Albert Paul Mantz papers

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: MSS 6

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Albert Paul Mantz papers document the working relationship of Paul Mantz, Amelia Eahart, and George Palmer Putnam during the height of Earhart's career in the 1930s. Materials include correspondence, receipts, planning notes, blueprints, and photographs related to maintenance and the purchase of Earhart's Lockheed Vega and Lockheed Electra 10e. Also included is correspondence with members of Earhart and Palmer Putnam's families, in addition to Mary Beatrice Noonan, regarding the rights to the Earhart story. Correspondence and clippings about Earhart's disappearance and theories are also included.

Dates

Creation: 1932 - 1992
Creation: Majority of material found within 1932 - 1963

Creator

Mantz, Paul, 1903-1965 (Person)

Access Information

Collection is open for research.

Copyright and Use Information

Copyright held by Purdue University. Consult with Purdue University Archives and Special Collections prior to reproduction of materials.

Biographical Information

Albert Paul Mantz, known as Paul Mantz, was born August 2, 1903, in Alameda, California and joined the Army Air Corps in the 1920s but was dismissed in 1927 after performing a dangerous stunt shortly before he would have graduated. He was an American stunt pilot known for his work on several Hollywood films and for his employment by Amelia Earhart to assist with the planning of her world flight attempt. Mantz died on July 8, 1965, while flying a stunt for the film The Flight of the Phoenix.

Extent

1.741 Cubic Feet (Two full-length letter-size manuscript boxes, two half-length letter-size manuscript box, one full-length legal-size manuscript box, and four flat folders)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Some papers throughout the collection are fragile and should be handled with care. Audiotapes and films must be migrated to a digital format before use. Contact Purdue University Archives and Special Collections if interested in using this material.

Acquisition Information

Acquired by Purdue University Archives and Special Collections in 2016.

Related Materials

MSF 450, Amelia Earhart at Purdue papers, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

MSP 9, George Palmer Putnam collection of Amelia Earhart papers, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

MSP 79, Zelda Gould collection of Amy Otis Earhart correspondence, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

MSP 224, Frederick J. Noonan and Mary Beatrice Noonan papers, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

MSP 330, Albert and John Bresnik film of Amelia Earhart, Purdue University Archives and Special Collections, Purdue University Libraries.

Processing Information

Materials have been rehoused into archival boxes and folders. Photographs and negatives have been placed in protective sleeves. Rusted paper clips and staples have been removed. Newspaper clippings have been copied onto acid-free paper and originals retained. Blueprints have been flattened and placed in oversize folders.