From: everette (194cbteng@bellsouth.net)
Date: Fri Nov 21 2003 - 11:26:30 PST
Let me pass on my .02 about the Memphis Bell - the one in Memphis.
It sat for many years on a concrete platform behind a chain link fence,
windows covered over and plane painted battleship gray - no lettering no
insignia, just a lonesome old bird sitting on a concrete platform, seen be
very few and appreciated by even less, unless you count the pigeons that
roosted on and in her.
Then a group got together and restored her, several friends of mine put lots
and lots of hours and lots of money into her. Then she was taken down by
the river and put under a canvas cover - that was supposed to look like a
parachute - unattended, if you wanted to climb up on the plane just watch
until the volunteers that worked there were somewhere else. The Grand Old
Lady suffered vandal attacks, and the pains that come about when you are
over 50 years old and have very little protection from the weather.
Somehow the Air Force found out how she was being treated and told the
"powers at be" either take better care of her or we will come and get her
and take her to a secure place where she can be seen. Fine print said she
still belongs to Air Force.
The city of Memphis could/would not come up with money for a building until
someone suggested that they tie the "Belle" to the Tuskegee airmen and then
city would/could come up money. As I understand the plan now is to have a
"Tuskgee Airmen Museum" and display the "Belle" in it.
I read the post where it said --"The real one was restored to flying
condition with original and some hard to come by parts. It was then flown to
Memphis and was put on display" -- my understanding was the Belle was in
Oklahoma waiting its turn to be turned into pop cans and City of Memphis
paid the 300.00 they wanted for it and flew it back to Memphis and put on
concrete pedestal.
Flame shields up ----------
Everette
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