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Joseph P. Minton collection of Purdue Aeronautics Corporation and Purdue Airlines Inc. historical material

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: MSA 257

Scope and Contents

The Joseph P. Minton collection of Purdue Aeronautics Corporation and Purdue Airlines Inc. historical material documents Joseph P. Minton's tenure as president of Purdue University Airlines, Incorporated, 1969 - 1971. Included among the material are photographs, newspaper clippings, info on Hugh Hefner's plane, "The Big Bunny," housed and maintained at the Purdue Airport, brochures, annual reports, stationery, performance reports, articles concerning Purdue Airlines, working papers and miscellaneous historical documents, some written by Joseph P. Minton.

Dates

  • 1960 - 2010
  • Majority of material found within 1969 - 1971

Creator

Language of Materials

Collection material is in English.

Access Information

The collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Portions of material in this collection are in the public domain. Other material copyrights held by Purdue University. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

Joseph Paul Minton was born on October 20, 1924 in Houston, Texas to Joseph Marian and Stella (Fite) Minton. Aviation fascinated Minton at an early age, and he took his first solo flight at 16 and won his wings at 19. Minton saw WWII as an opportunity to fly, and he signed up to serve his country after high school. He was accepted for flight training in the United States Army Air Forces Aviation Cadet Training Program and graduated with honors in Class 44B.

During World War II, he flew 432 missions in the China-Burma-India theatre. Minton was with the Military Air Transport Service in the United States Air Force for seven years and in the Strategic Air Force bomber operations five years. He was also at the Pentagon four years.

After the war, he enrolled in Purdue University's Air Transportation Program, while continuing to serve in the Reserves. While at Purdue Minton served as a flight instructor in P-51 and A-26 aircraft for the Indiana National Guard and as an instructor for Purdue University's flight programs. All of the added experience he gained at Purdue helped him to return to active duty in the United States Army Air Forces, at a time when all military programs were being reduced. He went on to spend a total of twenty years in the USAF, always in flight status. He was a B-47 command pilot with the 380th Bombardment Wing, and earned rapid promotion from Major to full Colonel within three years, finally serving as a staff officer at the Pentagon, while still flying.

In 1967 Minton received an offer to become President of Purdue Airlines, and at 44, Colonel Minton started a second career, managing an airline. He also later served as an airline executive for a Singapore national carrier and for British Caledonia. He wrapped up his career as Executive Director of Aviation for the National Safety Council. In retirement he was active in Habitat for HuUmanity and many other charitable organizations.

Joseph Paul Minton passed away in Reston, Virginia on April 29, 2016.

Extent

0.182 Cubic Feet (One letter-size half-width manuscript box)

Arrangement

The collection is grouped by type of material within the six folders.

Acquisition Information

Collection donated by Joseph P. Minton on October 13, 2010.

Processing Information

All materials have been housed in acid-free folders and acid-free boxes. Some newspaper clippings have been photocopied for preservation purposes. Photographs have been placed in polyester sleeves.
Title
Joseph P. Minton collection of Purdue Aeronautics Corporation and Purdue Airlines Inc. historical material
Status
Completed
Author
Mary A. Sego
Date
2019-05-16
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
English
Edition statement
Second edition. Collection description was first completed 2011-07-28.

Repository Details

Part of the Purdue University Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
504 Mitch Daniels Boulevard
West Lafayette Indiana 47907 United States
765-494-2839