From the Archives - July 28, 2022

"Charley Ridling, pilot for Coombs' West Air Company, Yakima, Wash., can mark Tuesday, July 8, down as one of his lucky days. Ridling, who was flying a West Air Company biplane on a crop dusting job at the Bob and Clara Hewett ranch in the Curley Creek district Tuesday afternoon, walked away from his plane with only a few minor scratches and bruises after his plane crashed. A partial engine failure on a turn was blamed for the accident in which the plane was almost a total wreck." (Photo courtesy Spokane Chronicle) — Bonners Ferry Herald, July 17, 1952

Coombs West Air Company and Coombs Flying C Ranches were formed in 1945 by Bruce Avery Combs and his wife, Alice C'ceal (Phelps) Coombs from Yakima. Their planes and helicopters flew many crop dusting flights in the Inland Northwest. Bruce passed away in 1991, leaving C'ceal as sole owner of the companies. She passed away in 1996. They had no children.

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Visit the museum Thursday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and you can visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the museum’s Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached via email at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by telephone at 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.