paul Daily News, 20 May
1927: 1.
19
Heaven and Earth.
20
Berg, 114–30; CAL, SSL, 181–492.
21
CAL, SSL, 495.
22
“Paris goes wild as daring Minnesotan swoops down, ending history-making Atlantic flight,”
St. Paul Daily News, 22 May 1927: 1+; Lindbergh: The Shocking, Turbulent Life; Giblin, 86.
23
Heaven and Earth; Horrigan, 3–7; Peter Latner, Cover photograph, color, Minnesota History,
Spring 2002; Kenneth Carley. “Lindbergh in Song,” Minnesota History, Spring 1977: 192–4; Morton, Ian,
Retired Macalester College professor, Telephone interview by author, 14 March 2004.
24
“Lindbergh is guest of Ford,” LF Daily Transcript, 11 August 1927: 1; Barry Denenberg, An
American Hero: The True Story of Charles A. Lindbergh (NY: Scholastic, Inc. 1996), 102; Larson,
“Lindbergh’s Return to Minnesota, 1927,” Minnesota History, Winter 1970: 152; “Lindbergh in fit
condition say examiners,” LF Daily Transcript, 15 August 1927: 1.
25
Horrigan, MHS historian, Interview by author, 25 February 2004, MN History Center.
26
CAL, AOV, 128.
27
Roxane Chadwick, Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Pilot and Poet (Minneapolis: Lerner Publications
Co., 1987), 12–30.
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28
Oak Meadows Senior Housing residents, Group interview by author, 1 April 2004, Oakdale,
MN; Giblin, 117–51.
29
Reeve Lindbergh, “The Flyer: Charles Lindbergh,” Time, 14 June 1999: 74.
30
CAL, Telegram to United Press, 16 August 1932, quoted in Berg, 281–2.
31
Berg, 339–41.
32
CAL, The Wartime Journals of Charles A. Lindbergh (NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc.,
1970), 51–65, 104–8, 154–5; Marc A. Rose, “Hitler’s Aerial Triumph,” Reader’s Digest, March 1939: 6–
10, Condensed from The Forum, March 1939; Giblin, 157.
33
CAL, WJ, 100–2, 110–1.
34
Hardesty, 148–9; Denenberg, 197–8.
35
CAL, AOV, 129, 132–8; Berg, 349.
36
CAL, WJ, 39; CAL, “Aviation, Geography, and Race,” The Reader’s Digest, November 1939:
66–7; “Lindbergh and the Nazis,” Editorial, The New Republic, 15 November 1939: 100.
37
CAL, WJ, 166.
38
Oak Meadows Senior Housing residents; “The Case of the Isolationist Solons,” Editorial, LF
Herald, 31 July 1942: 4; CAL Radio Address on America’s Air Defense, CBS: 19 May 1940, MHS,
Audiotape 193. CAL, “Aviation, Geography, and Race,” 66.
39
FDR, “Roosevelt on Hitler,” Life, 9 June 1941: 36.
40
“F.R. Criticism of ‘Appeasers’ Leads to Move,” LF Daily Transcript, 28 April 1941: 1; CAL
WJ, 254; CAL, Radio Address on America’s Air Defense; “Shun Europe’s wars, Lindbergh warns U.S.,”
St. Paul Pioneer Press, 16 September 1939: 1–2. “Fig[h]ting for democracy abroad may cost us it at
home, Lindbergh cautions U.S,” Minneapolis Morning Tribune, 16 September 1939: 1, 20.
41
AML, The Wave of the Future: A Confession of Faith (NY: Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1940), 15.
42
Adolf Hitler, “Germany’s Present Position: We will wrest the victory,” Vital Speeches, 15
February 1941: 280–3, Transcript (German translated to English), Radio broadcast from the Sportpalast in
Berlin, 30 January 1941.
43
44
Berg, 421; Wendy Dykla, LF City Office, Telephone message to author. 16 April 2004.
CAL, Radio Address on America’s Air Defense.
45
“The Ism of Appeasement,” Life, 20 January 1941: 26–7; Winston Churchill, “The Tide is
Turning,” Vital Speeches of the Day, 15 February 1941: 272–5; Churchill: soldier, adventurer, politician,
author, legend, Directed by Lucy Carter, (PBS/TWI, 2003, Burbank: Warner Home Video, Inc., 2003),
DVD; Dan Rather, World War II on the Air, CD, In World War II on the Air, By Mark Bernstein and Alex
Lubertozzi (Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2003); Tobin.
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Rice 13
46
“The Dissenters: If Isolationists are right, American majority is for war,” Life, 5 May 1941: 28.
47
“Colonel Lindbergh Tells House Committee He Hopes Neither Side Will Win War,” Life, 3
February 1941: 18.
48
CAL, “Isolationist Speech,” 11 September 1941, Transcript, Speech given in Des Moines, IA;
CAL, WJ, 245, 538–47.
49
CAL, WJ, 539; “Jew Baiting,” Time, 22 September 1941: 17; “Follow What Leader?” Time, 6
Oct. 1941: 18–20; “AFL in Thrust at Lindbergh,” LF Daily Transcript, 18 September 1941: 1; Committee
to Defend America “Rattlesnakes in the Atlantic ...Dupes at Home,” Minneapolis Tribune, 13 September
1941:14; FBI file on CAL, LS, TLS, News clippings, FBI Files: 65-11449, 65-11449 Sub-A,
(Wilmington, DE: Scholarly Resources, Inc., 2000), MHS. Microfilm 2076; Giblin,178–82; “My Last
Address,” Time, 13 October 1941: 15.
50
“Lindbergh takes post with Ford.” LF Herald, 3 April 1942: 1. “Dogfights,” Time, 10
December 1945: 48.
51
SSLm; CAL, SSL, 166; AML, “The Changing Concept of Heroes,” Minnesota History, Winter
1979: 310.
52
CAL, “Remarks on Ross,” 48. idem, “Remarks on Assoc. Press” folder, TLS. 6 – 8 May 1969,
MHS, Lindbergh, Charles A. and family papers 1808–1987, P1675, Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987.
53
Berg, 424.
54
RL, Under a Wing: A Memoir, (NY: Simon and Schuster, 1998), 201.
55
Berg, 534–62; Donn Coddington, Interview by Katie Weitz, 10 April 2000, Transcript, Oral
history of MHS retirees, MHS; Russell Fridley, Interview by Katie Weitz, 7 April 2000, Transcript, Oral
history of MHS retirees, MHS; John Rivard, Interview by Katherine Weitz, 11 April 2000, Transcript,
Oral history of MHS retirees, MHS.
56
RL, Under a Wing, 34–6; Lindbergh: The Shocking, Turbulent Life.
57
“Lindy’s Secret Life: Three Germans claim to be aviator Charles Lindbergh’s long-hidden
family,” People Weekly, 25 August 2003: 72; Melissa Eddy, “3 German siblings prove Lindbergh link,”
Minneapolis Star Tribune, 29 November 2003: 4.
58
“Telling the World: Lindbergh’s name to be put on water tower,” LF Daily Transcript, 18
August 1942: 1; “Lindbergh’s Name,” LF Herald, 21 August 1942: 1; Jarvis, Gil, “Around the town,” LF
Daily Transcript, 15 August 1942: 4 and 5 September 1942: 4; “Now it’s two signs on tank,” LF Daily
Transcript, 11 September 1942: 1; “Honoring Native Sons,” Editorial, LF Daily Transcript, 12 September
1942: 2.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
Rice 14
Bibliography
Primary Sources and Materials:
Allen, J.C. Family with Radios, black & white photograph. c. 1925. In From Flappers to Flivvers: We
Helped Make the ‘20s Roar! Ed. Bettina Miller. Greendale, WI: Reiman Publications, L.P., 1995.
40.
This shows a family listening to home radio during the Jazz Age. It appears in this paper to
illustrate home radios’ popularity. The book itself is a secondary source on the new media
technology in this era.
“AFL in Thrust at Lindbergh.” LF Daily Transcript. 18 September 1941: 1.
This article was written shortly after CAL gave a speech blaming the Jews for pulling the U.S.
into European war. This reports the “hearty approval” that the Minnesota State Federation of
Labor gave to denouncing CAL. This illustrates CAL’s fall from heroism to political fool.
Associated Press. “’Monoplane My Only Love,’ Says Lindbergh as Girls ‘Rush’ Him.” St. Paul Dispatch.
14 May 1927: 1.
This article is typical of the media circus that surrounded CAL as he waited for the weather to
clear for his transatlantic flight. His good looks and bachelor status were discussed (front page) as
much as his aviation skills. The cartoon from this article appears in this paper.
“Bad Weather Delays all Paris fliers.” NY Times. 14 May 1927: 1.
This article discusses the bad weather that delays all of the Orteig Prize competitors. This gives
the media more time to discover (and annoy) CAL.
“Blushing Daredevil, Who Will Attempt Paris Hop Alone, Idol of New York Hero Worshippers.” St. Paul
Daily News. 16 May 1927: 1.
This article gives clues why CAL is annoyed with the media before his famous flight. It not only
discusses his looks and how people flock around him, it names his hotel and encourages people to
touch him for good luck.
“The Case of the Isolationist Solons.” Editorial. LF Herald. 31 July 1942: 4.
This article from CAL’s childhood hometown discusses the upcoming wartime elections and how
people are trying to get rid of senators and congressmen who were isolationists before WWII’s
start. It is important because it notes that most Americans had been isolationists. It also says that
no one is right 100% of the time, which seems to forgive CAL indirectly, too.
Charles Lindbergh with ROTC Rifle Team Univ. of WI, black & white photograph. 1922. MHS.
Location: por 7789 p37.
The rifle team photo appears in this paper to illustrate at least one school activity he excelled in.
Churchill: soldier, adventurer, politician, author, legend. Directed by Lucy Carter. PBS/TWI, 2003.
Burbank: Warner Home Video, Inc., 2003. DVD.
This DVD contains actual footage of Churchill’s WWII speeches. These were compared to CAL’s
speaking style in this paper. The rest of the DVD is a secondary source, but it provides excellent
background on Churchill, as well as WWI and WWII from the British point of view.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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Churchill, Winston. “The Tide is Turning.” Vital Speeches of the Day. 15 February 1941: 272–5.
Transcript. Radio speech from London, England 9 February 1941.
This speech is one of Churchill’s most famous. He is appealing to the U.S. people help Britain:
“Give us the tools and we will finish the job.” He is also keeping British morale up by saying that
Hitler will stop at nothing to conquer Britain. This is important because it shows that he was a
powerful and persuasive speaker. This is used in this paper to show the contrast between CAL’s
political skills, and that of a true master of oratory.
Coddington, Donn. Interview by Katie Weitz. 10 April 2000. Transcript. Oral history of MHS retirees,
Brian Horrigan, MHS, St. Paul.
Mr. Coddington helped redevelop CAL’s boyhood home into an historical site in the late 1960s.
He met CAL several times. CAL told him about his father’s WWI political activities and related it
to his WWII activities. CAL still despised the press, and this was used in this paper.
“Colonel Lindbergh Tells House Committee He Hopes Neither Side Will Win War.” Life. 3 February
1941: 18.
In the photograph, CAL is surrounded by hundreds (reporters and peace supporters) as he testifies
against sending military equipment to our European Allies. The article says that CAL is the only
American of distinction to not even hope Britain will win. It is important because it shows people
still flock to CAL, even if he holds an unpopular view. He makes the speech “We are not prepared
for war” shortly after (see below).
Committee to Defend America. “Rattlesnakes in the Atlantic ...Dupes at Home.” Minneapolis Tribune. 13
September 1941: 14.
This is an ad for a political group that opposes the anti-war America First committee. It disputes
CAL’s September 11 speech, and asks “Which side are you on — Lindbergh’s ... or America’s?”
This demonstrates the outcry in the media against CAL for his seemingly pro-German views.
“The Dissenters: If Isolationists are Right, American Majority is for War.” Life. 5 May 1941: 28–9.
This article discusses one of CAL’s America First speeches, and interprets his message (Britain is
losing, and the U.S. will be beaten if it intervenes) as pro-German. It is noted that CAL quotes
only part of a Gallup poll to show his point of view (83% of Americans are against war). He does
not mention the rest that says the 71% would go to war to ensure that Britain defeats Germany.
The statistics are used in this paper, but this also provides an excellent view of the political
manipulation each side used to gain support.
“Dogfights.” Time. 10 December 1945: 48.
This article seems to be settling a controversy about CAL’s WWII activities. He was never
officially in the military, but he flew military planes, and shot down a Japanese Zero. This was
used in this paper to show his devotion to U.S. military aviation.
Dykla, Wendy. Recorded telephone message to author. 16 April 2004.
Ms. Dykla works in the LF City Administrator’s office handling city council minutes. During my
search for information about CAL’s name being removed from the LF water tower (see: “Telling
the World.”), Ms. Dykla looked unsuccessfully for the council minutes about this. She then asked
city administrator, Richard Carlson, if he knew anything about it, and he repeated the myth that it
was removed because of CAL’s “German beliefs and ties.” This is important because it shows the
power that the national media has, even over future generations, to make people believe a myth.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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Eddy, Melissa. “3 German siblings prove Lindbergh link.” Minneapolis Star Tribune. 29 November 2003:
4.
This article says that the three Germans are definitely related to CAL based on DNA tests. This
removed one element of the controversy; but CAL will continue to be in the news because the
children are writing a book.
“An Epic of the Air.” LF Daily Transcript. 25 August 1927: 4.
This is an editorial about why CAL was able to fly from NY to Paris: preparation, courage and
determination. It also emphasizes that he went for pure adventure and not the money, which was
even more heroic; this shows CAL’s character.
FBI file on Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. LS, TLS, News clippings. FBI Files: 65-11449, 65-11449 Sub-A.
Wilmington, DE: Scholarly Resources, Inc., 2000. MHS. Microfilm 2076.
This file on CAL starts in April 1939 with a letter from someone who fears for CAL’s safety upon
return from Europe because of the overzealous media; the FBI is asked to protect CAL.
Subsequent letters ask that CAL be investigated as a Nazi spy. The file also contains clippings
about CAL’s America First speeches. This shows the downward spiral of CAL’s public image.
“F.R. Criticism of ‘Appeasers’ Leads to Move.” LF Daily Transcript. 28 April 1941: 1.
This article describes CAL’s military resignation so that he could better exercise his rights as an
American citizen and oppose FDR’s views. He felt insulted that FDR had questioned his loyalty
to his country because he was against U.S. involvement in Europe. He also sent copies of his
resignation letter to the press, which shows that he used the media to get attention for his cause.
“Fig[h]ting for democracy abroad may cost us it at home, Lindbergh cautions U.S.” Minneapolis
Morning Tribune. 16 September 1939: 1, 20.
This discusses Lindbergh’s first radio-broadcast anti-war speech, in which he urged Americans to
keep out of Europe, and said that our oceans protected us from the conflict. He also warned
Americans to know who owns the media, foreshadowing his accusation that Jewish-owned media
pulled the U.S. into WWII. This front page article illustrates how much attention the country paid
to Lindbergh’s view. See “Lindbergh’s Appeal” for an editorial about this speech.
“Fliers test planes, awaiting good day.” NY Times. 15 May 1927: 1–2.
This article is about the three Orteig Prize competitors waiting for the weather to clear over the
Atlantic. It says that CAL is the center of attention, and has roped off his hangar attempting to
keep the press away. This shows the beginning of CAL’s lifelong battle against the media.
“Follow What Leader?” Time. 6 Oct. 1941: 18–20.
This is the aftermath of CAL’s Jewish influence speech (see “Isolationist Speech”). The America
First committee is pressured to do something, so they issued an unsigned statement saying CAL
is not anti-Semitic and the race issue has no place in the war and peace discussion. This is
important because it shows the rapid decline of CAL’s political career.
Fridley, Russell. Interview by Katie Weitz, 7 April 2000. Transcript. Oral history of MHS retirees, Brian
Horrigan, MHS.
Mr. Fridley helped redevelop CAL’s boyhood home into an historical site in the late 1960s. He
met and spoke with CAL. This is important because it tells much about CAL in his late life,
especially his views on conservation. CAL still despised the press, and this was used in this paper.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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The Great Century: 1918 –1939. Directed by Pierre Philippe. Gaumont-Vision, 1991. NY: Central Park
Media, 1996. Videocassette.
This is a collection of newsreels that were created during the 20s and 30s. These show CAL’s
famous take-off and landing, as well as other events in that era. This is important because it
showed how wild the Jazz Age was. It also gave important information about what led to WWII.
The Great Century: 1939 –1958. Directed by Pierre Philippe. Gaumont-Vision, 1991. NY: Central Park
Media, 1996. Videocassette.
This is a collection of newsreels that were created during WWII, Cold War, and Korean War. The
WWII newsreels were important to this project because they showed the sequence of events in
Europe. It was also interesting that they did not feature any anti-war information; the director
seems to be French, and most of the newsreels featured France.
Heaven and Earth: Lindbergh’s Journey (Series: Century Events that Shaped the World). Narrated by
Peter Jennings. Princeton, NJ: Films for Humanities and Sciences, 1999. Videocassette. Stamford,
CT: ABC Video. MHS. Videotape 787.
This is an excellent resource about CAL’s transatlantic flight, and the others who tried. It is a
primary source because it contains actual footage from 1920s flights (and crashes), and interviews
with people who knew CAL. It shows how determined and daring these early aviators were.
Hitler, Adolf. “Germany’s Present Position: We will wrest the victory.” Vital Speeches. 15 February 1941:
280–3. Transcript (German translated to English). Radio broadcast from the Sportpalast in Berlin,
30 January 1941.
This speech charges that Germany was unfairly treated after WWI, and that it is justified in trying
to recover its losses. Hitler says Germany is much stronger than France or England because it has
been preparing for war. He cautions America to stay out of the war or face the threat of invasion,
too. He concludes the speech by saying that Jewry is plunging the world into war, and the Aryans
should unite against them. This is important because these points sound much like CAL’s views,
which the media often pointed out.
“Honoring Native Sons.” Editorial. LF Daily Transcript.12 September 1942: 2.
This article notes the importance of repainting CAL’s name on LF’s water tower, even if CAL is
politically controversial. He is still a national hero to LF. See “Telling the World” for details.
“The Ism of Appeasement.” Life. 20 January 1941: 26–7.
This names foes of FDR. Both CAL and AML are included; they are illustrated with large photos
bearing captions telling why each is a foe. FDR calls them appeasers: those who would rather see
Britain fall and Germany extend its empire than risk U.S. troops. The article is negative to the
appeasers; this illustrates FDR’s great ability to use the media’s power to influence opinions.
Jarvis, Gil. “Around the town.” LF Daily Transcript. 15 August 1942: 4 and 5 September 1942: 4.
The widespread myth about CAL’s name being removed from LF’s water tower is discussed. The
author laments that LF’s denials have no effect on the press. See “Telling the World” for details.
“Jew Baiting.” Time. 22 September 1941: 17.
This article is critical of CAL for using his fame to publicize his opinions. Throughout the article
he is called “Hero Lindbergh” or “Pious Lindbergh.” CAL is criticized for saying the Jewish
people are primarily responsible for pushing America into Europe’s disputes. Statistics here show
that only 4% of the daily press is owned by Jews, even though CAL believed they controlled the
press. This shows how CAL’s heroic reputation suffered from his political opinions.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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KL Fenney Co. Lucky Lindy hats and coats manufactured by Stronge Warner, St. Paul for St. Paul Made
Week, black & white photograph. 1927. MHS. Location: GT1.8 p4.
This interesting photograph showing “Lindy” fever is used in my paper.
Koch, Joerg. Lindbergh’s German Family photograph. Agence France-Presse. In “3 German siblings
prove Lindbergh link.” By Melissa Eddy. Minneapolis Star Tribune. 29 November 2003: A4.
This is a photograph of the newly discovered children of CAL; some of them look very much like
him. It appears in this paper to illustrate what an enigma he still is.
Latner, Peter. Cover photograph, color. Minnesota History. Spring 2002.
This is a photograph of some of the “Lindy” items in MHS’s collection. A listing of a few of these
items was used to illustrate the tremendous and wide-spread publicity of CAL after his
transatlantic solo flight.
Lindbergh, Anne Morrow. “The Changing Concept of Heroes.” Minnesota History. Winter 1979: 307–11.
AML gave a philosophical speech on CAL and his crusades. There was a question and answer
session at the end. She was asked why she published her private diaries. CAL encouraged her to
because of the need for accuracy. This was used in my paper.
________. The Wave of the Future: A Confession of Faith. NY: Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1940.
This controversial book gives reasons why we should tolerate the European unrest without getting
involved, because the result could be an improvement over the current situation. It is important
because some phrases in the book sound like she approves of fascism, which journalists used
against the Lindberghs.
Lindbergh, Charles A. Autobiography of Values. NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1976.
This book was the last one written by CAL when he knew he was dying of cancer, and was not
published until after his death. It is important to this paper because he discusses what he believes
his most important contributions were, and that his final emphasis is on environmental
conservation.
________. “Aviation, Geography, and Race.” The Reader’s Digest. November 1939: 64–7.
This article contains eugenic and white supremacy views, and gives them as reasons for staying
out of the European war. These views closely aligned with the unpopular Nazis, as well. This was
used to show that Lindbergh was politically inept, and an easy target for the media.
________. Checks, handwritten, photocopied. MHS. Lindbergh, Charles A. and family papers 1808–
1987. P1675. Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987.
These are copies of the actual checks written to pay Ryan airlines for building the Spirit of St.
Louis. One is written before the flight, and one is written after.
________. Class notes. Ms. ca. 1920–1922. MHS. Lindbergh, Charles A. and family papers 1808–1987.
P1675. Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987. Folder: Univ. of WI, Madison.
These are actual class notes that CAL took during his two years of college. It is important because
it shows that he was not an attentive student. There are many doodles and not many notes. Rifle
scores are the ones most neatly written, and the mathematics is basic. His only passing grades
were in physical education and military drills.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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________. “Isolationist Speech.” 11 September 1941. Transcript. Speech given in Des Moines, IA.
In this speech CAL says Jewish people, the President, and Great Britain are pushing us into war,
which caused many people, including isolationists, to turn against him. It is important because it
effectively ends CAL’s political career.
________. Lindbergh Looks Back: A Boyhood Reminiscence. St. Paul: MHS Press, 2002.
This book is a republication of CAL’s original book in 1972. This version, however, has an
introduction by his daughter Reeve Lindbergh, and Brian Horrigan, a curator at MHS (see
Secondary Sources). CAL describes his childhood and family. Many photographs are included.
Information about his LF home is useful to this paper.
________. Radio Address on America’s Air Defense. CBS: 19 May 1940. MHS. Audiotape 193.
This radio address was broadcast across the country. CAL urges Americans to keep out of the
European war, and is an example of the themes of his isolationist speeches. It is interesting to
hear CAL’s voice. He does not sound comfortable with public speaking.
________.“Remarks on Assoc. Press” folder. TLS. 6 – 8 May 1969. MHS. Lindbergh, Charles A. and
family papers 1808–1987. P1675. Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987.
This is one of several of CAL’s word-by-word critiques of unauthorized biographies. The content
is interesting and provides factual information, but he often dismisses whole parts as “fiction” or
“hooey,” discredits others’ impressions of what he did, and is picky on word choices. This is
important because it shows how accurate and controlling he was with his life story.
________.“Remarks on Ross” folder. TLS. 1 – 11 August 1968. MHS. Lindbergh, Charles A. and family
papers 1808–1987. P1675. Box 11: CAL Papers 1913–1987.
See “Remarks on Assoc. Press” folder. CAL’s motivations for the NY–Paris flight, and for
keeping the German medal are explained in this letter and are used in this paper.
________. The Spirit of St. Louis. NY: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1953.
This is CAL’s own complete story of his transatlantic flight: from the moment he decided to fly to
his victorious parade in NY city. It contains all his thoughts during the flight, all about the
weather conditions, compass readings, etc. He also tells stories about his past. This was used for
many details leading up to the flight (including his distaste for the media), and the flight itself. It
won a Pulitzer Prize. This was a valuable resource for CAL’s famous flight.
________. The Wartime Journals of Charles A. Lindbergh. NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1970.
These are typed copies of handwritten journals that CAL kept 1938–1945. He describes his
isolationist attitude and his conflict with FDR, and what he sees in his travels through Europe,
especially on his tour of military aircraft factories, and his activities during the war. This was a
valuable resource for CAL’s political era.
________. We. NY: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1927.
This is a book that was hastily written by CAL shortly after his NY to Paris flight. It is not nearly
as detailed as his later book The Spirit of St. Louis. Also, he does not talk about any of his
shortcomings in this book, such as his school record. It is stiff and bare facts.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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________. “We Are Not Prepared For War: Our dangers are here at home.” Vital Speeches. 15 February
1941: 266–7. Transcript. Speech before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, 6 February
1941.
This speech was given at hearings for Bill H.R. 1776 (See “Col. Lindbergh Tells House”) which
would send more military equipment to the Allies in Europe. This is important because CAL does
not directly say who he wants to win the war, but he points out how strong Germany is, and how
the U.S. should not enter the war for fear of invasion — he says he wants neither side to win.
“Lindbergh and the Nazis.” Editorial. The New Republic. 15 November 1939: 100.
This responds to CAL’s Aviation, Geography, and Race, making a case against racism and white
supremacy, and his “extraordinary outburst is only the confused and misguided thinking of a
young man who has never had any aptitude for public affairs and should never have been forced
into a position where he felt he must participate in them.” This is important because it supports
one of the themes of this paper: shame.
“Lindbergh hops off on long flight to Paris.” St. Paul Daily News. 20 May 1927: 1.
This newspaper article is a typical example of the details newspapers were reporting about the
beginning of CAL’s transatlantic flight — some accurate and some not.
“Lindbergh in fit condition say examiners.” LF Daily Transcript. 15 August 1927: 1.
CAL is quoted in this paper as saying that when his 3 month tour of the states with Spirit of St.
Louis is over, he is finished with public speaking. He was wrong.
“Lindbergh is guest of Ford.” LF Daily Transcript. 11 August 1927: 1.
During the Spirit of St. Louis tour to every state, CAL flew to Detroit and met Henry Ford. He
gave Henry and his son Edsel their first airplane ride in front of many reporters. This shows not
only “Lindy Fever” but “Aviation Fever.” Later, Ford returns the favor by giving CAL a job
during WWII when the military rejects him. See “Lindbergh takes post with Ford.”
“Lindbergh Pleads to Keep America Out of War.” LF Herald. 16 May 1941: 1.
This article describes CAL’s Minneapolis America First appearance. It notes that LF people
attended, and that CAL hopes that a LF America First unit will be formed. It is important because
it casts suspicion on the myth about CAL’s name being removed from the water tower for
political reasons (see “Telling the World” for details).
Lindbergh, Reeve. “The Flyer: Charles Lindbergh.” Time. 14 June 1999: 74+.
This article was written by CAL’s and AML’s youngest child. She tells of finding out about her
father’s political activities before WWII, and being shocked by what he had said about Jewish
people. She said it was never discussed in their home, demonstrating how even those close to
CAL did not know the whole story. She also said that her parents blamed the press for the death
of their first child; a quote about this was used in this paper.
________. Under a Wing: A Memoir. NY: Simon and Schuster, 1998.
This is excellent insight into the Lindberghs’ home. This tells how the mysterious trips of CAL
are a part of their lives; how they missed him when he was gone, but how strange things were
when he returned. A quote is used about how frustrated RL is when CAL never explains his racist
and anti-Semitic speeches. This illustrates CAL’s preferred way to communicate with the public:
one-way encounters.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
Rice 21
Lindbergh: The Shocking, Turbulent Life of America’s Lone Eagle (American Experience). Directed by
Steven Ives. Produced by Ken Burns. WGBH Boston, 1996. Videocassette. Shanachie
Entertainment Corp. 1997.
This useful video on CAL’s life is listed with primary sources because much of it is actual footage
of CAL, and there are many interviews with people who knew him, including his wife Anne
Morrow Lindbergh and their children Jon and Reeve.
“Lindbergh takes post with Ford.” LF Herald. 3 April 1942: 1.
This article tells of CAL’s contribution to the WWII effort, bomber plane design. It is important
because it shows CAL’s determination to help, even though the military has refused him because
of his pre-war politics. It is also interesting because Henry Ford supported the anti-war America
First movement like CAL did. Ford is suspected of supplying Nazi Germany in this era.
“Lindy’s Secret Life: Three Germans claim to be aviator Charles Lindbergh’s long-hidden family.”
People Weekly. 25 August 2003: 72.
This announces that CAL might have a German family. This is important because it shows
another reason that CAL had to avoid the press.
“Lindbergh’s Appeal.” Minneapolis Morning Tribune. 18 September 1939: 4.
This is an editorial about CAL’s first public isolationist speech (See “Fig[h]ting for Democracy”).
It is important because it lists CAL’s fame, being a son of the state, and his “infrequent
utterances” as reasons to listen. This shows the media’s power — fame provides an audience.
“Lindbergh’s Name.” LF Herald. 21 August 1942: 1.
This weekly newspaper’s article is important because it was the first one I discovered that
disagreed with story that CAL’s name was deliberately removed from LF’s water tower because
of his politics. See “Telling the World” for more details. LF Herald also highlighted this issue in
“City Tank Being Redecorated” on 11 Sep. 1942: 1.
Lyman, Robert Hunter, ed. The World Almanac and Book of Facts for 1927 (also 1928). NY: New York
World, 1928 (also 1929).
These two almanacs give information about the state of media technology and its level of use. In
the 1927 Almanac (p. 262), the circulation of periodicals is listed. In the 1928 almanac (pp. 151–
4), home radio development and usage at the time of CAL’s transatlantic flight is discussed. This
shows the explosion of these technologies in a short amount of time.
Morton, Ian, Retired Macalester College professor. Telephone interview by author. 14 March 2004.
Mr. Morton is an 89 year old lifelong resident of St. Paul. He remembers that every young boy
wanted to be CAL. This is important because it illustrates how famous and heroic CAL was.
Aviation fascinated everyone. When Mr. Morton was young, outdoor activities would stop
whenever a plane flew over.
“Most Precious says Lindbergh.” St. Paul Daily News. 23 August 1927: 4.
This advertisement shows one of CAL’s rare endorsements of a non-aviation product, a Waterman
fountain pen (he carried one on his famous flight). This is important because it shows that he was
not interested in the money he could earn from fame, but in how he could help aviation grow.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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“Mrs. Lindbergh bids calm good-by to son.” NY Times. 15 May 1927: 2.
The deep bond between Mrs. Lindbergh and CAL is discussed. They are asked to kiss and Mrs.
Lindbergh refuses, saying that “we come of an undemonstrative Nordic race.” A photograph of
them standing side by side is printed in the article; but another newspaper fakes a kissing photo.
This shows the press can be deceptive, as Lindbergh quickly learned.
“My Last Address.” Time. 13 October 1941: 15.
This article notes the strain in CAL’s voice at an America First rally in Fort Wayne. His
September speech about the Jews pulling the U.S. into war has taken its toll on him, and he
declares this might be his last address. He says he has tried to give the truth without passion or
prejudice, and politics is not his vocation. Just beneath this article, a Gallup poll finds that in the
past week, 70% believe it is more important to defeat Hitler than stay out of war (up 10% from
the previous week). This is important because it shows that CAL has slipped from fame to shame.
“Now it’s two signs on tank.” LF Daily Transcript. 11 September 1942: 1.
This is a comical episode in LF’s attempt to dispel the rumor that it removed CAL’s name from its
water tower for political reasons (See “Telling the World”). The tower has been repainted with
CAL’s name, but it cannot be seen from the highway that runs near LF, so the mayor has decided
to call the crew back to add his name to the other side, too. It shows the attempts LF made to
show the world that they still supported CAL, but still the national media held to its myth.
Oak Meadows Senior Housing residents. Group interview by author. 1 April 2004. Oakdale, MN.
A group of fifteen senior citizens attended a roundtable discussion that I led. At the time of CAL’s
transatlantic flight, the youngest was 3 years old, the oldest was 17. One had met CAL when he
was a barnstormer. They candidly shared their memories and opinions, not only about CAL, but
also about the media, and how important radio and newsreels were in their early lives. This is a
tremendously important resource because they put the CAL excitement, WWII, and the “new”
media into perspective with today’s events. Other items that were directly useful to this paper
were: They were still overwhelmingly thrilled by CAL’s flight. Everyone remembered what they
were doing during the flight; likewise, they were all deeply saddened by the kidnapping. They
also emphasized that most Americans did not want to enter WWII, but that was forgotten after
Pearl Harbor. Rev. Joanne Sylvander helped organize this discussion, and these are the attendees
who wished to have their names attributed: Sally Rhodes, Marcella Watson, Ruth Loucks, Vera
Peacock, Ruth M. Ridenour, Mary Vomela, Marion Longlet, Loraine Mayer, Virginia Edlund,
Phyllis Erickson, Margaret Geske, Margaret Hudalla, June Soma, Ruth Enlow, Marceline Lay.
Ms. Edlund’s opinion about CAL’s flight was simple: “He was crazy!”
“Paris goes wild as daring Minnesotan swoops down, ending history-making Atlantic flight.” St. Paul
Daily News. 22 May 1927: 1+.
This newspaper article provides details about the end of Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, and the
celebration in France.
“People.” Life. 6 June 1941: 54–6.
This article contains a photograph which also appeared in Time in June 1941 (“War and Peace”).
It looks like a Nazi salute, but Lindbergh is actually reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at an
America First rally (Berg 420). It is important because it shows how naive Lindbergh was about
politics, and how easy it was for the media to discredit him, whether he deserved it or not. The
photo appears in this paper.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
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Rather, Dan. World War II on the Air. CD. In World War II on the Air. By Mark Bernstein and Alex
Lubertozzi. Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2003.
This CD is listed as a primary source because the actual radio broadcasts from Mar. 1938 to Sep.
1945 were the most useful to this paper. This is one of my most important resources on the power
of the media; these are very moving broadcasts. Especially interesting are the voices of Churchill
giving his Dunkirk speech, “We Shall Never Surrender;” FDR with “A Day Which Will Live in
Infamy,” E. R. Murrow reporting from London during bombing, and various reporters around the
world reporting on the war. This is demonstrates the oration skills of FDR, Churchill, and
Murrow, and their ability to sway public opinion — CAL had tough opponents. The companion
book is a secondary source, and describes the events leading up to the broadcasts.
Replica Spirit of St. Louis. Visit to Lindbergh Terminal, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. 28
February 2004.
Inside the Lindbergh Terminal at MSP International hangs an actual-size replica of the Spirit of
St. Louis. This was important to this study because it demonstrates both the genius of the
engineering and the danger of the flight. Everything was aerodynamically shaped, down to the
wing-shape of the axle pins. It is a very small plane with only one engine — no room for error.
Rivard, John. Interview by Katherine Weitz. 11 April 2000. Transcript. Oral history of MHS retirees,
Brian Horrigan, MHS, St. Paul.
Mr. Rivard was a site manager for CAL’s boyhood home in the late 1960s. He met CAL, and he
was impressed with his memory of his boyhood home. Like Fridley and Coddington (see above),
CAL he tells Rivard that he despises the press, and this was used in this paper.
Roosevelt, Franklin D. “Roosevelt on Hitler.” Life. 9 June 1941: 36.
This short article summarizes FDR’s view that if German facism dominates Europe, it will
challenge democracy even as far away as Canada and the U.S. This is useful because it illustrates
the differences between the ideologies, and why FDR is committed to getting involved in Europe.
Rose, Marc A. “Hitler’s Aerial Triumph.” Reader’s Digest. March 1939: 6–10. Condensed from The
Forum, March 1939.
This article discusses CAL’s survey of European military capabilities, and the rankings of their
power. Germany is a perfect 10, followed by Russia, then Italy; the U.S., France and Britain are
much lower. It contains many details of numbers and types of equipment. This is important
because it shows CAL’s confidential report did get to the press, and he painted a dismal picture of
the Allies’ strength.
“Shun Europe’s wars, Lindbergh warns U.S.” St. Paul Pioneer Press. 16 September 1939: 1–2.
This discusses CAL’s first radio-broadcast anti-war speech; it is noted that CAL rarely speaks
publicly. It is important because the press mentions he used his aviation expertise to justify his
anti-war position: the oceans will protect America from air attack, thus CAL is trying to use his
hero’s status to sway the public.
Standing by Plane, Charles Lindbergh, black & white photograph. 1927. Lindbergh Collection, Sterling
Memorial Library, Yale University. In Under A Wing. By Reeve Lindbergh. NY: Simon and
Schuster, 1998, 96+.
This photograph of CAL standing with the plane appears in this paper.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
Rice 24
“Telling the World: Lindbergh’s name to be put on water tower.” LF Daily Transcript. 18 August 1942: 1.
This is one of the most important resources of this project, because it dispels a myth that
reputable historians (like A. Scott Berg) and LF city administration thought was true. They
believed that CAL’s name on the water tower (painted on after his flight) was removed because of
his German sympathies. Reading through many LF newspapers showed the city favored CAL (the
high school’s nickname is “the Fliers”). When he erred, they said he was human. Why would they
wipe his name from the tower? This article reveals the truth. The name was painted over for
maintenance, and it took a while to find and afford a skilled sign painter. A Minneapolis
columnist started the myth by writing that the name had been removed because of CAL’s politics;
national media picked it up. No one bothered to check the facts, and LF tried, but could not dispel
the myth. They were quite indignant that others thought they could disown their favorite son. I
notified LF City Hall, Morrison County Historical Society, MHS, and Mr. Berg about this.
The Thirties: 1939 (Volume 8). Original newsreels from Universal Picture Co., Inc., c. 1930. Columbia
River Entertainment Group, 1997. Videocassette.
These are a collection of newsreels from the 1930s (even though labeled 1939) and provide
excellent background information about that era. There are several newsreels of FDR speaking.
This was used to compare CAL’s speaking style with FDR.
Time front cover of Charles Lindbergh III. 2 May 1932.
This is used to illustrate the media frenzy over the kidnapping and murder of the baby.
Tobin, William, Professional journalist. Interview by e-mail to author. 21 March 2004.
Mr. Tobin is a journalist who has a long career as an Associate Press reporter, newspaper writer,
editor of Alaska’s largest newspaper, and now as a columnist. He was born about the time of
CAL’s flight, so his earliest memories of CAL are as a national hero who was constantly in the
newsreels. He was a teenager, glued to the radio before and during WWII. As a professional, Mr.
Tobin provided important first-hand insight on the media’s power during this era and its
marvelous reporters (Murrow, Shirer, Pyle). He still admires their work as “journalism of the
highest order.” He felt wartime media brought war home to Americans, generally without spin or
bias — war is always brutal. He also felt that the media was mostly fair to CAL, and it was his
actions that brought him scorn as a Nazi sympathizer. He also admired the oratorical skills of
Churchill and FDR, and how both of these men inspired America. Mr. Tobin’s memories and
analysis were invaluable resources on the power of the mass media during this era.
“War and Peace.” Time 2 June 1941: 14–15.
This article contains a photograph which also appeared in Life in June 1941. See “People” for its
importance to this project. The photo appears in this paper.
Secondary Sources:
Berg, A. Scott. Lindbergh. NY: G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1998.
Mr. Berg is the only biographer allowed access to all of CAL’s papers (2,000 boxes) and all of the
family. His book contains quotations from primary sources that other historians cannot see, so it
is an invaluable resource. It was useful especially for his anti-war politics and the end of his life,
but also helped to verify other sources. Directly quoted is CAL’s telegram to the United Press (16
Aug. 1932) imploring them to leave his children alone. Also important is his erroneous inclusion
of the myth about CAL’s name on the water tower on page 421 (see “Telling the World”).
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
Rice 25
Carley, Kenneth. “Lindbergh in Song.” Minnesota History. Spring 1977: 192–4.
This article discusses the many songs (over 100) written about CAL right after the transatlantic
flight. This shows how much he was in the public’s mind.
Chadwick, Roxane. Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Pilot and Poet. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Co.,
1987.
This book was useful for information about AML, especially their search for privacy, and the
aviation trips that she took with CAL.
Denenberg, Barry. An American Hero: The True Story of Charles A. Lindbergh. NY: Scholastic, Inc. 1996.
This was the first book I read about CAL, and it sparked my interest. This biography of CAL’s
life includes many quotations, and background information. Especially useful to this paper was
the section on his America First involvement.
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. Note-books. Ed. Edmund Wilson. NY: New Directions Publishing, 1945.
This quotation by a contemporary of CAL illustrates this paper’s theme: CAL was a great
explorer, but fame lead him to family tragedy and public scorn. I included it after studying
Fitzgerald in English class. Afterward, I found Lindbergh: The Shocking, Turbulent Life of
America’s Lone Eagle also used this (see Primary Sources).
Fried, Albert. FDR and his Enemies. NY: Palgrave, 1999.
Pages 172–207 are an overview of the political battles between CAL and FDR, and how CAL
was defeated by not only FDR’s political expertise and use of the media; but also by his blindness
to Hitler’s true objectives. It is excellent background for the WWII portion of this paper.
Giblin, James Cross. Charles A. Lindbergh: A Human Hero. NY: Clarion Books, 1997.
This is a detailed biography of CAL’s entire life, and was generally useful for details on CAL
including all his contributions (besides the transatlantic flight) and his controversies. The chapters
on Baby Lindbergh’s kidnapping are excellent. The detailed timeline at the end is helpful.
Gill, Brendan. Lindbergh Alone: May 21, 1927. NY: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1977.
This is an interesting biography of CAL, but it is not organized in chronological order, and does
not have an index so information is hard to find quickly. It has great illustrations including a
picture of CAL’s application for the Orteig prize.
Gottfried, Ted. The American Media. NY: Franklin Watts, 1992.
This book discusses the history of media and the impact that it has had on society. The
information on radio development and its impact on WWII audiences was especially useful.
Hardesty, Von. Lindbergh: Flight’s Enigmatic Hero. NY: Harcourt, 2002.
Mr. Hardesty is a curator at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This detailed book
(with many photos) was important CAL background, even though it contains some common
errors (CAL did drink coffee!). Information about CAL’s pre-WWII survey was used here.
Horrigan, Brian. “ ‘My Own Mind and Pen’ Charles Lindbergh, Autobiography, and Memory.” Minnesota
History. Spring 2002: 3–14.
This article is about CAL’s personal life and the creation of a museum in Little Falls, Minnesota,
his boyhood home. The useful information was his relationship with the press, his photo albums,
and his mechanical ability. It is also good insight on his personality.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory
Rice 26
________, MHS historian. Interview by author, 25 February 2004. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Mr. Horrigan is a historian and helped design displays at the Lindbergh Little Falls Museum. His
information about how Lindbergh viewed the Morrow family is used in this paper. He also
pointed me to many other sources about Lindbergh’s controversial views, and provide me with
transcripts of oral interviews with people who worked with Lindbergh on developing the museum
(See Primary Sources: D. Coddington, R. Fridley, J. Rivard).
Larson, Bruce. “Barnstorming with Lindbergh.” Minnesota History. Summer 1991: 230–8.
CAL’s early days of flying are described here. It is important to this paper because it shows how
he developed the survival skills necessary for his NY to Paris flight.
________. “Lindbergh’s Return to Minnesota, 1927.” Minnesota History. Winter 1970: 141–52.
This describes Lindbergh’s triumphant return to Minnesota on the Spirit of St. Louis tour. It is
important because it tells how his flight and goodwill tour caused aviation expand tremendously.
Marquis, Alice Goldfarb. Hope and Ashes: The Birth of Modern Times 1929–1939. NY: Free Press, 1986.
This book provided information on the development of modern communication technology and
its impact on society.
Rinard, Judith. Book of Flight: Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum. Buffalo: Firefly Books, 2001.
This book provided a history of aviation, including CAL and his barnstorming days. There are
photographs of CAL’s famous transatlantic plane, Spirit of St. Louis, especially the interior which
shows how few instruments there were, and the famous wicker pilot seat.
Ross, Walter S. The Last Hero: Charles A. Lindbergh. NY: Harper and Row, 1968.
This is an unauthorized biography of CAL, written before CAL’s death. The author relies on
interviews and public sources for his information because CAL did not cooperate. Still, the
information on CAL’s isolationist views is useful to this paper.
Spirit of St. Louis. Directed by Billy Wilder. Performance by James Stewart. Warner Bros., 1957. Warner
Home Video, 1997. Videocassette.
This is the movie version of CAL’s book. It is generally accurate, and very well done. It was
especially useful for details about his St. Louis backers.
Stein, R. Conrad. The Spirit of St. Louis (Cornerstones of Freedom). Chicago: Children’s Press, 1994.
This is a CAL biography with excellent photos, but it does not mention much about the
controversy in his life. It tells about the actual first transatlantic flight by two British pilots in
May 1919 (Newfoundland to Ireland), which is rarely mentioned. This was included in this paper.
Time Almanac 2000. Boston: Information Please, 1999.
This was useful for information about a friend of CAL, Dr. Alexis Carrel, and his Nobel Prize.
Westfall, Donald H. Lindbergh House. St. Paul: MHS Press, 1994.
This is mainly about the house, town, and artifacts that CAL grew up with. It does contain some
interesting information about his family, though.
Source Format Used:
Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 6th ed. Chicago:
University of Chicago Press, 1996.
Copyright © 2004 Ellen Rice. ht t p: / / sect ion216.com / hist ory