Meyers, Allen H., 1908-1976.

Aviator and airplane designer, founder of Meyers Aircraft Company, Tecumseh, Michigan.

From the description of Allen H. Meyers papers, 1935-1971. (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 34421947

Allen H. Meyers was born in Allenhurst, New Jersey, in 1908. He early developed an interest in mechanics as a result of his father's training as a mechanical engineer. This together with the excitement generated by Lindbergh's flight inspired Meyers to choose a career in aviation. Because no university offered an organized curriculum in aviation at that time, Meyers decided to pursue an apprenticeship at the Stinson Aircraft Corporation of Wayne, Michigan. By the time he was 27, he had already constructed and tested a personal open-cockpit biplane, a new concept at that time. This plane became famous as the OTW (Out To Win). Meyers began manufacturing the OTW in Tecumseh, Michigan, in the late 1930's. The plane was later used in the Civilian Pilot Training Program during World War II.

Changes in technology during the war brought the period of the biplane to an end. After the war the Meyers plant began manufacturing aluminum boats while Meyers worked on the design of a new airplane. Production of the new plane, the Meyers 145, began in the early 1950's. It was followed by the Meyers 200, manufactured from 1959-1965, a four-place airplane with retractable tricycle gear, noted for its safety of design and its outstanding performance in races. In 1965, the design of the 200 was purchased by North American Rockwell. Meyers and his wife used the profits to establish the Meyers Foundation to support scientific research and development.

In 1974, Allen Meyers was inducted into the Aviator's Hall of Fame at the Glenn Curtiss Museum of Aviators at Hammondsport, New York. He died on March 15, 1976, and is survived by his wife, Dr. Nydia Luthy Meyers.

From the guide to the Allen H. Meyers Papers, 1935-1971, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)