posted 03-23-2009 06:18 PM               

Founded by Reuben H. Fleet in 1923, Consolidated Aircraft Corporation (later Convair) became one of the most significant aircraft manufacturers in American history. For roughly 60 years, this prolific company was synonymous with San Diego. In fact, whole sections of the city were designed to provide homes for the Convair workers and their families. These men and women were responsible for building some of the most significant aircraft in aviation history, including the PBY Catalina, B-24 Liberator, F-102 Delta Dagger, as well as the reliable Atlas missile, which was vital in launching America into space. To this day, more than a decade after the company passed from the San Diego scene, tens of thousands of San Diegans still celebrate a seminal connection with Reuben Fleet, his company, and his popular slogan, "Nothing short of right is right."

For more than 40 years, the San Diego Air and Space Museum has preserved the nation's aerospace history and technology. In this unique publication, head archivist Katrina Pescador and historian Mark Aldrich selected photographs from the museum's extensive collection to highlight the story of this major aircraft company and the people who contributed to its success.
 
Save Our History Organization (SOHO) Third Thursdays Author Series, a series of lectures about San Diego's history, architecture and its culture. Authors discuss their passion and guests learn how each community or topic is uniquely San Diego's own.

The 10-Month series is from February through November, 6-7:30pm at the SOHO-operated city museum, the Adobe Chapel, located at 3963 Conde Street in historic Old Town San Diego. The one-hour lectures include a 15-minute question and answer period followed by a book signing session and light refreshments.

SOHO has partnered with Arcadia Publishing to produce the series. Arcadia is the leading local history publisher in the United States with hundreds of new titles released every year. San Diego has been prolific in its response to the publisher's request for the history and stories of our region and every third Thursday of the month you can meet and greet many of these authors and learn about the fascinating subjects that have so engaged their passion to write about the stories of our region's heritage.

The Third Thursday lectures is a series of interesting and informative SOHO programs geared towards educating and engaging San Diegans about their own community. We invite the public to come out and enjoy themselves with an evening in San Diego's oldest neighborhood, historic Old Town.

For tickets call (619) 297-9327. Purchase tickets in advance at discounted rate and save $10. $25 includes Lecture and Book; $35 at the door includes Lecture and Book; or $15 Lecture only at the door or in advance.