Did You Know?

Contributed by John Ashton

The first official airmail flight in Canada happened in Ontario in 1918. However, from 1918 to 1927 most of the airmail delivered was aboard unofficial flights—either stunts, exhibitions, or private corporations delivering mail to their own operations.

DID YOU KNOW - On Friday, November 14,1919, Pictou County made aviation history by receiving the first airmail newspaper delivery in Eastern Canada.

The DeVere Aviation School located in Bible Hill, Colchester County, was hired by the Atlantic Leader newspaper out of Halifax, to deliver/drop newspapers to the towns of Westville, Stellarton, New Glasgow, Trenton, Thorburn, and Pictou.

Pictou County did not have an airport until 1929 when a group of local pilots started the construction of Trenton Airport. It was officially opened in June 1932.

Click photos for the best viewing.

Archival information from Archives Canada, The Halifax Herald, The Evening Mail

Footnote:

John Ashton is a Pictou County historical researcher, newspaper columnist, author, graphic, and visual artist. He has operated his business Ashton Creative Design from his Bridgeville studio, office/gallery, and archives for over 37 years.