High above us soars a tribute. It’s not just any tribute. It’s the Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation.
This magnificent structure stands as a memorial. It honors aviation pioneers. We stand at the entrance of Pierce Brothers Valhalla Memorial Park. Here, the Portal is more than just a landmark. It’s a symbol of flight history.
In 1924, Kenneth MacDonald Jr. and Federico Augustino Giorgi designed this shrine. The Portal initially served as the grand entrance to the cemetery. Imagine cars driving beneath its arches. People marveled at the baroque ornamentation. Stars decorated the rotunda’s ceiling.
But times changed. The nearby airport became busier. United Airport opened in 1930. Later, it was renamed Union Airport. Aircraft noise led to the cemetery’s east entrance closing.
Enter James Gillette. He was a cemetery employee and aviation enthusiast. Gillette envisioned the rotunda as an aviation shrine. For two decades, he pursued this dream. Finally, in 1953, his vision came true. The rotunda was rededicated. It became the Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation.
The date was significant. December 17, 1953 marked the 50th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first flight. The Portal became a final resting place. It honored pilots, mechanics, and engineers. Many had worked in Burbank and Glendale. These cities were aviation hubs.
Look around. Fifteen aviation pioneers are interred here. Their ashes rest beneath memorial markers. Names like Walter Richard Brookins and Amelia Earhart grace these stones. Also, Charles E. Taylor is here. He helped the Wright brothers build their first engine. Each name tells a story of courage. Each represents innovation.
Bertrand Blanchard Acosta is buried here. He was the co-pilot with Admiral Richard Byrd in 1927. Winfield Bertrum Kinner is here. He built “Kinner” airplanes. Amelia Earhart famously flew a Kinner.
Notice the architecture. The Portal blends Spanish Revival and California Churrigueresque styles. It stands 75 feet tall. Marble, mosaic, and sculpted figures adorn it. The structure reflects early aviation’s glamour.
Take note of something else. The Portal is directly under the flight path of planes. They take off from Hollywood Burbank Airport. This location adds another layer of meaning. It connects the past with the present.
In 1998, the Portal of the Folded Wings was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This recognizes its historical significance. It ensures its preservation for future generations.
The Portal of the Folded Wings stands as a lasting tribute. It honors those who dared to fly. Their legacy continues to inspire. So, let’s remember these pioneers. They shaped the world of aviation.