Memories of Arthur Collins and Alexander Lippisch

In today's Ramblin' in The Gazette, Don Hanson reminisces about talking with the Cherry Sisters of Marion who were infamous for performing behind a net while audience members threw vegetables and fruit (and other things) at them, even though they denied it. He thought they were very nice women and didn't get a fair shake.

As mentioned in that column, Don became close with two other Cedar Rapids icons -- Arthur Collins, the founder of Collins Radio which is now Rockwell-Collins, and Alexander Lippisch, the inventor of the Delta Wing whom Collins brought from Germany to Cedar Rapids to help with innovation at Collins.

Don, 90, was Collins employee No. 82 beginning in 1939 and worked in the photography department until 1961 so he got to know both men.

Collins once prepared to go rattlesnake hunting in Arizona with his son and told Don, "I want my camera, six rolls of film, a carton of Camels and $1,000." Don laughed and replied, "Arthur, I can get you everything but the $1,000." And, about searching for rattlesnakes, Arthur secretly confided in Don, "I hope we don't find anything."

Don had a close relationship with Lippisch since he drove him to various personal appearances around the country. Don says he agreed to do the driving on one condition. "I told him I'd drive him places if he didn't give the same speech twice," Don says.

Also, Don remembers that nobody wanted to drink coffee when Lippisch made it because it was so strong. "Three days later," Don laughs, "and you'd be laying in bed with your eyes wide open."