About the book:
Two women. One goal: To be the first woman to fly solo around the world. In 1964, the world of aviation, like so many other professions, was dominated by men. Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock, an Ohio housewife, took up flying as a hobby. Joan Merriam Smith was a commercial pilot–one of a handful of professional women pilots at the time–who dreamt of completing Amelia Earhart’s equatorial route. That these two women from such different backgrounds embarked at virtually the same ... view more »
About the book:
Two women. One goal: To be the first woman to fly solo around the world. In 1964, the world of aviation, like so many other professions, was dominated by men. Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock, an Ohio housewife, took up flying as a hobby. Joan Merriam Smith was a commercial pilot–one of a handful of professional women pilots at the time–who dreamt of completing Amelia Earhart’s equatorial route. That these two women from such different backgrounds embarked at virtually the same time to set the same world record is only part of the story. And their story is fascinating. Author Taylor C. Phillips interviewed Jerrie Mock multiple times at her home in Quincy, Florida, and also spoke with Joan Merriam Smith’s widower at his home in Prattville, Alabama. Phillips’ research has uncovered previously unknown information that sets the stage for an adventure that flies straight out of the pages of history.
About Taylor:
Taylor C. Phillips serves as the chaplain at Westminster Oaks Retirement Community in Tallahassee, Florida, collecting life stories and sharing them with upcoming generations. Taylor earned degrees in philosophy, theology, and psychology from Rhodes College, Columbia Seminary, and Pacifica Graduate Institute. He has published articles in the Leading Age internet magazine, the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Newsletter, and the Mission Yearbook of the Presbyterian Church of the USA (PCUSA). Taylor lives in Tallahassee with his beloved wife Pam, their sons Colin and Isaac, and their Belgian Malinois, Chuck. They enjoy drinking coffee at the Black Dog Café at Lake Ella.
About Dr. Spivey:
Dr. Denise Spivey is an Associate Professor of History at Tallahassee Community College, where she has been teaching since 2001. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Spivey volunteers her time as a judge for Florida History Day and as a member of the teams which coordinate the TCC Women’s History Month Celebration and the Tallahassee History Festival. As the mother of a young son and an educator, Dr. Spivey is committed to inspiring students of all ages with a love of learning and a passion for history.
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