Photographic Print

Stewart Collection ➔ Photographic Print

Archival Item


2008.5.133
Black and white photograph of Gordon Stewart, standing in front of a large bi-plane. The plane is on wheels and rests in a field. The first two letters of the registration are G-C
The number "494" is stamped on the back of the photo in black ink and the number "3" is written in pencil.
Donor caption reads: "Gordon Stewart - St. Louis"
Gordon K. Stewart was appointed business manager of Yukon Airways and Exploration Co., Ltd. on January 25, 1930. According to son Jerry Stewart , he struggled to keep the company alive, and was not likely paid for his efforts.
(From "Yukon Airways Addendum" provided by Donor Jerry Stewart.)

Instruments, controls and the Wright Whirlwind J5 engine were retrieved from the wreck of the Queen of the Yukon II in the hopes that they would be of use on another aircraft. Money was raised through mine owners to have the parts taken to Patterson, New Jersey to obtain another plane. Stewart was appointed by James F. Finnegan to accompany the shipment and make arrangements to take delivery of a new aircraft in St. Louis, Missouri and for the Wright Whirlwind J5 engine to be repaired in Patterson, New Jersey. In September 1930, the motor was installed in a new Ryan B7 monoplane complete with salvaged parts from the Queen of the Yukon II. By this time, the men backing the company were unable to meet their stock commitments and Yukon Airways and Exploration Co. Ltd. could not afford to take delivery of the new aircraft as the motor repair was paid for but there was no money for the airplane
The situation remained in limbo for about a year until it was eventually appropriated for charges on the airplane and storage and thus it was never brought back to the Yukon. (From interview with Gordon K. Stewart, November, 1977).
In October 1930, Ryan aircraft became a subsidiary of the Detroit Aircraft Corporation and the ship ordered by Yukon Airways and Exploration Co. Ltd. was then moved to Detroit.
By this time, Gordon Stewart was living at his parents' house in Seattle as the return address indicates.