Above: Vultee Vengeance assembly line in Downey- 1940's Left: XP-54 Artwork. Vibration Test Tower for missiles in Downey.
"When it comes time to memorialize the origins of space flight, there is an industrial plant in Downey, Calif., that would certainly qualify as a shrine. This Downey plant was the birthplace, homestead and laboratory for much of America's wondrous space technology- the Space Age's equivalent of Orville and Wilbur's bicycle shop. It is here in Downey that space structure, guidance and power were prominently pioneered. And it is here that the celebrated Apollo command was created and manufactured." Russ Murray
Partners in Progress Columbia Memorial Space Center Information Owned and operated by the City of Downey 12400 Columbia Way, Downey, California, 90242 | (562) 231-1200 Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Visit Downey's Columbia Memorial Space Center
History from the 1930's- Security Aircraft, Downey
After EMSCO, Champion Aircraft Corporation and Curtis Manufacturing Company preceded Security National Aircraft Corporation, whichleased the former EMSCO plant after Champion Aircraft faltered because of poor economic conditions. Security was owned by Walter "Bert" Kinner. An innovative, experienced pilot, Kinner had moved his Kinner Airplane and Motor Corporation from Glendale. Builder of the Kinner motor, Kinner designed and manufactured two airplanes for Amelia Earhart. Kinner had dreams of developing a small plane market that would rival what the automobile market had done for Henry Ford. Kinner patented the "folding wing" design, and, in 1933, flew the new folding wing design at the National Air Races in Los Angeles. The plane was called the "Security Airster" and sold for about $1985.00. At the end of 1933 Kinner moved his operations to the Van Nuys Airport. The plant was then sold to Baker Oil Tools Company. It is believed that Baker Oil tools used the buildings for storage.
Security was owned by Walter "Bert" Kinner. An innovative, experienced pilot, Kinner had moved his Kinner Airplane and Motor Corporation from Glendale.
"Belief constitutes the fundamental difference between superstition and faith"...Walter Germain
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