Creator

Kenneth R. Bjornson

Physical Description

2 rolls of 8mm film

History Biographical

Ken Bjornson came to the Champion district in 1937 with H.A. Bjornsons, from Coaldale. They moved onto the former Jopling farm. In 1945, Ken Bjornson married Mary Downing from Carmangay and took up residence on the Bowman farm. The couple had three daughters - Rosella, Grace and Gloria. Ken Bjornson have had private Pilot's license for twenty two years and we have been active in the Flying Farmer Organization since it started in Alberta. Rosella holds the distinction of being the first female pilot for a commercial airline in North America and the first woman member of the Canadian Airline Pilots Association. Rosella received her education at Champion, Vulcan, and took a four year course at the University of Calgary. She started flying at the age of 17, obtained her private pilot's license in Lethbridge, then her Commercial and Instructor courses in Calgary. Later she became a Flying Instructor at the Winnipeg Flying Club. Over the years, she worked for a variety of commercial airlines, most recently Air Canada and Zip. In 1997, Rosella Bjornson was inducted into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. In 2004, she was inducted into the Women in Aviation International Hall of Fame. [source: Cleverville - Champion 1905-1970. Champion History Committee, 1970. Pages 590-591]

Acquisition Source

Grace Klitmoller, daughter of Kenneth and Mary Bjornson.

Scope and Content

The recordings capture footage of the following: aerial scenes, flying Cessna plane, air show, flying club, Rosella Bjornson with her Cessna; everyday life on a farm, farming activities, children play, pond skating and hockey, snow shoveling, moving a barn, family vacation and more

Accession No.

20081092

Collection

Archive

Less detail