Stanley Switlik

Stanley Switlik
Born (1890-12-04)December 4, 1890
Galicia
Died March 4, 1981(1981-03-04) (aged 90)
Marathon, Florida, U.S.
Occupation Parachute pioneer

Stanley Switlik was a parachute pioneer. Born in 1890 in Galicia, now part of Poland, he immigrated to the United States at 17 years of age.[1] Originally, his company made heavy sewn items such as golf bags and mailbags.

Parachute tower

With his partner George P. Putnam, he built the first parachute training tower in the United States. The first jump from this tower was on June 2, 1935 by Amelia Earhart, who described the experience as "Loads of fun!".[2][3]

He died of a heart attack in Marathon, Florida on March 4, 1981.[4]

Legacy

The Stanley Switlik Elementary school in Marathon, Florida is named for him,[5] as is the Switlik Elementary School[6] in Jackson, New Jersey.

References

External links

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