Gretchen Frances Hahnen (1902-1986) Schneider Gray Black. She was the New Jersey governor of the Women's International Aeronautic Association. She was married three times. (b. March 11, 1902; Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA - d. December 27, 1986; Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina, 27530, USA) Social Security Number 123019936.
Name:
Her last name is pronounced "hine-anne". Her middle name is thought to be "Frances", but has not been confirmed on any documentation. The 1915 Iowa census lists her as "Gretchen F. Hahnen".
Parents:
Her father was Herman F. Hahnen (1880-1911), and he was born in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Her mother was Zora Montgomery Courtney (1882-1962) and she was born in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. Herme and Zora married on June 26, 1901 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.
Birth:
Gretchen was born on March 11, 1902 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
Sibling:
She had a brother: Robert Courtney Hahnen I (1906-1999) who married Elizabeth Young (1908-1992). Robert died in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Iowa to New Jersey:
The family lived in Des Moine, Polk County, Iowa and then by 1930, Gretchen moved to Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey.
Jersey City:
She was indexed as "Gretchen Haman" in the 1930 US Census living in a rooming house on Fairmont Avenue in Jersey City. She was working as a clerk at the YWCA and paying $28 a month in rent.
Woman's International Association of Aeronautics:
Birdwomen Elect Gretchen Hahnen. Miss Gretchen Hahnen, 100 Duncan Avenue was elected New Jersey governor of the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics at a meeting of the organization last night at the home of Mrs. William D. Smyth, Jr., 229 West 101st Street, New York. Princess Der Ling, president of the organization was unable to preside, due to illness, and Miss Pearl Pelledon was in charge of the meeting. Viola Gentry, nationally known aviatrix was elected second vice-president. Miss Hahnen is adviser of the Junior Aeronautical Association of Jersey City, and is a student of Colonel Clarence Chamberlin. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on February 2, 1933)
First marriage:
Gretchen married Eddie August Schneider (1911-1940) in New York City on June 02, 1934. Eddie was an aviator and he was killed in a plane crash in 1940. In 1941 Gretchen appealed to Congress for financial relief. She was director of the Aviation Club of the Jersey Journal Junior Club Magazine, which is where she met Eddie Schneider.
First marriage:
"Cards Announcing Eastern Wedding. Cards have been received here from Mrs. Zora Montgomery Hahnen of Jersey City, N.J., formerly of Des Moines, announcing the marriage of her daughter, Gretchen Frances, to Eddie August Henry Schneider which took place June 2 in New York City, N.Y. Mrs. Schneider is a niece of Mrs. Rose Hahnen Davis, 1235 Thirty-second street, and Mrs. Carl Niendorf, 1511 Thirty-first street, also a grand niece of Charles M. Dombach, 400 Twenty-eighth street. She is the daughter of the late Herme F. Hahnen and sister of Robert C. Hahnen of St. Paul, Minnesota." (Source: The Des Moines Register of Des Moines, Iowa on 28 June 1934)
First marriage:
"Marriage Announced of Gretchen Hahnen. Jersey City Girl Wed to Eddie A. Schneider, Aviator, Here on June 2. Jersey City, June 23, 1934. - The marriage on June 2, 1934 of Gretchen Hahnen of Jersey City, New Jersey governor of the Women's International Aeronautic Association, and Eddie A. Schneider of Jersey City, who in 1928, at age of 16 was the youngest air pilot to hold a commercial license, was announced today. The couple was married at the NY Municipal Building. Miss Hahnen, daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mr. Schneider met when Miss Hahnen was organizing the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association, of which Mr. Schneider was sponsor. In 1930 Mr. Schneider broke the transcontinental junior speed record by lowering the mark of the late Frank Goldsborough. Mr. Schneider won the Great Lakes Trophy in the Ford national reliability tour in 1930 and in the 1931 tour he won first place for single-motored planes. He was director of the aviation division of the Hoover Business League in 1932. After July 1 the couple will live in Jersey City. Mr. Schneider is the son of Emil A. Schneider of Norton Arlington." (Source: The New York Times on June 23, 1934)
First marriage:
Eddie Schneider, Gretchen Hahnen, Local Fliers, Report Wedding. The marriage of Miss Gretchen Hahnen, New Jersey governor of the Women's Aeronautic Association, of 208 Sip Avenue, to Eddie A. Schneider, Jersey City aviator, whose home is 58 Van Ripen Avenue, was announced at the informal reception Saturday evening. The couple were married Saturday, June 2 in the New York Municipal Building. Mrs. Schneider, who at one time conducted a column on aviation in The Jersey Journal, was the organizer of the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association. and conducted a radio program an aviation. Schneider. when he first learned to fly in 1928 at Roosevelt Field, was the youngest licensed commercial pilot. He received his instruction from the late Bill Ulbrich, pilot of the ill-fated "American Nurse," which disappeared several years ago an a flight from New York to Rome. The young Jersey City pilot first became recognized as a long-distance tier when he broke the junior trans-continental speed record, formerly held by the late Frank Goldsborough. He flew from New York to Los Angeles in 27 hours, and made the return trip in 27 hours. In the Ford national air reliability tour of 1930 Schneider carried off the Great Lakes Trophy for small planes_ He was an entrant in the speed dash from Los Angeles to Cleveland in 1931. A year later Schneider was director of the Aviation Division, Hoover Business League. He was later connected with the aviation division of an oil concern, and at present is Hudson County representative for an oil-burner concern. He has taken part in air shows in many parts of the country and on more than one occasion has thrilled Hudson County residents with his air stunts at Jersey City Airport, Droyers Point. Mrs. Schneider is the daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen, of Jersey City and Des Moines, Iowa. She is a native of Des Moines. Schneider, born in Jersey City, is the son of Emil A. Schneider of North Arlington. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on June 25, 1934)
Spanish Civil War:
Former Minneapolis Girl May Fight in Spanish War. Minneapolis, Minnesota (Associated Press) former Minneapolis girl whose husband is a flying combatant in the Spanish revolution may soon be in the news herself as a war aviatrix. She is Mrs. Eddie Schneider, wife of one of the American pilots who earlier this month left for Spain to fight apparently suspend operations indefinitely. with the loyalists. When she lived here Mrs. Schneider was Miss Gretchen Hahnen. Mrs. Schneider, according to word received today by her aunt, Mrs. D. B. Ransburg, is leaving for Paris Saturday. There she will be watch her husband's exploits shooting down enemy planes at $1,000 per head. If the opportunity develops, she may join her husband's aide to pilot a war plane herself. She also is a pilot When the proposition was brought to Schneider to join one of the warring factions in Spain at a salary of $1,500 a month and $1,000 addition for each plane brought down, Mrs. Schneider protested, but when a group of fliers, among them, Bert Acosta, who flew to France with Admiral Byrd in 1927, was enlisted, Mrs. Lansburg explained. (Source: The Winona Daily News of Winona, Minnesota on 24 November 1936)
Death of husband:
Her husband died in an air crash: "A collision accident which occurred in the vicinity of Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, N. Y., on December 23, 1940, about 1:25 p. m., resulted in fatal injuries to Pilot Eddie Schneider and Student Pilot George Herzog. The airplane in which they were flying, NC-27962, was demolished. Kenneth A. Kuehner, ensign, United States Naval Reserve, who was the pilot of the other airplane and his student, Franklin Newcomer, seaman, second class, United States Naval Reserve, escaped injury. (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Congressional testimony:
"I live at 32-50 Ninety-third Street, Jackson Heights, Long Island, N. Y., and I am the widow of the late Eddie A. Schneider, deceased. I am presently employed by American Airlines as a reservations clerk, at $100 a month salary out of which I support myself and assist in supporting my mother who is 59 years old and a widow also. My husband, the late Eddie A. Schneider, was 29 years of age, having been born October 20, 1911, and was killed in an airplane accident as hereinafter stated, on December 23, 1940, at about 1:30 p. m. We were married on the 2nd of June 1934, and had been married approximately 6 3/4 years at the time he was killed. ..." (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Second marriage:
After his death Gretchen married Herb Gray, a pilot for American Airlines, and he had a nervous breakdown and was institutionalized. They then divorced.
Third marriage:
She married Grant Alonza Black (1913-1976) on August 28, 1950 in Arkansas and they lived in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. He was an Air Force airman. He retired in 1960 and they moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Letter to Bertrand Blanchard Acosta (1895-1854):
"June 30, 1953. My dear Bert: I was so glad to see this article in the paper, though I knew you were in Denver. A man, whose name I cannot remember, came into the office last spring, he's a flyer, and told me where you were, and that you were getting along fine. I feel terrible not to have written long before this and I am afraid you will think I am not a very good friend, but I have thought of you often and said many prayers for you and now they are being answered. I thought you might like to have this clipping. Do you remember that I had the original picture of you officially receiving the Pulitzer Speed Trophy and wanted it? The reason I didn't give it to you was because I was afraid you would lose it. Several months ago, I sent that picture along with my complete aviation library of 127 books, to the National Air Museum at the Smithsonian Institution and that is where it is now. They sent me a copy of the picture and I am mailing it to you under separate cover. The books are cataloged and now known as the "Eddie Schneider Memorial Library" and I am happy about that. When I came back to Fort Worth from New York in 1948, I gave all of Eddie's scrap books, international license signed by Orville Wright and other licenses to the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences in New York. I knew that if anything happened to me, there probably wouldn't be [anyone] who would care about them and that is why I sent all the stuff away. I am delighted to hear that you are going to start writing your memoirs. I have often thought of the opportunity I had when we were living with you and Gloria to have jotted down many of the things you told us to be used for just such a purpose, but now you have lots of time to look over the past and I hope you will. I seldom hear from anyone back East, let alone see them. I hear from Casey Jones once in a while, also Viola Gentry, who is working in New York. Saw Clarence Chamberlin on TV not long ago and he said he was completely out of aviation, though the last time I heard from him, he had been with Bellanca a couple of years ago. After my divorce from Herb Gray, I stopped over in Kansas City on my way to New York, to see Carl Schneider, remember him? His address is P.O. Box 23, Muncie, Kansas, in case you ever want to contact him. There was an article in the newspaper last week about Al Baumler, who the last time I saw him he was a Major in the Air Force and is now an Airman 1st Class and is in Yan ... though doing no flying. [Remember ...] the Americans Millie Lord and I met in France and later in Alicante, and it was through him, that she and I eventually got to Valencia where you and Dingle and Eddie were. Its funny, but I can remember every detail of that trip to Spain. I shall never forget the day you all sailed and when Eddie asked me to have a last drink with him, I started to bawl, you came over, knocked my chin up with your fist, "If your going to drink, smile when you do it." The impact knocked all my tears right and left, and it really helped me to tell him goodbye. I have loads of clippings left, and Eddie's diary on that Spanish deal, so if you need any refreshers, let me know. The enclosed picture is of my mom, who visited us in February for a month and my present husband, and I might add, my last, come what may. She is still full of life and vinegar and can drink me under the table despite the fact I am 20 years younger than she. Three years ago she ran for Republican committeewoman in her district, and won! She was 71 last January. We had a wonderful time when she was here, and she and Grant immediately became buddies. Though I have had two marriages end in tragedy, I am hoping this will last a long time. My husband is a great guy, has over 16 years in the Air Force, over nine of them as a Master Sergeant. He is a Yankee, thank God, no more Texans for me. Gray was a Texan and he told me once, that Texans considered their battle and women in the same category, and that strictly wasn't for me. However, he didn't go haywire mentally, until all of my $10,500 was gone, and now I am as poor as a churchmouse again, but at least I am very happy. ... and electronics specialist. You'd like him, Bert, and vice versa. They are shipping people out of here very fast, but we seem to stay on and watch everyone else leave, however, our turn will come along one of these days. My fervent hope is that it won't be Limestone, Maine; Rapid City, South Dakota; or Roswell, New Mexico. Of course our preference would be March Field near Los Angeles or that other one near San Francisco, but of course we will have no choice. I wouldn't mind being sent to Europe, France, Germany, Norway, England or even Casablanca. Why be in the Air Force and stay in one place? Fort Worth is a nice place, but I've got itchy feet. This is the third summer in a row now that we have suffered with intense heat, up around 104 degrees every day, and I don't like it. Both of us would like Denver, it is a really swell place and who knows, you might see us there sometime. Bert, I won't keep on yakking, you must be half dead by now after reading all this stuff, but I want you to know I am pulling for you and am so happy you are on the road to recovery. If you are able, I would love to hear from you. Take care of yourself now and with lots of love, I'll close. Mrs. Grant A. Black (Gretchen Schneider) 6109 Halloway Street, Fort Worth, Texas."
Death:
She died on December 27, 1986 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She died under the name of "Gretchen Black".
Burial:
Raleigh National Cemetery in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
Memories about Gretchen Hahnen:
Richard Hahnen: "I went to visit her two weeks before she died in Goldsboro. My dad went to visit her too. "
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on August 30, 2004. Updated on December 21, 2012 with information on her marriage to Grant Black. Updated on September 15, 2013 with the text from the New York Times report on her marriage. Updated on September 24, 2019 with the text of the article on her participation in the Spanish Civil War. Updated on October 1, 2019 with her congressional testimony. Updated on November 1, 2019 with information on the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics. Updated on February 8, 2020 with information that her middle name was "Frances".
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Name:
Her last name is pronounced "hine-anne". Her middle name is thought to be "Frances", but has not been confirmed on any documentation. The 1915 Iowa census lists her as "Gretchen F. Hahnen".
Parents:
Her father was Herman F. Hahnen (1880-1911), and he was born in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Her mother was Zora Montgomery Courtney (1882-1962) and she was born in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. Herme and Zora married on June 26, 1901 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.
Birth:
Gretchen was born on March 11, 1902 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
Sibling:
She had a brother: Robert Courtney Hahnen I (1906-1999) who married Elizabeth Young (1908-1992). Robert died in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Iowa to New Jersey:
The family lived in Des Moine, Polk County, Iowa and then by 1930, Gretchen moved to Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey.
Jersey City:
She was indexed as "Gretchen Haman" in the 1930 US Census living in a rooming house on Fairmont Avenue in Jersey City. She was working as a clerk at the YWCA and paying $28 a month in rent.
Woman's International Association of Aeronautics:
Birdwomen Elect Gretchen Hahnen. Miss Gretchen Hahnen, 100 Duncan Avenue was elected New Jersey governor of the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics at a meeting of the organization last night at the home of Mrs. William D. Smyth, Jr., 229 West 101st Street, New York. Princess Der Ling, president of the organization was unable to preside, due to illness, and Miss Pearl Pelledon was in charge of the meeting. Viola Gentry, nationally known aviatrix was elected second vice-president. Miss Hahnen is adviser of the Junior Aeronautical Association of Jersey City, and is a student of Colonel Clarence Chamberlin. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on February 2, 1933)
First marriage:
Gretchen married Eddie August Schneider (1911-1940) in New York City on June 02, 1934. Eddie was an aviator and he was killed in a plane crash in 1940. In 1941 Gretchen appealed to Congress for financial relief. She was director of the Aviation Club of the Jersey Journal Junior Club Magazine, which is where she met Eddie Schneider.
First marriage:
"Cards Announcing Eastern Wedding. Cards have been received here from Mrs. Zora Montgomery Hahnen of Jersey City, N.J., formerly of Des Moines, announcing the marriage of her daughter, Gretchen Frances, to Eddie August Henry Schneider which took place June 2 in New York City, N.Y. Mrs. Schneider is a niece of Mrs. Rose Hahnen Davis, 1235 Thirty-second street, and Mrs. Carl Niendorf, 1511 Thirty-first street, also a grand niece of Charles M. Dombach, 400 Twenty-eighth street. She is the daughter of the late Herme F. Hahnen and sister of Robert C. Hahnen of St. Paul, Minnesota." (Source: The Des Moines Register of Des Moines, Iowa on 28 June 1934)
First marriage:
"Marriage Announced of Gretchen Hahnen. Jersey City Girl Wed to Eddie A. Schneider, Aviator, Here on June 2. Jersey City, June 23, 1934. - The marriage on June 2, 1934 of Gretchen Hahnen of Jersey City, New Jersey governor of the Women's International Aeronautic Association, and Eddie A. Schneider of Jersey City, who in 1928, at age of 16 was the youngest air pilot to hold a commercial license, was announced today. The couple was married at the NY Municipal Building. Miss Hahnen, daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mr. Schneider met when Miss Hahnen was organizing the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association, of which Mr. Schneider was sponsor. In 1930 Mr. Schneider broke the transcontinental junior speed record by lowering the mark of the late Frank Goldsborough. Mr. Schneider won the Great Lakes Trophy in the Ford national reliability tour in 1930 and in the 1931 tour he won first place for single-motored planes. He was director of the aviation division of the Hoover Business League in 1932. After July 1 the couple will live in Jersey City. Mr. Schneider is the son of Emil A. Schneider of Norton Arlington." (Source: The New York Times on June 23, 1934)
First marriage:
Eddie Schneider, Gretchen Hahnen, Local Fliers, Report Wedding. The marriage of Miss Gretchen Hahnen, New Jersey governor of the Women's Aeronautic Association, of 208 Sip Avenue, to Eddie A. Schneider, Jersey City aviator, whose home is 58 Van Ripen Avenue, was announced at the informal reception Saturday evening. The couple were married Saturday, June 2 in the New York Municipal Building. Mrs. Schneider, who at one time conducted a column on aviation in The Jersey Journal, was the organizer of the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association. and conducted a radio program an aviation. Schneider. when he first learned to fly in 1928 at Roosevelt Field, was the youngest licensed commercial pilot. He received his instruction from the late Bill Ulbrich, pilot of the ill-fated "American Nurse," which disappeared several years ago an a flight from New York to Rome. The young Jersey City pilot first became recognized as a long-distance tier when he broke the junior trans-continental speed record, formerly held by the late Frank Goldsborough. He flew from New York to Los Angeles in 27 hours, and made the return trip in 27 hours. In the Ford national air reliability tour of 1930 Schneider carried off the Great Lakes Trophy for small planes_ He was an entrant in the speed dash from Los Angeles to Cleveland in 1931. A year later Schneider was director of the Aviation Division, Hoover Business League. He was later connected with the aviation division of an oil concern, and at present is Hudson County representative for an oil-burner concern. He has taken part in air shows in many parts of the country and on more than one occasion has thrilled Hudson County residents with his air stunts at Jersey City Airport, Droyers Point. Mrs. Schneider is the daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen, of Jersey City and Des Moines, Iowa. She is a native of Des Moines. Schneider, born in Jersey City, is the son of Emil A. Schneider of North Arlington. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on June 25, 1934)
Spanish Civil War:
Former Minneapolis Girl May Fight in Spanish War. Minneapolis, Minnesota (Associated Press) former Minneapolis girl whose husband is a flying combatant in the Spanish revolution may soon be in the news herself as a war aviatrix. She is Mrs. Eddie Schneider, wife of one of the American pilots who earlier this month left for Spain to fight apparently suspend operations indefinitely. with the loyalists. When she lived here Mrs. Schneider was Miss Gretchen Hahnen. Mrs. Schneider, according to word received today by her aunt, Mrs. D. B. Ransburg, is leaving for Paris Saturday. There she will be watch her husband's exploits shooting down enemy planes at $1,000 per head. If the opportunity develops, she may join her husband's aide to pilot a war plane herself. She also is a pilot When the proposition was brought to Schneider to join one of the warring factions in Spain at a salary of $1,500 a month and $1,000 addition for each plane brought down, Mrs. Schneider protested, but when a group of fliers, among them, Bert Acosta, who flew to France with Admiral Byrd in 1927, was enlisted, Mrs. Lansburg explained. (Source: The Winona Daily News of Winona, Minnesota on 24 November 1936)
Death of husband:
Her husband died in an air crash: "A collision accident which occurred in the vicinity of Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, N. Y., on December 23, 1940, about 1:25 p. m., resulted in fatal injuries to Pilot Eddie Schneider and Student Pilot George Herzog. The airplane in which they were flying, NC-27962, was demolished. Kenneth A. Kuehner, ensign, United States Naval Reserve, who was the pilot of the other airplane and his student, Franklin Newcomer, seaman, second class, United States Naval Reserve, escaped injury. (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Congressional testimony:
"I live at 32-50 Ninety-third Street, Jackson Heights, Long Island, N. Y., and I am the widow of the late Eddie A. Schneider, deceased. I am presently employed by American Airlines as a reservations clerk, at $100 a month salary out of which I support myself and assist in supporting my mother who is 59 years old and a widow also. My husband, the late Eddie A. Schneider, was 29 years of age, having been born October 20, 1911, and was killed in an airplane accident as hereinafter stated, on December 23, 1940, at about 1:30 p. m. We were married on the 2nd of June 1934, and had been married approximately 6 3/4 years at the time he was killed. ..." (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Second marriage:
After his death Gretchen married Herb Gray, a pilot for American Airlines, and he had a nervous breakdown and was institutionalized. They then divorced.
Third marriage:
She married Grant Alonza Black (1913-1976) on August 28, 1950 in Arkansas and they lived in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. He was an Air Force airman. He retired in 1960 and they moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Letter to Bertrand Blanchard Acosta (1895-1854):
"June 30, 1953. My dear Bert: I was so glad to see this article in the paper, though I knew you were in Denver. A man, whose name I cannot remember, came into the office last spring, he's a flyer, and told me where you were, and that you were getting along fine. I feel terrible not to have written long before this and I am afraid you will think I am not a very good friend, but I have thought of you often and said many prayers for you and now they are being answered. I thought you might like to have this clipping. Do you remember that I had the original picture of you officially receiving the Pulitzer Speed Trophy and wanted it? The reason I didn't give it to you was because I was afraid you would lose it. Several months ago, I sent that picture along with my complete aviation library of 127 books, to the National Air Museum at the Smithsonian Institution and that is where it is now. They sent me a copy of the picture and I am mailing it to you under separate cover. The books are cataloged and now known as the "Eddie Schneider Memorial Library" and I am happy about that. When I came back to Fort Worth from New York in 1948, I gave all of Eddie's scrap books, international license signed by Orville Wright and other licenses to the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences in New York. I knew that if anything happened to me, there probably wouldn't be [anyone] who would care about them and that is why I sent all the stuff away. I am delighted to hear that you are going to start writing your memoirs. I have often thought of the opportunity I had when we were living with you and Gloria to have jotted down many of the things you told us to be used for just such a purpose, but now you have lots of time to look over the past and I hope you will. I seldom hear from anyone back East, let alone see them. I hear from Casey Jones once in a while, also Viola Gentry, who is working in New York. Saw Clarence Chamberlin on TV not long ago and he said he was completely out of aviation, though the last time I heard from him, he had been with Bellanca a couple of years ago. After my divorce from Herb Gray, I stopped over in Kansas City on my way to New York, to see Carl Schneider, remember him? His address is P.O. Box 23, Muncie, Kansas, in case you ever want to contact him. There was an article in the newspaper last week about Al Baumler, who the last time I saw him he was a Major in the Air Force and is now an Airman 1st Class and is in Yan ... though doing no flying. [Remember ...] the Americans Millie Lord and I met in France and later in Alicante, and it was through him, that she and I eventually got to Valencia where you and Dingle and Eddie were. Its funny, but I can remember every detail of that trip to Spain. I shall never forget the day you all sailed and when Eddie asked me to have a last drink with him, I started to bawl, you came over, knocked my chin up with your fist, "If your going to drink, smile when you do it." The impact knocked all my tears right and left, and it really helped me to tell him goodbye. I have loads of clippings left, and Eddie's diary on that Spanish deal, so if you need any refreshers, let me know. The enclosed picture is of my mom, who visited us in February for a month and my present husband, and I might add, my last, come what may. She is still full of life and vinegar and can drink me under the table despite the fact I am 20 years younger than she. Three years ago she ran for Republican committeewoman in her district, and won! She was 71 last January. We had a wonderful time when she was here, and she and Grant immediately became buddies. Though I have had two marriages end in tragedy, I am hoping this will last a long time. My husband is a great guy, has over 16 years in the Air Force, over nine of them as a Master Sergeant. He is a Yankee, thank God, no more Texans for me. Gray was a Texan and he told me once, that Texans considered their battle and women in the same category, and that strictly wasn't for me. However, he didn't go haywire mentally, until all of my $10,500 was gone, and now I am as poor as a churchmouse again, but at least I am very happy. ... and electronics specialist. You'd like him, Bert, and vice versa. They are shipping people out of here very fast, but we seem to stay on and watch everyone else leave, however, our turn will come along one of these days. My fervent hope is that it won't be Limestone, Maine; Rapid City, South Dakota; or Roswell, New Mexico. Of course our preference would be March Field near Los Angeles or that other one near San Francisco, but of course we will have no choice. I wouldn't mind being sent to Europe, France, Germany, Norway, England or even Casablanca. Why be in the Air Force and stay in one place? Fort Worth is a nice place, but I've got itchy feet. This is the third summer in a row now that we have suffered with intense heat, up around 104 degrees every day, and I don't like it. Both of us would like Denver, it is a really swell place and who knows, you might see us there sometime. Bert, I won't keep on yakking, you must be half dead by now after reading all this stuff, but I want you to know I am pulling for you and am so happy you are on the road to recovery. If you are able, I would love to hear from you. Take care of yourself now and with lots of love, I'll close. Mrs. Grant A. Black (Gretchen Schneider) 6109 Halloway Street, Fort Worth, Texas."
Death:
She died on December 27, 1986 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She died under the name of "Gretchen Black".
Burial:
Raleigh National Cemetery in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
Memories about Gretchen Hahnen:
Richard Hahnen: "I went to visit her two weeks before she died in Goldsboro. My dad went to visit her too. "
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on August 30, 2004. Updated on December 21, 2012 with information on her marriage to Grant Black. Updated on September 15, 2013 with the text from the New York Times report on her marriage. Updated on September 24, 2019 with the text of the article on her participation in the Spanish Civil War. Updated on October 1, 2019 with her congressional testimony. Updated on November 1, 2019 with information on the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics. Updated on February 8, 2020 with information that her middle name was "Frances".
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Gretchen Frances Hahnen (1902-1986) Schneider Gray Black. She was the New Jersey governor of the Women's International Aeronautic Association. She was married three times. (b. March 11, 1902; Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA - d. December 27, 1986; Goldsboro, Wayne County, North Carolina, 27530, USA) Social Security Number 123019936.
Name:
Her last name is pronounced "hine-anne". Her middle name is thought to be "Frances", but has not been confirmed on any documentation. The 1915 Iowa census lists her as "Gretchen F. Hahnen".
Parents:
Her father was Herman F. Hahnen (1880-1911), and he was born in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Her mother was Zora Montgomery Courtney (1882-1962) and she was born in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. Herme and Zora married on June 26, 1901 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.
Birth:
Gretchen was born on March 11, 1902 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
Sibling:
She had a brother: Robert Courtney Hahnen I (1906-1999) who married Elizabeth Young (1908-1992). Robert died in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Iowa to New Jersey:
The family lived in Des Moine, Polk County, Iowa and then by 1930, Gretchen moved to Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey.
Jersey City:
She was indexed as "Gretchen Haman" in the 1930 US Census living in a rooming house on Fairmont Avenue in Jersey City. She was working as a clerk at the YWCA and paying $28 a month in rent.
Woman's International Association of Aeronautics:
Birdwomen Elect Gretchen Hahnen. Miss Gretchen Hahnen, 100 Duncan Avenue was elected New Jersey governor of the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics at a meeting of the organization last night at the home of Mrs. William D. Smyth, Jr., 229 West 101st Street, New York. Princess Der Ling, president of the organization was unable to preside, due to illness, and Miss Pearl Pelledon was in charge of the meeting. Viola Gentry, nationally known aviatrix was elected second vice-president. Miss Hahnen is adviser of the Junior Aeronautical Association of Jersey City, and is a student of Colonel Clarence Chamberlin. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on February 2, 1933)
First marriage:
Gretchen married Eddie August Schneider (1911-1940) in New York City on June 02, 1934. Eddie was an aviator and he was killed in a plane crash in 1940. In 1941 Gretchen appealed to Congress for financial relief. She was director of the Aviation Club of the Jersey Journal Junior Club Magazine, which is where she met Eddie Schneider.
First marriage:
"Cards Announcing Eastern Wedding. Cards have been received here from Mrs. Zora Montgomery Hahnen of Jersey City, N.J., formerly of Des Moines, announcing the marriage of her daughter, Gretchen Frances, to Eddie August Henry Schneider which took place June 2 in New York City, N.Y. Mrs. Schneider is a niece of Mrs. Rose Hahnen Davis, 1235 Thirty-second street, and Mrs. Carl Niendorf, 1511 Thirty-first street, also a grand niece of Charles M. Dombach, 400 Twenty-eighth street. She is the daughter of the late Herme F. Hahnen and sister of Robert C. Hahnen of St. Paul, Minnesota." (Source: The Des Moines Register of Des Moines, Iowa on 28 June 1934)
First marriage:
"Marriage Announced of Gretchen Hahnen. Jersey City Girl Wed to Eddie A. Schneider, Aviator, Here on June 2. Jersey City, June 23, 1934. - The marriage on June 2, 1934 of Gretchen Hahnen of Jersey City, New Jersey governor of the Women's International Aeronautic Association, and Eddie A. Schneider of Jersey City, who in 1928, at age of 16 was the youngest air pilot to hold a commercial license, was announced today. The couple was married at the NY Municipal Building. Miss Hahnen, daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mr. Schneider met when Miss Hahnen was organizing the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association, of which Mr. Schneider was sponsor. In 1930 Mr. Schneider broke the transcontinental junior speed record by lowering the mark of the late Frank Goldsborough. Mr. Schneider won the Great Lakes Trophy in the Ford national reliability tour in 1930 and in the 1931 tour he won first place for single-motored planes. He was director of the aviation division of the Hoover Business League in 1932. After July 1 the couple will live in Jersey City. Mr. Schneider is the son of Emil A. Schneider of Norton Arlington." (Source: The New York Times on June 23, 1934)
First marriage:
Eddie Schneider, Gretchen Hahnen, Local Fliers, Report Wedding. The marriage of Miss Gretchen Hahnen, New Jersey governor of the Women's Aeronautic Association, of 208 Sip Avenue, to Eddie A. Schneider, Jersey City aviator, whose home is 58 Van Ripen Avenue, was announced at the informal reception Saturday evening. The couple were married Saturday, June 2 in the New York Municipal Building. Mrs. Schneider, who at one time conducted a column on aviation in The Jersey Journal, was the organizer of the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association. and conducted a radio program an aviation. Schneider. when he first learned to fly in 1928 at Roosevelt Field, was the youngest licensed commercial pilot. He received his instruction from the late Bill Ulbrich, pilot of the ill-fated "American Nurse," which disappeared several years ago an a flight from New York to Rome. The young Jersey City pilot first became recognized as a long-distance tier when he broke the junior trans-continental speed record, formerly held by the late Frank Goldsborough. He flew from New York to Los Angeles in 27 hours, and made the return trip in 27 hours. In the Ford national air reliability tour of 1930 Schneider carried off the Great Lakes Trophy for small planes_ He was an entrant in the speed dash from Los Angeles to Cleveland in 1931. A year later Schneider was director of the Aviation Division, Hoover Business League. He was later connected with the aviation division of an oil concern, and at present is Hudson County representative for an oil-burner concern. He has taken part in air shows in many parts of the country and on more than one occasion has thrilled Hudson County residents with his air stunts at Jersey City Airport, Droyers Point. Mrs. Schneider is the daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen, of Jersey City and Des Moines, Iowa. She is a native of Des Moines. Schneider, born in Jersey City, is the son of Emil A. Schneider of North Arlington. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on June 25, 1934)
Spanish Civil War:
Former Minneapolis Girl May Fight in Spanish War. Minneapolis, Minnesota (Associated Press) former Minneapolis girl whose husband is a flying combatant in the Spanish revolution may soon be in the news herself as a war aviatrix. She is Mrs. Eddie Schneider, wife of one of the American pilots who earlier this month left for Spain to fight apparently suspend operations indefinitely. with the loyalists. When she lived here Mrs. Schneider was Miss Gretchen Hahnen. Mrs. Schneider, according to word received today by her aunt, Mrs. D. B. Ransburg, is leaving for Paris Saturday. There she will be watch her husband's exploits shooting down enemy planes at $1,000 per head. If the opportunity develops, she may join her husband's aide to pilot a war plane herself. She also is a pilot When the proposition was brought to Schneider to join one of the warring factions in Spain at a salary of $1,500 a month and $1,000 addition for each plane brought down, Mrs. Schneider protested, but when a group of fliers, among them, Bert Acosta, who flew to France with Admiral Byrd in 1927, was enlisted, Mrs. Lansburg explained. (Source: The Winona Daily News of Winona, Minnesota on 24 November 1936)
Death of husband:
Her husband died in an air crash: "A collision accident which occurred in the vicinity of Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, N. Y., on December 23, 1940, about 1:25 p. m., resulted in fatal injuries to Pilot Eddie Schneider and Student Pilot George Herzog. The airplane in which they were flying, NC-27962, was demolished. Kenneth A. Kuehner, ensign, United States Naval Reserve, who was the pilot of the other airplane and his student, Franklin Newcomer, seaman, second class, United States Naval Reserve, escaped injury. (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Congressional testimony:
"I live at 32-50 Ninety-third Street, Jackson Heights, Long Island, N. Y., and I am the widow of the late Eddie A. Schneider, deceased. I am presently employed by American Airlines as a reservations clerk, at $100 a month salary out of which I support myself and assist in supporting my mother who is 59 years old and a widow also. My husband, the late Eddie A. Schneider, was 29 years of age, having been born October 20, 1911, and was killed in an airplane accident as hereinafter stated, on December 23, 1940, at about 1:30 p. m. We were married on the 2nd of June 1934, and had been married approximately 6 3/4 years at the time he was killed. ..." (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Second marriage:
After his death Gretchen married Herb Gray, a pilot for American Airlines, and he had a nervous breakdown and was institutionalized. They then divorced.
Third marriage:
She married Grant Alonza Black (1913-1976) on August 28, 1950 in Arkansas and they lived in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. He was an Air Force airman. He retired in 1960 and they moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Letter to Bertrand Blanchard Acosta (1895-1854):
"June 30, 1953. My dear Bert: I was so glad to see this article in the paper, though I knew you were in Denver. A man, whose name I cannot remember, came into the office last spring, he's a flyer, and told me where you were, and that you were getting along fine. I feel terrible not to have written long before this and I am afraid you will think I am not a very good friend, but I have thought of you often and said many prayers for you and now they are being answered. I thought you might like to have this clipping. Do you remember that I had the original picture of you officially receiving the Pulitzer Speed Trophy and wanted it? The reason I didn't give it to you was because I was afraid you would lose it. Several months ago, I sent that picture along with my complete aviation library of 127 books, to the National Air Museum at the Smithsonian Institution and that is where it is now. They sent me a copy of the picture and I am mailing it to you under separate cover. The books are cataloged and now known as the "Eddie Schneider Memorial Library" and I am happy about that. When I came back to Fort Worth from New York in 1948, I gave all of Eddie's scrap books, international license signed by Orville Wright and other licenses to the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences in New York. I knew that if anything happened to me, there probably wouldn't be [anyone] who would care about them and that is why I sent all the stuff away. I am delighted to hear that you are going to start writing your memoirs. I have often thought of the opportunity I had when we were living with you and Gloria to have jotted down many of the things you told us to be used for just such a purpose, but now you have lots of time to look over the past and I hope you will. I seldom hear from anyone back East, let alone see them. I hear from Casey Jones once in a while, also Viola Gentry, who is working in New York. Saw Clarence Chamberlin on TV not long ago and he said he was completely out of aviation, though the last time I heard from him, he had been with Bellanca a couple of years ago. After my divorce from Herb Gray, I stopped over in Kansas City on my way to New York, to see Carl Schneider, remember him? His address is P.O. Box 23, Muncie, Kansas, in case you ever want to contact him. There was an article in the newspaper last week about Al Baumler, who the last time I saw him he was a Major in the Air Force and is now an Airman 1st Class and is in Yan ... though doing no flying. [Remember ...] the Americans Millie Lord and I met in France and later in Alicante, and it was through him, that she and I eventually got to Valencia where you and Dingle and Eddie were. Its funny, but I can remember every detail of that trip to Spain. I shall never forget the day you all sailed and when Eddie asked me to have a last drink with him, I started to bawl, you came over, knocked my chin up with your fist, "If your going to drink, smile when you do it." The impact knocked all my tears right and left, and it really helped me to tell him goodbye. I have loads of clippings left, and Eddie's diary on that Spanish deal, so if you need any refreshers, let me know. The enclosed picture is of my mom, who visited us in February for a month and my present husband, and I might add, my last, come what may. She is still full of life and vinegar and can drink me under the table despite the fact I am 20 years younger than she. Three years ago she ran for Republican committeewoman in her district, and won! She was 71 last January. We had a wonderful time when she was here, and she and Grant immediately became buddies. Though I have had two marriages end in tragedy, I am hoping this will last a long time. My husband is a great guy, has over 16 years in the Air Force, over nine of them as a Master Sergeant. He is a Yankee, thank God, no more Texans for me. Gray was a Texan and he told me once, that Texans considered their battle and women in the same category, and that strictly wasn't for me. However, he didn't go haywire mentally, until all of my $10,500 was gone, and now I am as poor as a churchmouse again, but at least I am very happy. ... and electronics specialist. You'd like him, Bert, and vice versa. They are shipping people out of here very fast, but we seem to stay on and watch everyone else leave, however, our turn will come along one of these days. My fervent hope is that it won't be Limestone, Maine; Rapid City, South Dakota; or Roswell, New Mexico. Of course our preference would be March Field near Los Angeles or that other one near San Francisco, but of course we will have no choice. I wouldn't mind being sent to Europe, France, Germany, Norway, England or even Casablanca. Why be in the Air Force and stay in one place? Fort Worth is a nice place, but I've got itchy feet. This is the third summer in a row now that we have suffered with intense heat, up around 104 degrees every day, and I don't like it. Both of us would like Denver, it is a really swell place and who knows, you might see us there sometime. Bert, I won't keep on yakking, you must be half dead by now after reading all this stuff, but I want you to know I am pulling for you and am so happy you are on the road to recovery. If you are able, I would love to hear from you. Take care of yourself now and with lots of love, I'll close. Mrs. Grant A. Black (Gretchen Schneider) 6109 Halloway Street, Fort Worth, Texas."
Death:
She died on December 27, 1986 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She died under the name of "Gretchen Black".
Burial:
Raleigh National Cemetery in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
Memories about Gretchen Hahnen:
Richard Hahnen: "I went to visit her two weeks before she died in Goldsboro. My dad went to visit her too. "
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on August 30, 2004. Updated on December 21, 2012 with information on her marriage to Grant Black. Updated on September 15, 2013 with the text from the New York Times report on her marriage. Updated on September 24, 2019 with the text of the article on her participation in the Spanish Civil War. Updated on October 1, 2019 with her congressional testimony. Updated on November 1, 2019 with information on the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics. Updated on February 8, 2020 with information that her middle name was "Frances".
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Name:
Her last name is pronounced "hine-anne". Her middle name is thought to be "Frances", but has not been confirmed on any documentation. The 1915 Iowa census lists her as "Gretchen F. Hahnen".
Parents:
Her father was Herman F. Hahnen (1880-1911), and he was born in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Her mother was Zora Montgomery Courtney (1882-1962) and she was born in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois. Herme and Zora married on June 26, 1901 in Galesburg, Knox County, Illinois.
Birth:
Gretchen was born on March 11, 1902 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
Sibling:
She had a brother: Robert Courtney Hahnen I (1906-1999) who married Elizabeth Young (1908-1992). Robert died in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Iowa to New Jersey:
The family lived in Des Moine, Polk County, Iowa and then by 1930, Gretchen moved to Jersey City, Hudson County, New Jersey.
Jersey City:
She was indexed as "Gretchen Haman" in the 1930 US Census living in a rooming house on Fairmont Avenue in Jersey City. She was working as a clerk at the YWCA and paying $28 a month in rent.
Woman's International Association of Aeronautics:
Birdwomen Elect Gretchen Hahnen. Miss Gretchen Hahnen, 100 Duncan Avenue was elected New Jersey governor of the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics at a meeting of the organization last night at the home of Mrs. William D. Smyth, Jr., 229 West 101st Street, New York. Princess Der Ling, president of the organization was unable to preside, due to illness, and Miss Pearl Pelledon was in charge of the meeting. Viola Gentry, nationally known aviatrix was elected second vice-president. Miss Hahnen is adviser of the Junior Aeronautical Association of Jersey City, and is a student of Colonel Clarence Chamberlin. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on February 2, 1933)
First marriage:
Gretchen married Eddie August Schneider (1911-1940) in New York City on June 02, 1934. Eddie was an aviator and he was killed in a plane crash in 1940. In 1941 Gretchen appealed to Congress for financial relief. She was director of the Aviation Club of the Jersey Journal Junior Club Magazine, which is where she met Eddie Schneider.
First marriage:
"Cards Announcing Eastern Wedding. Cards have been received here from Mrs. Zora Montgomery Hahnen of Jersey City, N.J., formerly of Des Moines, announcing the marriage of her daughter, Gretchen Frances, to Eddie August Henry Schneider which took place June 2 in New York City, N.Y. Mrs. Schneider is a niece of Mrs. Rose Hahnen Davis, 1235 Thirty-second street, and Mrs. Carl Niendorf, 1511 Thirty-first street, also a grand niece of Charles M. Dombach, 400 Twenty-eighth street. She is the daughter of the late Herme F. Hahnen and sister of Robert C. Hahnen of St. Paul, Minnesota." (Source: The Des Moines Register of Des Moines, Iowa on 28 June 1934)
First marriage:
"Marriage Announced of Gretchen Hahnen. Jersey City Girl Wed to Eddie A. Schneider, Aviator, Here on June 2. Jersey City, June 23, 1934. - The marriage on June 2, 1934 of Gretchen Hahnen of Jersey City, New Jersey governor of the Women's International Aeronautic Association, and Eddie A. Schneider of Jersey City, who in 1928, at age of 16 was the youngest air pilot to hold a commercial license, was announced today. The couple was married at the NY Municipal Building. Miss Hahnen, daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mr. Schneider met when Miss Hahnen was organizing the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association, of which Mr. Schneider was sponsor. In 1930 Mr. Schneider broke the transcontinental junior speed record by lowering the mark of the late Frank Goldsborough. Mr. Schneider won the Great Lakes Trophy in the Ford national reliability tour in 1930 and in the 1931 tour he won first place for single-motored planes. He was director of the aviation division of the Hoover Business League in 1932. After July 1 the couple will live in Jersey City. Mr. Schneider is the son of Emil A. Schneider of Norton Arlington." (Source: The New York Times on June 23, 1934)
First marriage:
Eddie Schneider, Gretchen Hahnen, Local Fliers, Report Wedding. The marriage of Miss Gretchen Hahnen, New Jersey governor of the Women's Aeronautic Association, of 208 Sip Avenue, to Eddie A. Schneider, Jersey City aviator, whose home is 58 Van Ripen Avenue, was announced at the informal reception Saturday evening. The couple were married Saturday, June 2 in the New York Municipal Building. Mrs. Schneider, who at one time conducted a column on aviation in The Jersey Journal, was the organizer of the Jersey City Junior Aeronautical Association. and conducted a radio program an aviation. Schneider. when he first learned to fly in 1928 at Roosevelt Field, was the youngest licensed commercial pilot. He received his instruction from the late Bill Ulbrich, pilot of the ill-fated "American Nurse," which disappeared several years ago an a flight from New York to Rome. The young Jersey City pilot first became recognized as a long-distance tier when he broke the junior trans-continental speed record, formerly held by the late Frank Goldsborough. He flew from New York to Los Angeles in 27 hours, and made the return trip in 27 hours. In the Ford national air reliability tour of 1930 Schneider carried off the Great Lakes Trophy for small planes_ He was an entrant in the speed dash from Los Angeles to Cleveland in 1931. A year later Schneider was director of the Aviation Division, Hoover Business League. He was later connected with the aviation division of an oil concern, and at present is Hudson County representative for an oil-burner concern. He has taken part in air shows in many parts of the country and on more than one occasion has thrilled Hudson County residents with his air stunts at Jersey City Airport, Droyers Point. Mrs. Schneider is the daughter of Mrs. Zora M. Hahnen, of Jersey City and Des Moines, Iowa. She is a native of Des Moines. Schneider, born in Jersey City, is the son of Emil A. Schneider of North Arlington. (Source: Jersey Journal of Jersey City, New Jersey on June 25, 1934)
Spanish Civil War:
Former Minneapolis Girl May Fight in Spanish War. Minneapolis, Minnesota (Associated Press) former Minneapolis girl whose husband is a flying combatant in the Spanish revolution may soon be in the news herself as a war aviatrix. She is Mrs. Eddie Schneider, wife of one of the American pilots who earlier this month left for Spain to fight apparently suspend operations indefinitely. with the loyalists. When she lived here Mrs. Schneider was Miss Gretchen Hahnen. Mrs. Schneider, according to word received today by her aunt, Mrs. D. B. Ransburg, is leaving for Paris Saturday. There she will be watch her husband's exploits shooting down enemy planes at $1,000 per head. If the opportunity develops, she may join her husband's aide to pilot a war plane herself. She also is a pilot When the proposition was brought to Schneider to join one of the warring factions in Spain at a salary of $1,500 a month and $1,000 addition for each plane brought down, Mrs. Schneider protested, but when a group of fliers, among them, Bert Acosta, who flew to France with Admiral Byrd in 1927, was enlisted, Mrs. Lansburg explained. (Source: The Winona Daily News of Winona, Minnesota on 24 November 1936)
Death of husband:
Her husband died in an air crash: "A collision accident which occurred in the vicinity of Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, N. Y., on December 23, 1940, about 1:25 p. m., resulted in fatal injuries to Pilot Eddie Schneider and Student Pilot George Herzog. The airplane in which they were flying, NC-27962, was demolished. Kenneth A. Kuehner, ensign, United States Naval Reserve, who was the pilot of the other airplane and his student, Franklin Newcomer, seaman, second class, United States Naval Reserve, escaped injury. (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Congressional testimony:
"I live at 32-50 Ninety-third Street, Jackson Heights, Long Island, N. Y., and I am the widow of the late Eddie A. Schneider, deceased. I am presently employed by American Airlines as a reservations clerk, at $100 a month salary out of which I support myself and assist in supporting my mother who is 59 years old and a widow also. My husband, the late Eddie A. Schneider, was 29 years of age, having been born October 20, 1911, and was killed in an airplane accident as hereinafter stated, on December 23, 1940, at about 1:30 p. m. We were married on the 2nd of June 1934, and had been married approximately 6 3/4 years at the time he was killed. ..." (Source: 77th Congress, 2nd Session, Congress, Report No. 1072 on February 13, 1942)
Second marriage:
After his death Gretchen married Herb Gray, a pilot for American Airlines, and he had a nervous breakdown and was institutionalized. They then divorced.
Third marriage:
She married Grant Alonza Black (1913-1976) on August 28, 1950 in Arkansas and they lived in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. He was an Air Force airman. He retired in 1960 and they moved to Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Letter to Bertrand Blanchard Acosta (1895-1854):
"June 30, 1953. My dear Bert: I was so glad to see this article in the paper, though I knew you were in Denver. A man, whose name I cannot remember, came into the office last spring, he's a flyer, and told me where you were, and that you were getting along fine. I feel terrible not to have written long before this and I am afraid you will think I am not a very good friend, but I have thought of you often and said many prayers for you and now they are being answered. I thought you might like to have this clipping. Do you remember that I had the original picture of you officially receiving the Pulitzer Speed Trophy and wanted it? The reason I didn't give it to you was because I was afraid you would lose it. Several months ago, I sent that picture along with my complete aviation library of 127 books, to the National Air Museum at the Smithsonian Institution and that is where it is now. They sent me a copy of the picture and I am mailing it to you under separate cover. The books are cataloged and now known as the "Eddie Schneider Memorial Library" and I am happy about that. When I came back to Fort Worth from New York in 1948, I gave all of Eddie's scrap books, international license signed by Orville Wright and other licenses to the Institute of Aeronautical Sciences in New York. I knew that if anything happened to me, there probably wouldn't be [anyone] who would care about them and that is why I sent all the stuff away. I am delighted to hear that you are going to start writing your memoirs. I have often thought of the opportunity I had when we were living with you and Gloria to have jotted down many of the things you told us to be used for just such a purpose, but now you have lots of time to look over the past and I hope you will. I seldom hear from anyone back East, let alone see them. I hear from Casey Jones once in a while, also Viola Gentry, who is working in New York. Saw Clarence Chamberlin on TV not long ago and he said he was completely out of aviation, though the last time I heard from him, he had been with Bellanca a couple of years ago. After my divorce from Herb Gray, I stopped over in Kansas City on my way to New York, to see Carl Schneider, remember him? His address is P.O. Box 23, Muncie, Kansas, in case you ever want to contact him. There was an article in the newspaper last week about Al Baumler, who the last time I saw him he was a Major in the Air Force and is now an Airman 1st Class and is in Yan ... though doing no flying. [Remember ...] the Americans Millie Lord and I met in France and later in Alicante, and it was through him, that she and I eventually got to Valencia where you and Dingle and Eddie were. Its funny, but I can remember every detail of that trip to Spain. I shall never forget the day you all sailed and when Eddie asked me to have a last drink with him, I started to bawl, you came over, knocked my chin up with your fist, "If your going to drink, smile when you do it." The impact knocked all my tears right and left, and it really helped me to tell him goodbye. I have loads of clippings left, and Eddie's diary on that Spanish deal, so if you need any refreshers, let me know. The enclosed picture is of my mom, who visited us in February for a month and my present husband, and I might add, my last, come what may. She is still full of life and vinegar and can drink me under the table despite the fact I am 20 years younger than she. Three years ago she ran for Republican committeewoman in her district, and won! She was 71 last January. We had a wonderful time when she was here, and she and Grant immediately became buddies. Though I have had two marriages end in tragedy, I am hoping this will last a long time. My husband is a great guy, has over 16 years in the Air Force, over nine of them as a Master Sergeant. He is a Yankee, thank God, no more Texans for me. Gray was a Texan and he told me once, that Texans considered their battle and women in the same category, and that strictly wasn't for me. However, he didn't go haywire mentally, until all of my $10,500 was gone, and now I am as poor as a churchmouse again, but at least I am very happy. ... and electronics specialist. You'd like him, Bert, and vice versa. They are shipping people out of here very fast, but we seem to stay on and watch everyone else leave, however, our turn will come along one of these days. My fervent hope is that it won't be Limestone, Maine; Rapid City, South Dakota; or Roswell, New Mexico. Of course our preference would be March Field near Los Angeles or that other one near San Francisco, but of course we will have no choice. I wouldn't mind being sent to Europe, France, Germany, Norway, England or even Casablanca. Why be in the Air Force and stay in one place? Fort Worth is a nice place, but I've got itchy feet. This is the third summer in a row now that we have suffered with intense heat, up around 104 degrees every day, and I don't like it. Both of us would like Denver, it is a really swell place and who knows, you might see us there sometime. Bert, I won't keep on yakking, you must be half dead by now after reading all this stuff, but I want you to know I am pulling for you and am so happy you are on the road to recovery. If you are able, I would love to hear from you. Take care of yourself now and with lots of love, I'll close. Mrs. Grant A. Black (Gretchen Schneider) 6109 Halloway Street, Fort Worth, Texas."
Death:
She died on December 27, 1986 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She died under the name of "Gretchen Black".
Burial:
Raleigh National Cemetery in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.
Memories about Gretchen Hahnen:
Richard Hahnen: "I went to visit her two weeks before she died in Goldsboro. My dad went to visit her too. "
Research:
Researched and written by Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) for Findagrave starting on August 30, 2004. Updated on December 21, 2012 with information on her marriage to Grant Black. Updated on September 15, 2013 with the text from the New York Times report on her marriage. Updated on September 24, 2019 with the text of the article on her participation in the Spanish Civil War. Updated on October 1, 2019 with her congressional testimony. Updated on November 1, 2019 with information on the Woman's International Association of Aeronautics. Updated on February 8, 2020 with information that her middle name was "Frances".
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