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Hangar Flying By Viola Gentry (The following is an excerpt from Viola’s book. It more or less shows the founding and reason for the LIEFC.) In September 1956, a friend in Southampton was invited by the Navy, along with all other living of the first 250 Naval Pilots, to a reunion on the super carrier, "Forrestal." Slim Hennicke enjoyed part of the story his friend told about it, then held off until he could get some of the old-timers together for he knew they would all enjoy it. Slim was asked to continue these get-togethers. He had a notice put in the newspapers that there would be a meeting open to those who were in aviation during 1925 or earlier, announcing that someone would give a talk on his World War I experiences…and they were off! From that came the Long Island Early Fliers Club. The first president was Early Bird Colonel Harold Fowler, who lived in Southampton. Colonel Fowler was a very distinguished World War I pilot. Vice-President was Slim Hennicke. Although some of us are still flying, that is not a requirement now. The Long Island Early Fliers Club does not intend to compete with any other organization nor give any impression that we feel we were "Pioneers" in any sense. We do want to give those who like to reminisce the opportunity to be able to do so monthly, near home, and at little expense. To keep Slim’s vision alive we must all contribute by attending meetings and if possible sending articles for the newsletter, etc…. (Submitted by David Horn) Photo Caption: "Eddie Burgin’s Hot Dog Stand on Old Roosevelt Field – Old Country Road. 1922-23." Left to Right: Henry Smith, Bob Simpson, Eddie Burgin, Doc Greenbaum, "Frenchy", Ed Smith, Cliff Pettersen.
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