[Audio recording of William P. Lear dictating letters and Lear family scenes]
Title
Description
Audio recording of William P. Lear dictating letters and scenes of the Lear family at leisure, circa 1950s-1960.
Typed label on reel: "WPL. May 19? 1960."
Abstract
This audio recording contains segments from several separate recording sessions, including a number of letters dictated by William P. Lear while at the Lear home in Geneva, Switzerland, circa May 1960, and scenes of the Lears at leisure, recorded circa 1950s. In the first segment (Side A), Lear dictates letters to his secretary, June Shields. Addressees and topics are: Lear executive Al Handschumacher, regarding a recent TWA Boeing 707 accident and the need for better aircraft navigation equipment; businessman Justin Dart, regarding his son’s (Peter Dart) idea for a new sport plane and the promotion of Lear aircraft equipment; and FAA administrator Pete Quesada, regarding the TWA 707 accident and how improved aircraft equipment can prevent further accidents.
The next segment, also on Side A, contains a brief scene of William and Moya Lear and unidentified guests during a party at the Lear home, recorded circa 1950s. This is followed by scenes of the Lear family playing and conversing together, which begins at the end of Side A and continues onto Side B. This segment was likely recorded in 1955, as William Lear refers to his daughter, Tina, as being nine months old. Identified speakers during the family scenes include William and Moya Lear, their children John, David, and Shanda, and a woman named Annette, possibly a nanny.