Biographical note: Walter Douglas, Jr., an aviation businessman, was the son of Walter Douglas, prominent in railroad development in southern Arizona and Mexico and president and chairman of Phelps Dodge Mining Company, and the grandson of James Douglas, pioneer mining development and president of the Phelps Dodge until 1918. Walter Douglas, Jr. was born in Bisbee, Ariz. in 1910, then moved with his family to New York. He returned to Tucson in 1934, at the urging of his godmother, Isabella Greenway. In 1936, Walter opened Gilpin Airlines offering charter service and flying instruction. During World War II, the airport provided flying instruction for Navy pilots and later to civilian pilots after the war. In 1938, Walter purchased Grand Canyon Airlines and operated a charter service to areas around the Grand Canyon, northern Arizona, and southern Utah. In 1959, Douglas sold the Gilpin Airport to the City of Tucson.
From the description of Walter Douglas papers, ca. 1895-1987 (bulk 1938-1959). (Arizona Historical Society, Southern Arizona Division). WorldCat record id: 80015818
