Correspondence and Articles of Incorporation Regarding the Amelia Earhart Foundation

February 14, 1938 My dear Mrs. Donohoe: irs. Roosevelt asks me to ecknowledge your letter of February 3, and to express her re- €ret that she cannot accept the invitation to bee! siber of the Honorary Board of Trustees of pre my pide irasrcanscsitetn Mrs, Roosevelt is already interested in one organization to honor the memory of Miss Earhart, and she could not take on nemberkhip in another, Very sincerely yours, Malvina T, Scheider Secretary to Mrs. Roosevelt lirse Nellie G. Donchoe 922 Latham Square Building Oakland California AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION A NON-PROFIT CORPORATION 922 LATHAM SQUARE BUILDING HIGATE 4600-4601 OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA February 3, 1938 oe Mrs. Franklin D. Roosevelt, Ai! White House, Washington, D. C. j 5 Dear Mrs. Roosevelt: Inclosed herewith is information concerning the formation and purposes of the AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION, together with the Articles of Incorporation. The worthiness of the cause, and the manner in which it is to be carried out, prompts the Board of Directors to extend to a few an invitation to become a member of the Honorary Board of Trustees. Every precaution has been taken in the handling of accumulated funds which are to be raised as set forth in the accompanying folder. Mindful of your interest in aviation, or in the merits of the purposes for which this is founded, I have been given authority by the Board of Directors to extend to you an invitation to become a member of this Honorary Board of Trustees. Please read the inclosed carefully and advise me of your acceptance. Very cordially, Nellie G. Donohoe. NGD:cT AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION LATHAM SQUARE BUILDING OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA An Unsolved 2/8) a aos On the twenty-first day of May, 1937, Amelia Earhart started her “Around the World Flight” from Oakland, California. She piloted her Lockheed Electra across the United States, leaving her native country at Miami, passing along the coast of South America and over the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Coast of Africa. She then continued to wing her way across the jungles of Africa and on to Cal- cutta, India; thence to Singapore; Port Darwin, Australia; and Lae, New Guinea. Up to this point she had covered twenty-two thousand miles of her flight in forty days, approximately seven thousand miles remaining between her and her home port, Oakland, California. At ten A. M. on Friday, July 2nd, Miss Earhart began her twenty-five hundred mile flight from Lae to a tiny spot of land in the great Pacific Ocean, Howland Island, and over a route never traveled by any human being in a plane. This was by far one of the most hazardous trips ever attempted. It covered a vast body of water, literally studded with innumerable charted and uncharted islands, atolls, and coral reefs. Somewhere among them lies the solution of a mystery which has engaged the attention of the entire world. REASON FOR SEARCH At the time Miss Earhart’s plane disappeared, the Navy Department came for- ward and offered its services and ships to conduct a search. It is well known that the Navy and Coast Guard made as thorough a search as was humanly possible under the hurried and unfavorable conditions prevailing at the time. In view of the well known aeronautical skill of Amelia Earhart and the navigat- ing ability of Captain Frederick J. Noonan, it would seem more than reasonable that, after they had passed over numerous islands, fighting a head wind, with their gasoline supply low, they attempted to retrace their path. In this case, they may well have landed on one of the many islands they had previously sighted. From time to time, various amateur radio operators picked up messages, some of which were thought to have been authentic. Although messages indicated that the fliers were down on land, they were so garbled that no definite information could be gleaned as to their whereabouts. A careful and lengthy analysis of these messages and data obtained during and since the search, together with a checking of American and British charts of the Pacific waters, has led those investigating to believe that some of the messages were authentic and that it is more than possible the fliers came down on land. This belief has been further strengthened through checking information collected with a num- ber of the oldest and best known Pacific Ship Masters. A number of these, who have spent many years of their lives in sail and power in these Pacific island waters, believe a strong probability exists that Miss Earhart and her navigator landed safely on some small island and may be still alive awaiting rescue. One of them states: “I am firmly convinced that there is far more than an even chance of Miss Earhart and her naviga- tor having landed on one of the hundreds of islands in that area, where any kind of a ship might not touch for a year or many years.” In addition, there are instances where persons have been marooned on islands in this vicinity and have been able to sustain life for various lengthy periods. FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED The FOUNDATION is preparing to conduct a search in and about these charted and uncharted islands, atolls, and coral reefs, for the purpose of covering territory which it has so far been impossible to survey thoroughly. In connection therewith, there will be used small boats from the “mother-ship,” which is of shallow draught, making it possible to navigate waters inaccessible to vessels of deep draught. Much scientific equipment is being taken on the expedition for a careful and minute search of six to eight months duration. The crew will be composed of men thoroughly experienced in the use of all such scientific equipment. The personnel will include divers, men trained in survey work, and men who are familiar with and have navigated these waters for many years. With the knowledge that Amelia Earhart looked forward to the time when she could give her support and encouragement to other ambitious girls and women de- sirous of following aviation as a life work,* a group of her friends have been instru- mental in establishing the AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION, a non-profit corporation. PURPOSES OF FOUNDATION To conduct an expedition to clear up the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the lost aviatrix, and Captain Frederick J. Noonan, her navigator, and to attempt to determine beyond doubt whether or not they are still alive. To induce, encourage, and inspire the study of aeronautical navigation and the sciences akin thereto. These, and other purposes, are fully set forth in the Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of the State of California, as included herein. FINANCES The AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION will be supported by donations contributed by public-spirited citizens, friends, the public at large, and from the returns of sale of various rights:— books, moving pictures, radio, magazine articles, etc., as the Board of Governors may direct from time to time. *Sce “Last Flight” by Amelia Earhart in collaboration with her husband, George Palmer Putnam. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION of the AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION ARTICLE I The name of the corporation is the ‘AMELIA EARHART FOUNDATION.” ARTICLE II The purposes for which this corporation is formed are: a. To conduct and carry on humanitarian and educational work. b. To conduct an expedition to clear up the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Amelia Earhart, the lost aviatrix, and Frederick J. Noonan, her navigator, and to establish beyond doubt whether or not they are still alive. c. To induce, encourage and inspire the study of and research in aeronautical navigation. d. To create, endow and perpetuate a department of and a professorship of aeronautical navigation and the sciences akin thereto in a university of exceptional merit, and to establish scholarships in schools selected by the Board of Directors hereof for the benefit of worthy individuals who wish to study aeronautical naviga- tion, the sciences appertaining thereto and aviation. ARTICLE II That this corporation shall be a non-profit corporation and does not contemplate pecuniary gain or profit to its members. It shall also be non-sectarian and non-political in character. This corporation is organized un- der and pursuant to Title 12, Non-profit Corporations of the Civil Code of the State of California. ARTICLE IV That the county in this state where the principal office for the transaction of the business of the corporation is to be located is the County of Alameda. ARTICLE V There shall be five directors consisting of the five Founder Members of this corporation. The following persons shall serve as directors until the selection of their successors, pursuant to the By- Laws of this corporation: NAMES ADDRESSES Nellie G. Donohoe 426 Lee Street, Oakland, Calif. G. Earle Whitten 8840 Burr Avenue, Oakland, Calif. Kenneth C. Gillis 3 Rockridge Place, Oakland, Calif. James A. Maharry 1111 Oxford Street, Berkeley, Calif. E. H. Dimity 2101 Harrison Street, Oakland, Calif. ARTICLE VI There shall be no fines, penalties or assessments levied on the members of this corporation. ARTICLE VII That this corporation shall have all the powers granted to Non-profit Corporations by Section 597 of the Civil Code of the State of California. ARTICLE VIII There shall be two classes of members designated as follows: 1. Founder Members; 2. Honorary Trustee Members, ‘The number, rights, privileges and powers of members shall be as follows: 1. Founder Members: a. There shall be five Founder Members consisting of the five incorporators of this corporation. b. In case of the resignation or death of any one or more of the said Founder Members, the vacancy or vacancies so created shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining Founder Members. c. A Founder Membership is not transferable. d. That the powers of this corporation shall be exercised, its property controlled, and its affairs con- ducted by the Founder Members to the end that the purposes for which this corporation was formed may be carried out. e. Founder Members shall have no interest whatsoever, either vested or otherwise, in the assets of the corporation. 2. Honorary Trustee Members: a. Honorary Trustee Members shall be individuals of recognized character and integrity who shall be elected by the Founder Members. b. The Founder Members shall determine from time to time the number of Honorary Trustee Mem- bers. c. Honorary Trustee Members shall have no vote or voice in the conduct of the affairs or the business of this corporation, nor shall they have any interest in and to the assets of this corporation. d. Honorary Trustee Memberships are not transferable. ARTICLE Ix There shall be no capital stock; membership in the AMELIA EarHartT FouNDATION shall be evidenced by a certificate executed under the Seal of the corporation and signed by the President and Secretary thereof. ARTICLE X This corporation from time to time may do any one or more of the acts and things to carry out any one or more of the purposes here set forth and may transact business in the State of California, in other states of the Union, in the District of Columbia, in the districts, dependencies and colonies of the United States and in for- eign countries. ARTICLE XI The Articles of Incorporation may be amended by resolution of the Board of Directors and the vote or written consent of all the Founder Members. IN WITNESS HEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands and seals this 23rd day of December, 1937, as the incorporators of the “AMELIA EarHart FounparIoN,” a non-profit corporation. NELLIE G. DONOHOE (Seal) G. EARLE WHITTEN (Seal) KENNETH C. GILLIS (Seal) JAMES A. MAHARRY (Seal) E. H. DIMITY (Seal) STATE OF CALIFORNIA, rs COUNTY OF ALAMEDA.) ~ On this 23rd day of December, in the year One Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-seven before me, Darrell B. Edwards, a Notary Public in and for the County of Alameda, State of California, residing therein, duly commissioned and sworn, personally appeared Nellie G. Donohoe, G. Earle Whitten, Kenneth C. Gillis, James A. Maharry and E. H. Dimity, known to me to be the persons described in and whose names are sub- scribed to the within instrument, and they acknowledged to me that they executed the same. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal, the day and year in this certificate first above written. DARRELL B. EDWARDS, Notary Public in and for the County of Alameda, State of California. February 19, 1940 My dear Mr. Bevis: Mrs. Roosevelt asks me to acknowl- edge your letter and to tell you that she does ‘ not feel she can act as Honorary Chairman of the £ dst committee sponsoring the search for'Amelia Zarhart./’""‘! °-'°’~ She has made many inquiries about this and the government feels that ell which could be done was done. However, if you go ahead with your plans, Mrs, Roosevelt says she would be glad to send you a $1.00 contribution. Very sincerely yours, Secretary to Mrs. Roosevelt Mr. Palmer Bevis 122 East 42nd Street New York, New York 7 DD  PALMER BEVIS 122 East 42np Street New Yorke MUrRay BIL 5-2542 ae ae | February 12,1939 My dear Miss Thompson: ‘y I have your note of the eighth,and can fully appreciate 1 ag how full lirseRoosevelt's days must be prior to leaving RY a\ SS for Florida. The past week must have been unusually try- e) ing and difficult,and how well she has acquitted herself! “jo i Dr.Frank Kingdon. He is Educational Director of Citizen- e “AS Ee it It may interest you to know that I share an office with SX Ni i ship Educational Service,of which I am Executive secretary. jv, I thought his broadcast about you was the best so far in * his series over WO 8 entitled “Unsung Americans”. N \ With reference to the proposed Expedition to solve the Amelia Earhart mystery in which I am also deeply inter- maa ested,I wonder if Mrs.Roosevelt could take the papers \) which I enclosed in my letter of the third down to Florida . and let me know by letter whether she could serve as Hon- a orary Chairman of the sponsoring committee which will re- inforce the appeal of the Amelia Harhart Foundation. Others who will be asked to serve are the Presidents of Purdue, the University of Kansas,and Thiel College,also prominent leaders of aviation,business,and industry. We have reason to believe that Mrs.Floyd Odlum will take an active part in the campaign. We are fully conscious of other demands to relieve human suffering and suspense throughout the world,and,for this reason,no high pressure methods of raising money will be employed. It is our intention,subject to Mrs-Roosevelt's approval,to appeal only for One Dollar Contributions. The area to be searched by airplane and motor boat, concentrating on hundreds of islards off the regular steamship lanes in the South Pacific,is approximately 150,000 square miles. The expedition will cost $150,000,therefore a donor of One Dollar would have the satisfaction of knowing that he had made it possible to search one square mile. Commander George Noville's leadership of the expedition gives assur- ance that the search will be thorough and scientific. I cannot help but wish that Mrs.Roosevelt could give further consideration to the matter before she leaves for Florida,as our plans are held somewhat in abeyance until we hear from her. I am quite content,however,to leave this suggestion entirely in your very efficient hands. Sincerely “ 44 1940 eee 2 PALMER BEVIS 122 East 42np STREET New Yorke MURRay BILL 55-2542 uv j y Prag f | A February 20, 1940 My dear Miss Thompson: Thank you very much for your note of the nine- teenth. Please convey to Mrs. Roosevelt my appreciation of her personal endorsement of the proposed search for Amelia Zarhart, as evi- denced by her willingness to contribute One Dollar to the campaign for funds. I will con- tinue to keep her informed about progress in the matter. With kindest regards and best wishes, I am, Sincerely, Ge. Miss Malvina 0. Thompson The White House Washington, De Ce