Arthur and Area Historical Society held its first monthly meeting of 2015 on Jan. 27.
Members elected a new slate of officers to carry out duties for the next two years. They included: president Robert Macdonald, vice-president Lionel Smith, secretary Faye Craig and treasurer Betty-Anne Samuel.
The presentation this month was by Vivianne Macdonald. Her father, an aeronautical engineer, joined the A.V. Roe company in Brampton after the family emigrated from England after World War II. Vivianne talked about Billings’ experiences around the development of the AVRO Arrow (CF-105) jet. His specific work was on the cockpit’s instrument panel.
After nearly 10 years of planning, development and building, A.V. Roe launched the Arrow on Oct. 4, 1958. On that day, the young Vivianne was there with many other A. V. Roe families. She remembers hearing the bang as the Arrow broke the sound barrier. She also remembers that lemonade and white cake were served.
After the devastating cancellation of the Arrow in February, 1959, thousands of employees were left trying to find work elsewhere. As Vivianne indicated, the engineers and other highly skilled people, her father included, became part of a brain drain to the United States and elsewhere. Billings went to work for Lougheed Aircraft in Georgia. Fortunately he was able to return after several months to work for DeHavilland and then Bombardier, until his retirement.
As well as giving her unique perspective, Vivianne provided a comprehensive view of the political and technical aspects of the Arrow’s history. Its cancellation had a permanent damaging effect on the Canadian aircraft industry. At the end of her presentation, the audience had many questions. A lively discussion ended the evening.
The next meeting of the Arthur and Area Historical Society will be Feb. 24 at 7:30pm, 146 George St., Arthur. Those attending will be asked to bring their memories of when electric power (or television, or colour television, or the internet) came to their homes. Everyone is welcome.
