posted 08-31-2026 06:39 PM               

Discover how a farm boy from Missouri sparked a global hobby and built an industry.

From Vern's introduction to model rocketry in May 1958 in Denver to the historic move to Penrose in August 1961, Dear Mr. Estes is the captivating true story of the founding of Estes Industries. Told in Vern Estes's own words and framed by the actual fan mail he received from Estes customers, both young and old, this memoir brings America's early rocketry days back to life.

Join Vern and Gleda as they risk everything for a dream — and learn how a legendary machine named Mabel became both the key to their massive success and the one thing that almost destroyed them.

What's Inside the Book

• Vern's Personal Archives: Each chapter opens with a letter from the historic "Dear Mr. Estes" mail-order files.

• The Early Struggles: The raw, unfiltered look at building a budding business during a high-stakes era of American history; the early days of space exploration.

• The Legend of Mabel: The inside story of the famous engine-making machine that powered the hobby.

• A Nostalgic Journey: Perfect for veteran rocketeers who lived through the era and a new generation discovering the roots of model rocketry.

Whether you flew your first bird in a backyard, love aerospace history, or enjoy a good American success story, grab your copy of Dear Mr. Estes today and experience the magic of the launchpad!

• Paperback, 250 pages
  
• Independently published (June 14, 2026)
  
• ISBN-13: 979-8199198837