create an interest in flying and familiarized people with this mode of travel.

Robert McIlwaine and his family moved to the Alden Crossman farm in Tryon in the late 19505 after living for a short time in North Tryon. The Crossman farm, on the west side of the Tryon River, was formerly owned by Philip Holland, a descendent of Captain Samuel Holland. Mr. McIlwaine constructed a landing field on his farm and from there operated a mail service to Pictou Island. He flew sealers out to the ice fields during the seal hunting season to where the seals were congre— gated. On the return trip he brought the sealers and their recently harvested pelts. Robert used the air field in Tryon during the years 1958 to 1967 and, while here, started Robm’s Flying Service which he later moved to the Charlottetown airport.

Several young men from North Tryon took training and received pilots licenses. The first of these, under the instruction of Paul Sharpe, was Vernon Lea. Soon after he received his license, Vernie was killed in a truck and train collision at Millview while working for the Prince Edward Island Libraries. Gordon Lord received his training at Charlot— tetown and flew his own private plane from there for some time. Vernon Inman and Harleigh Howatt took their instruction with Urban Murphy of the Moncton Flying Club.

Vernon was so interested in flying that in 1965 he purchased a single engine Piper plane, constructed an air strip on his farm, and soon after built a hangar. In 1969 he replaced the Piper with a new Champion plane. Two of his flying friends from Summerside have used Vernon’s field as a base for their 1989—1991 operations.

Vernon Inman in 1992 with his Citabria airplane. Vernon Inman collection.

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