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| Chapter 83 History |
| EAA Chapter 83 was first chartered in Terre Haute, Indiana, on March 1st, 1960. The first charter effort was spearheaded by Garland Wadsworth, Malcolm McHargue (first Chapter 83 President), James Baggs (1st Sec/Treas), and H. Foster McLin (1st Program Director). As chapter meetings were held and the members became closer friends, their common interests in flying grew. Several members formed partnerships and bought aircraft. As this happened, their flying time increased, but their interests in homebuilding waned as did the time available for chapter meetings. About 5 years after it was formed, Chapter 83 lapsed into dormancy. |
| By 1970, some of the original members were joined by some new faces and interest in the Chapter regained momentum. The Chapter was reactivated on June 24th, 1970. By the mid 70's, there were over 25 members actively participating in chapter activities. Many of the meetings were held in Garland Wadsworth's shop, at John Blouch's home and shop, and at the homes of some other members. Workshops held at these meetings covered topics including presentations on specific kitplanes available at the time, welding, composite construction and fabrication, and the operation of Volkswagen aircraft engines on alcohol. John Blouch was one of the sparks of the chapter and was a mechanical wizard. He was a former crew chief and engine designer and builder for teams at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and owned a fleet of Indian Motorcycles, a Piper Clipper, and some antique motorcars. At that time, the other chapter leader, Garland Wadsworth, owned and flew an Aeronca Champ, and a Cessna 170, while working on a Volksplane. |
| Also in the mid to late 70's, the Chapter hosted and organized at least two air shows at HUF, which featured The Red Devils (forerunners of the Christen Eagles Squadron), Art Scholl, Bob Carmichael, and others famous at the time. While these early shows all lost money, they generated interest in aviation and showed Terre Haute residents what aviation was about. |
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