National Air Mail Week ... in 1938

Fort Lauderdale Supervisor, Customer Service Support Amy McCall proudly displays the letters given to her Grandpa who took part in the National Air Mail Week Campaign, May 15-21, 1938.

Story and Photos By Fort Lauderdale Customer Relations Coordinator Kelly Worthman

The brainchild of Postmaster General James A. Farley, Air Mail Week, designated May 15-21, 1938, encouraged every U.S. citizen to send an airmail letter during the celebration. On that Thursday, airmail service would be provided to even the most remote locations, when pilots all over the country were asked to donate their services, and be sworn in as government employees for 24 hours.

S.C. Huffman ("Grandpa" for short) piloted the first Air Mail flight from Fort Lauderdale, FL, Municipal Airport and Municipal Airport, Miami, FL.

The letter states:

This is an historic occasion, and we the representatives of the citizens of Fort Lauderdale and of the Post Office Department wish to take this opportunity to express our very keen appreciation to you and to the Miami Aero Corporation for the part you are playing in this initial air mail flight.

Today’s celebration looks both forward and backward. Ten years ago this field was dedication in honor of Merle L. Fogg, Fort Lauderdale pioneer aviator, first licensed aviator in the state of Maine, and the first man to pilot a ship from Maine to Florida.

Twenty years ago the first air mail flight from Washington to New York took place.

And today you are flying the mail from the Fort Lauderdale and Broward County area as our part in the great national celebration in connection with this romantic and dazzingly speedy method of handling the nation’s mail.

With all good wishes to you in this and in other flights, we are sincerely yours.

Signed on May 19, 1938.

City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor T. B. Manuel
Fort Lauderdale Postmaster A.G. Shand
Director, Municipal Aviation Department Director H.W. Langmead
Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce President Curtis Byrd