HISTORY AT A GLANCE

A front-page story in the May 1, 1938, Shelton Daily Spokesman began: "As the surprise feature of National Air Mail Week comes word today from Shelton Postmaster Jessie Knight that the first-ever flight of mail would take off from Shelton between 4 and 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. Well-known local pilot Walter Graham, who will have the honor of taking Shelton's first and only air mail load from Sanderson Field, is in Seattle today to get final instructions."

A civic group led by Mayor L. D. Hack was drawing up plans for a program to be held at Sanderson Field, and was hoping to have the "fine high school band" as a highlight of the ceremonies.

It was thought that the much-heralded nationwide drive to make citizens of America air-mail conscious would result in a huge sale of air mail stamps. "First flight stamp bugs will no doubt flood the local office with requests and special preparations are being made for this demand." Miss Knight believed that the number of calls and letters from stamp fans statewide, plus the attractive advertising cachet, would result in Shelton receiving nationwide publicity. Local residents were urged to have a letter ready to be included on the historic flight that would represent Shelton's individual effort to celebrate National Air Mail Week.

At 5:30 p.m. on May 18, a pouch carrying 1,100 pieces of mail left the post office for Sanderson Field, under escort of city police officer Ray Starwich. At the airfield, hundreds of people watched "an inspiring program" prior to the flight, with former Mayor C. E. Runacres acting as master of ceremonies. Colors were escorted by the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Boy Scouts; the Shelton High School band performed; and Mayor Hack made a few remarks before introducing Miss Knight.

After a short talk thanking people for their splendid cooperation, Miss Knight presented Walter Graham with his official commission. The mail pouch was loaded onto the plane, Mr. Graham and Miss Knight climbed aboard, and the little plane lifted off from Sanderson Field, circled over Shelton, and headed for Seattle. "Just 23 minutes later, Air Mail pilot-for-a-day Walter Graham landed his trim plane at Boeing Field - one of scores of planes carrying mail to Boeing Field that day." Graham then flew his plane to Tacoma, and he and Miss Knight returned to Shelton by automobile.

According to the Spokesman, "the day was a complete success in every way, and was an indication of what can be expected in aviation's carrying of the mail within a short span of years."

Jan Parker is a researcher for the Mason County Historical Museum. She can be reached at [email protected]. Membership in the Mason County Historical Society is $25 per year. For a limited time, new members will receive a free copy of the book "Shelton, the First Century Plus Ten."