March 21, 2008

A new park and public art recognizes aviation pioneer JJ Montgomery

The old monument, missing for a while, is now back and joined by an impressive display of public art that could be become an icon of the inventive and innovative spirit of the Santa Clara valley. Photo by Bill Highlander

By Bill Highlander
Editor

Vice mayor Dave Cortese recalled as a boy growing up in Evergreen that his friends would say “We’ll meet at the monument.”

The monument at the corner of Yerba Buena and San Felipe Road was a stone block inscribed with words about John J Montgomery. The boys probably didn’t pay much attention to who Montgomery was. But to aviation historians, Montgomery was the real father of modern aviation and much of his achievements were made in Evergreen.

The old monument, missing for a while, is now back and joined by an impressive display of public art that could be become an icon of the inventive and innovative spirit of the Santa Clara valley. People will view the “wing” of Montgomery’s aeroplane as they pass through the gateway of Evergreen, as Cortese refers to the intersection.

Montgomery was born Feb. 15, 1858, and died in a crash of his aeroplane near the site of the monument on Oct. 31, 1911. The tribute honors the man credited with making the first manned, controlled, heavier-than-air flights in the U.S. and who received patent #831,173 for an “Aeroplane” in 1906.

On Saturday, Mar. 15, the “wing” was commemorated in ceremonies attended by neighbors, historians and families wanting to learn more about the man who was flying before the Wright Brothers. Vice mayor Cortese recognized the city staff responsible for making the park a reality, and introduced the speakers who related the importance of the day.

On Saturday, Mar. 15, the “wing” was commemorated in ceremonies attended by neighbors, historians and families wanting to learn more about the man who was flying before the Wright Brothers. From left: Bill Adams, mechanical engineer, Richard B. Campi, a retired Lockheed engineer, Sister Sharon Breden, a cousin of Montgomery, Kent Rogers, the artist who created “Soaring Flight,” and Sharon Gustafson, chair of San Jose Arts Commission.

History was recounted by Sister Sharon Breden, a cousin of Montgomery (see related article), Richard B. Campi, a retired Lockheed engineer, and Bill Adams, representing mechanical engineers. All told engaging stories about Montgomery.

Adams said the American Society of Mechanical Engineers designated Montgomery’s 1883 glider as an International Mechanical Engineering Landmark.

Sharon Gustafson, chair of San Jose Arts Commission, congratulated Cortese on his work to assure completion of the project, the relevance of public art and introduced the artist of “Soaring Flight.” Kent Rogers recounted the research for the design and the work of the artisans who put everything together. Visitors will learn from the quotes inscribed around the base of the “wing," diligently found by teachers in the community.

Glenn Ford portrayed Montgomery in the 1946 movie “Gallant Journey.” He was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in1964. Montgomery Hill is a park just west of the monument and a theater in downtown San Jose is named after him.