[Bored5000]

I have long been fascinated by Amelia Earhart and her disappearance. My Secret Santa sent me a laminated page from the March 15, 1937 edition of the Altoona Mirror announcing Earhart's attempt to circumnavigate the globe.

For those who do not know, Earhart crashed early in her first 'round the world flight attempt. After her Electra 10E was repaired, she tried again three months later and disappeared. Interestingly, the newspaper depicts Captain Harry Manning, who was her navigator on the first 'round the world attempt, but was replaced by ill-fated Fred Noonan for the second attempt.

Manning lived on for nearly 40 years after Earhart's disappearance, and there has long been speculation as to why he was not on the second flight. Some historians say it was because he was unable to secure additional time off from his job. Other researchers claim Manning did not trust Earhart after she crashed on the first attempt. In the decades that followed, Manning was not complimentary of Earhart and her ability.

Thank you, Secret Santa.