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Aerospace Legacy Foundation
History
The story of Downey's aviation and aerospace histroy began in 1929 on James Hughan's ranch on Cerritos Road which would become Lakewood Boulevard. The first building on the site was erected by Mr. E.M. Smith who owned EMSCO Aircraft. From "range trees to space, Downey's story is similar to many small towns in Southern California impacted by the aerospace business.
Hughan's Ranch was purchased by E.M. Smith in 1929.
He started EMSCO Aircraft in Downey.
Click an image for a Time Traveler Gallery.
Photograph of three women walking by the exterior of the North American Aviation Downey airplane factory, September 1950.
Three women in skirts walk down a path between grassy plots of land lined with bushes. Behind them is a rounded building with the name
"North American Aviation Inc....Downey Plant".;
"A decorative touch to the face of the North American Aviation's Downey Plant is supplied by (left to right) Marion Burgman, Wilma McDonnell and Chari Sewell, company employees. The Downey plant and facilities reporting to it have more than 10,000 employees engaged in a long-range guided missile research and development program, and programs in the fields of rocket engine development and nuclear energy work".
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