Cedar Rapids aviator Tranberry remembered as Lindbergh lookalike
George E. Tranberry, once of Cedar Rapids, who bore a likeness to Charles A. Lindbergh, recalls early aviation days in Cedar Rapids. He was born there, attended Van Buren grade school and Washington high, learned flying in 1922 with Dan Turner, and recalls barnstormers offering rides in postwar Jennies. He now lives in St Petersburg where he runs a restaurant and shares stories.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
George E. Tranberry
Cedar Rapids
Charles A. Lindbergh
Lone Eagle
Tranberry
Cedar Pale
Ss. Tranberry
Third Avenue SE
van Buren
Old Washington High School
Dan Turner
Trawberry
St. Petersburg
Navy aviator Tranberry linked to Lindbergh in early years
The St. Petersburg paper traces the career of Tranberry, a Norwegian descent aviation mechanic who joined the navy in 1924 and trained at Anacostia. He helped reassemble Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, later soloed in 1928, worked with Pratt and Whitney, and served during World War II with United Aircraft at East Hartford.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Tranberry
Navy
Naval Air Station
Anacostia
D. C
Lindbergh
Atlantic
Paris
St. Louis
U. S
Pratt and Whitney
Hartford
Florida aviator Tranberry’s Caribbean flight tied to Byrd era
The ex aviator now runs The Tower restaurant in St Petersburg Florida. He recalled flying from Miami across the Caribbean to Panama to retrieve Byrd expedition photos. He partnered with Lee Shoenai, noted pioneer for altitude and speed records. Tranberry left aviation for winter tourism and resided in Florida since December. His sister lives in Cedar Rapids.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Miami
Caribbean
Panama
New York
Admiral Byrd
South Pole
Lee Shoenai
Tranberry
Also Mentioned on This Page
John Reynolds
Lindy
Spirit
Morf Concrete Products
Third Street
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Aaa
Lely Me
J. C. Kintz CO
Detroit
5Th Street
Secedar Rapids
Iowa
Slim
Joe Danziger
Srd
E. J. Maloney
Jeweler
Florida
Max M. Tow
Vetter-May Lumber Co
Vetter
17Th Street
Dial
J. F. Technik & Son
Daniels St
Acon’s
Roofing and Insulation CO
Third Avenue
Second Avenue and
Eighth Street SE
Ais 1
First Avenue
Wees
Second Street
Merry Christmas
Quebec
Ma Finge
Sounci
Nient
Illinois Gas
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!