American Aerial Navigation Company

American Aerial Navigation Company Collection of Diana Brunello, 2-3-06

These certificates were purchased by my Great Grandmother, Jennie Williams. I don't think any dollar amount a collector could come up with could match the sentimental value they hold for me. I wonder how many women in the 1900's were purchasing stock in their own name in ventures like this. She was definitely way ahead of her times and lived her life accordingly. I can just imagine her traveling from Santa Rosa, about 60 miles north of San Francisco, to see the flight herself in 1903. The certificate will remain hanging in my hallway a wonderful reminder of my great grandmother.      I want to thank you for your wonderful web site. I have been looking for information on many of these old certificates my Great grandmother had purchased for quite some time. Unfortunately, I had been unsuccessful on all attempts until I put in August Greth and came upon your site. I thoroughly enjoyed it and all the information it provided. Sincerely, Diana Brunello

 

Jennie Williams Great Grandmother of Diana Brunello Collection of Diana Brunello, 2-5-06

 

EDITOR'S NOTES      I thank Diana for sharing this precious piece of memorabilia and the photograph of her great grandmother with us. Beyond its historical value, it demonstrates the care with which these documents were produced and the attention to artistic detail which was lavished on them. The date, October 31, 1902, establishes the timeframe of the purchase. Of special interest are the signatures of J. S. Stanton and August Greth. Out of curiosity, I did search on the name "J. S. Stanton," using Google, but did not find any relevant links. So for the moment, he remains a shadowy figure in this enterprise.

 

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