Cole, Hallett Everett, 1900-1974

Hallett Everett Cole, born in 1900 in Chicago, lived through the giant airships' period of glory. Cole was a Red Cross volunteer in Europe during both World Wars. After a career in advertising, he retired to Hawaii in about 1950.

He began collecting pictures, relics and memorabilia of lighter-than-air craft, with an emphasis on Zeppelins. At first a hobby, his collection and library became increasingly directed to the goal of generating public interest in airships.

In 1969, Cole donated his collection to the University of Oregon Library. Later he moved to Eugene and devoted the last two years of his life to maintaining his collection, assisting scholars doing research in this area and answering questions from the general public.

Cole was of the opinion that, given modern materials and technology, giant airships could be built that would be economical, convenient and non-polluting transportation for heavy freight and passengers.

Cole died in Coos Bay, Oregon on May 21, 1974.

From the guide to the Hallet E. Cole collection on Zeppelins and lighter-than-air craft, 1905-1971, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Oregon Libraries)