Eklund, Don

Don Eklund was Associate Professor Emeritus of History at Western Washington University.

L. Guy Mecklem was an aviation pioneer and daredevil at the turn of the 20th Century. Beginning with his first balloon flight in 1897 at the age of 15, Mecklem discovered a love for flying that led him to a career as a popular local aeronaut. In the course of this career Mecklem performed a number of hazardous tricks while suspended from a trapeze affixed to his balloon. Even after suffering numerous unpredictable landings Mecklem never failed to make further ascents. While traveling the country performing at a number of air shows Mecklem became enamored with engine-powered airplanes and pursued a short career of flying these aircraft at exhibitions. When this career change proved unprofitable Mecklem sold his plane and moved on to become a carnival acrobat and deep sea diver. After retiring from these occupations L. Guy Mecklem settled onto a berry farm for 28 years with his wife outside Everson, Washington. Near the end of his life he moved to Bellingham where he died at the age of 90 on January 20, 1973.

L. Guy Mecklem was an aviation pioneer and daredevil at the turn of the 20th Century.

Beginning with his first balloon flight in 1897 at the age of 15, Mecklem discovered a love for flying that led him to a career as a popular local aeronaut. While traveling the country performing at air shows, Mecklem became interested in engine-powered airplanes and pursued a short career of flying these aircraft at exhibitions. When this career change proved unprofitable, Mecklem sold his plane and became a carnival acrobat and deep sea diver. L. Guy Mecklem and his wife retired to a berry farm outside Everson, Washington, where they lived for the next 28 years. Near the end of his life he moved to Bellingham where he died at the age of 90 on January 20, 1973.