The Legend of Pancho Barnes

The next Laguna Beach Historical Society program will be Monday, Nov. 17 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. “The Legend of Pancho Barnes� by Nick Spark, writer-producer of a television documentary on Barnes, will discuss his research on the pioneer aviator and preview a portion of the upcoming film. The program will be held at the Laguna Beach City Hall, 505 Forest Avenue. The public is invited and there is no charge.

Florence “Pancho� Barnes, considered Hollywood’s first female stunt pilot and an influential woman in early aviation. “Pancho� Barnes was a society woman turned daring woman of action. She gained renown as a tough and fearless pilot, who performed as a barnstormer throughout California and briefly worked as a test pilot for Lockheed. She was a friend and competitor of another woman air pioneer, Amelia Earhart, and broke Earhart’s air speed record by flying at 196 miles per hour in 1930. For a time, Pancho maintained a residence in Laguna Beach that was well-known as a party house. It was equipped with its own air strip on what is now McKnight Drive.

Nick Spark, writer-producer of an upcoming television documentary “The Legend of Pancho Barnes and the Happy Bottom Riding Club.� will discuss his research on the pioneer aviator. The director of the film, USC Film School professor Amanda Pope, will co-present. The film, which was made on a non-profit basis, is scheduled to air on KOCE-TV, the PBS station in Orange County, early next year.

For more information, visit the website: www.legendofpanchobarnes.com or contact Nick Spark, Producer, at 310 428-6139. Donations for the completion of the film are welcome.

The Murphy-Smith Bungalow located at 278 Ocean Avenue and which is opened to the public at no-charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., now has a binder of Susi Q articles. The Laguna Beach Historical Society thanks the sons of Elizabeth H. Quilter (Charlie, Chris, Patrick, and Matthew) for permission to reproduce and disseminate these historical articles. The Susi Q articles will shortly be online at www.LagunaHistory.org where photos and additional information can be viewed.

Step back into 1920s Laguna by visiting the Laguna Beach Historical Society Murphy-Smith Bungalow. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors to the Murphy-Smith Bungalow and should call 939-7257.

Those interested in supporting and joining the Laguna Beach Historical Society should send $15 per individual, $25 per household or $50 per business/organization to 278 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach CA 92651. The Laguna Beach Historical Society is a section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID #33-0519882.

While supplies last, those donating $100 to the Laguna Beach Historical Society will receive a copy of Joan Irvine Smith’s new book “A California Woman’s Story�.