“Did you hear about the speedster from Louisiana?” I ask. It is immortalized right here at the Wedell Monument. This monument honors Jimmie Wedell. The city dedicated it in 1935. It stands proudly on Canal Boulevard and City Park Avenue.
The Wedell Monument commemorates a true aviation pioneer. Jimmie Wedell brought fame to Patterson, Louisiana. This was during the 1930s. His company, the Wedell-Williams Air Service, revolutionized air racing. Patterson earned the nickname “the birthplace of speed aviation.”
The Wedell-Williams Air Service soared in 1933 and 1934. The construction of Shushan Airport in November 1933 caused a decline. A greater tragedy struck with Jimmie Wedell’s death in June 1934. His plane crashed near Patterson during a training flight. He held the world speed record at the time of his death.
The air service suffered another loss. Jimmie’s brother, Walter Wedell, died in a plane crash in July 1935. He and a passenger crashed in the Gulf of Mexico. The circumstances remain a mystery.
Harry Williams was the president and main financial supporter. His death was the final blow. His plane crashed outside Baton Rouge. Both he and pilot John Worthen died. His wife, Marguerite Clark Williams, took over. Falling revenues and competition from Shushan Airport created an opportunity for other companies. Eastern Airlines wanted the airmail route from New Orleans to Houston. They also wanted the fleet of airplanes. Mrs. Williams sold the company to Eddie Rickenbacker in 1937. This ended the Wedell-Williams Air Service.
The Wedell-Williams Memorial Foundation formed in 1974. Their goal was to build a museum. It would honor Louisiana’s aviation history and Jimmie Wedell. The Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museum is located in Patterson. Here you can explore aviation artifacts from the 1930s. See replica Wedell-Williams racers. Admire Jimmie Wedell’s trophy collection. Discover cypress logging equipment from the early 20th century.
The Foundation supports the museum. They ensure everyone can visit for free. They also share Patterson’s aviation and industrial history with the public.
The Wedell Monument stands as a reminder. It reminds us of Jimmie Wedell’s legacy. He was a daring pilot and aviation pioneer. His spirit lives on in Patterson and here in New Orleans.