By ANN Correspondent RC Jones

Here's what happened:

EAA President, Tom Poberezny, opened the proceedings with a short talk about the past 50 years of EAA and invited longtime EAA'ers Wes Schmidt, the first Treasurer and volunteer; Ray Scholler (with Tom, right), the first VP; and Tom's father, Paul, EAA's Founder and guiding light for over three decades, to join him with words of the past 50 years.

Wes Schmidt was asked to speak on volunteerism, and he said that he believes that the volunteers over the past 50 years have done so much for EAA by helping with assembly of signs, picnic tables and assorted projects before the convention -- along with helping during the convention, to keep the 'well oiled machine' working. The latest project for the volunteers is Protect Our Planes: making sure people don't smoke near them, and keep food and beverages in certain areas (and not on the flightline).

There was a lot of history in the room.

Ray Scholler spoke on the early years of EAA. EAA started in January 1953, and Ray joined in October of 1953, becoming one of the first VPs. The Experimenter was originally set up on a linotype machine, and mimeographed for the circulation of 400; distribution was out of the trunk of Scholler's car. Later, Ray Chapman was paid $75 a month to help Paul Poberezny print the 'Experimenter' for mailing. Now, of course, EAA has an excellent staff, and puts together an array of first-class pubs, including Sport Aviation magazine, Warbirds, Vintage, Experimenter, and Sport Aerobatics.

The original EAA building in Hales Corners, Wisconsin was 800 square feet. It was used from the early 1970s until the move was made to Oshkosh in 1983. The new building and museum cover 355,000 square feet, and house close to 100 planes, in the museum and Pioneer Airport.

EAA Founder Paul Poberezny spoke of his past 50 years, building EAA into the finest organization for pilots and enthusiasts. After being recognized in Washington D.C., and being presented the 2002 Wright Brothers Trophy, Paul said 'the most important thing' was the people he met over the past 50 years.

How to make a Fly-In:

For the first of the conventions, Paul asked Aeronca to come and exhibit -- for free. After 7 years of asking, Aeronca was asked to pay a fee -- and then they showed up! Aeronca stated that when it was free, they said there was no value to the convention.

Paul also stated that one of the early EAA members is now #2 in FAA.

Tom Poberezny presented a plaque to the staff of EAA for the value they bring to the organization, with Isabelle Wiske, who joined EAA in 1971, accepting for the staff.

A sit-down dinner and birthday cake were enjoyed by the staff, docents, and members asked to join in the festivities.  Afterwards, Wes, Ray, Paul, and Tom were available for questions about EAA.

Some of the other notables present for the festivities were former employees Norm Petersen (Vintage magazine), Gene Chase, and his wife Dorothy.

FMI: www.eaa.org