Martin Middlewood – Author & Clark County Historian
Martin Middlewood is a longtime Vancouver, Washington writer and historian whose work brings local stories to life.
He is the author of Hidden History of Pearson Field, an in-depth look at the nation’s oldest continuously operating airfield, located along the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA.
His book explores the fascinating history of Pearson Field. He talks about the early local daring aviators (men and women) who made aviation history in our area. He dips into World War I spruce production and the Army Air Corps years.
In addition to his books, Middlewood is known for his popular Clark County History column, a weekly feature that highlights the people, places, and events that shaped Southwest Washington.
In this book he focuses on aviation history, community heritage, and untold local stories that helps readers connect with the region’s past in meaningful ways.
Martin’s interview on Northwest Book Talk dives deeper into his research, his writing process, and why preserving the stories of Pearson Field and Clark County matters today.
Whether you are an aviation enthusiast, a local history buff, or simply curious about Vancouver’s unique heritage, Martin’s work offers a valuable window into the Pacific Northwest’s past.,
Connect with Martin:
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Hidden History of Pearson Field
After our radio talk, Martin shared . . .
Everyone assumes that the bronze statue is of Lt. Alexander Pearson.
It’s really of Captain Carlton Bond, who was twice commander of Pearson Field.
My belief is all the women pilot stories need more recognition.
If I had to pick one to be better known, it would be Edna Christofferson’s story.
Silas Christofferson flew her over Vancouver making her the first woman to do so.
At the time she was Mrs. Edna Becker she divorced her husband and married Silas.
He taught her to fly.
She was atop the Multnomah Hotel when he flew off.
When they moved to California she helped him build airplanes, and was there at his crash—in fact she was the first to get to him.
After his death, she resumed flying lessons and soloed.
When the Silas Christofferson Field opened in East Portland, she flew over the field and dropped flowers over it.
After Silas’ death, she became an X-ray technician, even starting a school to train others.
She became a witness in court when X-rays needed validation.
She was a champion pistol shooter who place in national competitions.
She was adventurous and flew into the Arctic to rescue furs on ship, but got lost for 10 days. She and her co-pilot were rescued.
Edith Foltz, because she started me on this journey.
I was intrigued by her from the first picture I saw of her.
She was standing next to her airplane in jodapurs, knee-high flying boots, leather cap with her goggles pulled up with the biggest captivating smile.
I knew about other famous women pilots like Amelia Earhart and Jacqueline Cochran and was surprised to find someone local that competed and was also friends with both of these fliers.
While she may not be better known than Edna Christofferson, she should be more famous.
Despite setbacks and Portland gaining the role of the area’s air hub, I think the local community wouldn’t let it die.
There was just too much history that is unique to Pearson Field, and not found anywhere else.
- The two Russian landings, the first around the world flight stopped here twice,
- the development of airmail, spanning the time from lighter than air to heavier than aircraft and
- being part of the beginnings and the golden age of aviation.
More practically, today Pearson Field provides a buffer between Vancouver and the Portland Airport.
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