Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Speaking Program / [SPEAKING PROGRAM] November Varnum Member Dinner & Speaking Program Features Brian Wallin: “Edson F. Gallaudet — A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer”

[SPEAKING PROGRAM] November Varnum Member Dinner & Speaking Program Features Brian Wallin: “Edson F. Gallaudet — A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer”

November 5, 2015 By James Mitchell Varnum

Edson F. Gallaudet -- A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer
Edson F. Gallaudet — A Rhode Island Aviation Pioneer

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO VARNUM MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS.

Drive north of East Greenwich along Post Road, and you’ll see a handsome white-shingled house on the corner of Alger Avenue. It is all that remains of the Gallaudet Aircraft Company, brainchild of Edson Fessenden Gallaudet, a Rhode Island aviation pioneer. Varnum Trustee Brian Wallin brings Gallaudet’s story and its impact on modern flight to our November 2015 meeting.

Edson Gallaudet, a member of the RI Aviation Hall of Fame, is credited with the invention of the warped wing, which was used by the Wright Brothers. He went on to invent an unusual, gear-driven propulsion system for powered aircraft. Gallaudet brought his company from Connecticut to Rhode Island in 1915 and set up shop on Chepiwanoxet Island, eventually employing nearly 1000 people in manufacturing his sleek seaplane designs for the US Army and Navy during World War I. After the war, business declined and the company could no longer survive, despite some interesting attempts.

Gallaudet’s vision lasted just about a decade. He sold his interest in the factory (there is a surprising twist to that part of the story). The plant was used for a variety of ventures until the property was ultimately destroyed by hurricanes in 1954 and 1960. Today, the land is a nature preserve operated by the City of Warwick and the Warwick Conservation Commission.

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer, is the November 2015 guest speaker for the Varnum Continentals.
Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer, is the November 2015 guest speaker for the Varnum Continentals.

Brian Wallin, a veteran broadcast news reporter and producer, worked in Hartford, Providence, and Boston while contributing to ABC, CBS, and NBC news. He also covered the America’s Cup yacht races from 1967-83 for CBS Sports and the 2UE Network in Australia. After 20 years in broadcast journalism, Brian became a hospital management executive, serving in senior leadership roles in MA and MD before returning to RI in the 1990s. He served as Vice President of South County and Kent Hospitals, retiring in 2009. He remains active on several hospital committees. In addition to his writing and freelance voice-over work, Brian is an avid model ship builder and guitarist. He has been a member of the Varnum Continentals since 2009 and a Trustee since 2012.

IMPORTANT: Please RSVP by FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, to Scott Seaback at 401-413-6277 or by email at scott@ritemps.com.

Meeting Date: Monday, November 9, 2015
Time: 5:30 p.m. (social hour); 6:30 p.m. (dinner followed by program)
Fee: $15/person


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At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Speaking Program, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, aviation history, speaking program, Varnum Membership

Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”

September 26, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

Watch this episode of “State of the State”, where host Richard August interviews Varnum Continentals President Patrick Donovan about moving of two American Civil War cannons from the Rhode Island State House to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, where they are now on display for the public.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

Preserving and sharing Rhode Island military history to inspire and educate the public.

Recent Posts

  • Story of Gettysburg and Bull Run Cannons on “State of the State”
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon
  • [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Bullet-Struck World War II Helmet

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