The Adventures of Marvel Crosson

By Rebecca Burghy, Intermountain Chapter

In March, The 99s International Board of Directors, The 99s Museum of Women Pilots staff, and numerous 99s were pleased to welcome the family of pioneer aviator Marvel Crosson as our special guests at 99s Headquarters during the spring board meeting.

Marvel’s niece, Susan Marvel Crosson Fraser, chose the 99s Museum of Women Pilots to receive the family collection of treasured items from Marvel’s aviation life. Accompanied by her daughter, Tina Damery, granddaughter Arianna, and grandniece Lilly, Susan traveled from the Seattle area to present the artifacts in person. A large, handmade wooden box contains Marvel’s logbooks, licenses, newspaper clipping and memorabilia. An extensive photo album documents her achievements and other notable aviation events. As the daughter of Marvel’s brother, Joe, and his wife Lily, the presentation was a poignant moment for Susan, for her mother had enthusiastically kept Marvel’s story alive in the family’s memory and preserved these important artifacts. The Crosson family has now passed that legacy to the Museum of Women Pilots.

After lunch and a museum tour, granddaughter Arianna gave a delightful presentation about Marvel, highlighting her Alaskan adventures and record-setting flights, and noting the strong, enduring bonds of friendship and family Lily and Marvel shared. Arianna also mentioned that beautifully-made wooden box, especially crafted for Marvel by her uncle, Charlie Crosson, a skilled craftsman and a veteran of the Spanish-American War in the Philippines.

The 99s Museum of Women Pilots is very excited and honored to receive this important donation. The museum team is incorporating the Crosson family artifacts into the collection, and will soon be preparing a brand-new display for our members to enjoy. In the meantime, read on to learn more about the marvelous Marvel Crosson…