The Oliver Corporation was well-known as an equipment manufacturing company devoted to the farm industry. But did you realize that Oliver also had a hand in building airplanes??
During WWII, almost everyone in the manufacturing converted their plants to assist with the war efforts. After the war was over, plants had to switch over to build new products or employees would laid off. Oliver's Battle Creek division was one of those looking for more work, specifically in the defense department. They were able to fill their void when they formed the Oliver Aviation Division and secures a contract as a subcontractor for the Boeing Airplane Company.
In the previous issue, I introduced you to Theron Tallman of the Tallman baler family. While the rest of the family was dreaming of a more efficient baler, Theron's heart was in flying. While he was in high school, he signed up for a correspondence course in the manufacturing and assembly of aircraft. Upon completion of the course, he went to California to work for three weeks at the airplane school where he went to work for Lockheed in Burbank California to work on assembly of the P38. He was employed with Lockheed when WWII broke out.
To read more about the Oliver's Aviation Division read Issue #26 or even order it on the site.
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