Theiss to give presentation on Salem's aviation history

Staff report

SALEM

Richard Theiss will give a free presentation on “Highlights of Salem’s Aviation History” at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the meeting room of the Dale Shaffer Library, 239 S. Lundy Ave.

Theiss is vice president of Theiss Aviation and author of the book “Surprise, Surprise,” which is about innovations that led to success in the field of aviation.

The event is sponsored by the Salem Historical Society. Parking is available in the municipal lot on South Lundy Avenue.

Theiss’ presentation will shed light on the history of aviation in Salem, including the impact local residents had on design, testing and access.

Theiss has spent most of his working life in aviation. He was born and raised in Salem and learned to fly in 1946. He and his wife, Hope, traveled across the country doing air-show promotions, and they were hired by Walt Disney’s WED Enterprises to write and produce programming. They coordinated flight activities for shows, parades, halftime for Super Bowl XVIII, and the openings of EPCOT Center, Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport.

Theiss has written aviation-related articles for several publications.

Copies of his book, “Surprise, Surprise,” will be available in the gift shop after the presentation, and Theiss will sign them. Profits will benefit Salem Historical Society.

For more information, call 330-337-8514.