This is a
magazine ad from early 1940, promoting Westinghouse products by making
reference to the modern equipment, based on the latest technology,
previously installed at what was then called Newfoundland Airport.
As can be seen from the text extract seen here, Gander was considered to be at the cutting edge of new technology
As can be seen from the text extract seen here, Gander was considered to be at the cutting edge of new technology
Mr Fred Chafe
in discussion with Carol Walsh spoke of his arrival as an electrician
in
Gander on 27 October 1937. The very next day he had the chance to meet
the fellow looking after the runway related electrical
installations. His
name was Bob Schwarmer who was there from Westinghouse, installing the
field lighting set, beacon, wind tee, control desk and switchboard.
Thinking that
these Westinghouse products would most likely have come from St John’s,
a research in the Evening Telegram and Daily News revealed
interesting information. This is from the Daily News “End of year
review“ of Saturday December 31st 1938.
In the Newfoundland 1940 Handbook Gazetter and Almanac, edited by none less than Joseph R Smallwood, this is the ad for Heap and Partners:
| “The firm of Heap and Partners (Nfld) Ltd., supplied the greater part of the electrical equipment of the Newfoundland Airport - flood lighting, boundary lighting, beacons etc. The very best is required at what will be one of the largest and most up to date airplane bases, and Westinghouse was singled out because it merits that high rating.” |
In the Newfoundland 1940 Handbook Gazetter and Almanac, edited by none less than Joseph R Smallwood, this is the ad for Heap and Partners:
It would appear
therefore that the building of the Crossroads of the World was
beneficial not only to air travel. In that period near the end of
the Dirty Thirties, it benefitted as well to workers who came from all
over Newfoundland and to businesses from Port aux Basques to St John's.