Comments on: ZR-1 USS Shenandoah

By: Emil P

Emil P — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:08:09 +0000

Hi Dorian,

When I read your posting I became curious about your grandfather (I’d never seen mention of specific persons involved in the design of the Shenandoah before, other than that it was based on the L-49 and built at the Naval Aircraft Factory). At any rate, some digging revealed this. You may find it of interest (mention of the “Shenandoah” is on page 10).

http://cityplanning.lacity.org/staffrpt/CHC/1-24-08/CHC-2007-5437.pdf

By: Ed O'Sullivan

Ed O'Sullivan — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:22:06 +0000

As a grandson of PO Bart B. O’Sullivan of the Shenandoah crew, I have always been interested in this particular airship. It wasn’t till this summer that I got a chance to visit the memorial in Ava, OH. Needless to say, I was awed struck by its size and design. May these pioneers always be remembered. If anyone has photos of the crew, I would be interested in obtaining them. Having never had a chance to meet my grandfather, I would appreciate photos of him.

By: Pat Masters

Pat Masters — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:21:25 +0000

thanks to all who have contributed anything to this site. My grandfather was Franklyn Everett Masters, Sr., and was on the Shenandoah when it crashed. He survived. If anyone has any copies of any pictures or information they can send to me, I would surely appreciate it. My brother is trying to put together a little more history on this airship. Thank you all so much for your interest in this.

By: Rebekah A. Boswell

Rebekah A. Boswell — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:24:45 +0000

My great grandfather was one of the survivors on the USS Shenandoah. His name is Henry L. Boswell. He tragically died in the USS Akron. If you have any information, pictures, letters, anything that I could have I would greatly appreciate it. There is a family mystery of what happened to my great grandfather’s side of the family. My great grandmother who was married to Henry, fled with my grandfather (Franklin Wallace Boswell) because Henry’s family was trying to take my grand father from her. I know its a stretch, but I am trying to fix the puzzle. Many of my family members have given up. I will not until I find them. Thank you!

By: Tim Morris

Tim Morris — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:27:41 +0000

I have an early set of dog tags from Arthur E Carlson, and copies of his service record papers. He survived the Shenandoah crash, and was killed on the Akron.
I also believe he served on the Los Angeles and the Ship lost in England being built for the Navy.

The dog tags also have a lucky bean, and a little black pig on the chain..I understand that back then the lucky bean was a common good luck charm in England..where he would have been during the loss of the earlier ship..he was not aboard that one that day..

After obtaining these I realized how difficult

By: Dorian Hill

Dorian Hill — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 17:23:02 +0000

I enjoyed your page on the Shenandoah… I was hunting down further information about my Grandfather Roland E. Hill and came across many different postings about how he designed the Shenandoah early in his career. Do you have any additional information?

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:49:57 +0000

great blog! I am interested in the USS Shenandoah after reading a book I have called the Shenandoah Saga or something like that. I live in Noble County Ohio and have a few scraps of the airship as many do around here. I have visited the 3 crash sites often. There is a family by the name of Rayer in Ava that has a nice display of artifacts in a trailer. Our local county historical museum was wanting to know the other day if anyone knows the whereaouts of amy of the propellers?

thanks

By: Don Whiteley

Don Whiteley — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:28:49 +0000

I have a copy of a photo my father took of the Shenandoah as she flew over our village in Sept 1923. We lived about 30 miles from Lakehurst so often saw LTA craft. I do remember visiting the huge hangers at Lakehurst as a child. My dad’s photo has a note at the bottom “U.S. Navy ZR-1 The Shenandoah -9-’23″. Later he added on the photo “680′ long-Diam 78.7 – Completed 1923 – Crashed 9-3-25″.
I enjoyed your interesting site.

By: Bob Gallagher

Bob Gallagher — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 19:57:20 +0000

I have a scanned copy of a picture of one of the Shenandoah crash sites that my sister has. My parents were married that year and lived not far from the crash site. I will be glad to send the copy (not superior quality) via e-mail, if you would like to give me your e-mail address.

By: Alan David

Alan David — Fri, 06 May 2011 23:33:01 +0000

There was a truck stop on I70 called Shenendoah. It was torn down last year but the sign still stands of this writing. It is just a few miles from the crash site of the Navy airship and I wonder if any artifacts had been displayed there. Unfortunately I never made the connection untill after it closed and thus never stopped in to seeee ADavid