Monday, December 15, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS 1958 FROM FOUR AMERICAN AIRLINES STEWARDESSES


The year was 1958 and chestnuts were roasting on the open fire and it was twelve days of Christmas.





American Airline Stewardesses Claire Bullock, Argie Hoskins, Barbara Whaley, and Gerry McMasters decorated for a Merry Christmas on Kerwood Ave. near Santa Monica Boulevard.





Tuesday, November 18, 2014

THROUGH THE CLOUDS with "MORE THAN a TICKET" by Argie Hoskins

 

Trip To San Jose

 

I had the wonderful opportunity to launch my book: More Than a Ticket  Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Prop to Jet with a former passenger from the historical flight of the Boeing 707 Inaugural Flight from Los Angeles to New York on the 25th of January 1959. 

This is an article from the San Jose Mercury News which appeared several days after the exciting day with Margaret Bassetti. The signing of my book was an event that was both an honor for me and a humbling experience. The book has opened the doors to new relationships with those individuals viewed now as friends.

 
Click to enlarge

Two other former American Airlines stewardess with whom I flew at the same time out of LAX or Los Angeles attended the special day.  Joan my friend from Hawaii and California surprised the day with her arranging a very busy schedule to attend the celebration for Margaret and the signing. Lona, oh, Lona, speaking about turning the memories back. We had flown together out of LAX.  She honored the day, also.

 

I couldn't believe that this cake was baked for the occasion!




Former American Airlines Stewardesses doting over former passenger; we care!


Lona, Argie, Lorraine and Joan 




Former Passenger Margaret and Former American Airlines Stewardess Argie, "once a stewardess always a stewardess."



More Than a Ticket   Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets 

Authored by Argie Ella Hoskins


Cover: The new Boeing 707 Jet. (Boeing gave permission)
This book welcomes the reader with snapshots during the golden age of flying from carrying mail to a time when excited passengers were treated as guests and everyone dressed in their Sunday best to board American Airlines. It is engaging and appreciated.We served the flying public with much, much "More Than a Ticket." We had time to hang coats, learn names, have a conversation, serve a delicious meal and hold babies. You will feel the excitement of times gone by and get a glimpse of how the atmosphere of air travel has changed through the years. The drama of time has created a different picture.

Part one: "My Life as a Stewardess," takes the reader on a journey with a shy country girl to the city, but she is still a country girl as she becomes a confident stewardess serving all passengers, including the rich and famous, making everyone feel at home. How did she do it? 
Part two: "On Wings of Time," features short stories from AA stewardesses, pilots, flight engineers, and passengers. The young and old, casual readers and aviation enthusiasts will be delighted with memoirs.

Stewardess Argie, "Am I cut out for this job?" “They say I am Dyslexic.” "Make friends with your cognitive gifts." (Stewardess on Boeing 707 jet inaugural flight and also did public relations for AA.)

I have dedicated these words with love and respect to my flying friends, an expression of appreciation for the community of American Airlines.

Somewhere in the clouds of time, we met, embraced, and parted. Moments remembered from here to eternity. —Argie 

More Than a Ticket




                                    
List Price: $19.00
Add to Cart





More Than a Ticket
Memoirs Flying with American Airlines

from Props to Jets 

Both casual readers and aviation enthusiasts 
will be delighted with this read through 
the Golden Age of flying from carrying mail, 
and later passengers dressed up and excited 
to board American Airlines. 

Charities to receive % of profit:
The National MPS Society
Acacia Shade, Children with Disabilities in Ghana
Orton Dyslexia Society
National Kiwi Fund 
LDS Humanitarian Fund
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
 — Anne Frank 


Black & White, paperback $19.00
https://www.createspace.com
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com 

Barnes and Noble Book stores and retailers
Ingram 1-615-793-5000 
Libraries and Academic Institutions 

Full color, hardcover $39.00 Make check to: 
Argie's Publishing 589 East Center St.
Provo, Utah 84606 801-373-5355 


Book has 319 pages, 225 pages with photos
 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

BOOK TALK








I do not like to talk about myself. Really, I do not, however I do like to talk about my book:  More Than a Ticket.  And why do I like to talk about the book?  There is not a word in it that is not valued by me.  Every time I wrote text and selected the pictures, I pondered and looked for inspiration to choose the right words and pictures to tell the story. There are themes that run through the book: family relationships, education, employment, validation, patriotism, message to the young, religion, and it is all tied together with the cement of the work ethic.  And as Daddy would say, "Sis, get up and amount to something!"

As you read the book and it becomes your friend, just know that I would like to be traveling where the book goes to also be making new friends. Let me know how you like the book:  argie.ella@gmail.com

More Than a Ticket   Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets 

Authored by Argie Ella Hoskins


Cover: The new Boeing 707 Jet. This book welcomes the reader with snapshots during the golden age of flying from carrying mail to a time when excited passengers were treated as guests and everyone dressed in their Sunday best to board American Airlines. It is engaging and appreciated.We served the flying public with much, much "More Than a Ticket." We had time to hang coats, learn names, have a conversation, serve a delicious meal and hold babies. You will feel the excitement of times gone by and get a glimpse of how the atmosphere of air travel has changed through the years. The drama of time has created a different picture.

Part one: "My Life as a Stewardess," takes the reader on a journey with a shy country girl to the city, but she is still a country girl as she becomes a confident stewardess serving all passengers, including the rich and famous, making everyone feel at home. How did she do it? Part two: "On Wings of Time," features short stories from AA stewardesses, pilots, flight engineers, and passengers. The young and old, casual readers and aviation enthusiasts will be delighted with memoirs.
Stewardess Argie, "Am I cut out for this job?" “They say I am Dyslexic.” "Make friends with your cognitive gifts." (Stewardess on Boeing 707 jet inaugural flight and also did public relations for AA.)

I have dedicated these words with love and respect to my flying friends. An expression of appreciation for the community of American Airlines.

Somewhere in the clouds of time, we met, embraced, and parted. Moments remembered from here to eternity. —Argie 

More Than a Ticket




                                    
List Price: $19.00
Add to Cart





More Than a Ticket
Memoirs Flying with American Airlines

from Props to Jets 

Both casual readers and aviation enthusiasts 
will be delighted with this read through 
the Golden Age of flying from carrying mail, 
and later passengers dressed up and excited 
to board American Airlines. 

Charities to receive % of profit:
The National MPS Society
Acacia Shade, Children with Disabilities in Ghana

Orton Dyslexia Society
National Kiwi Fund LDS Humanitarian Fund
"No one has ever become poor by giving."
 — Anne Frank 

Black & White, paperback $19.00
https://www.createspace.com
Amazon
http://www.amazon.com 

Barnes and Noble Book stores and retailers
Ingram 1-615-793-5000 
Libraries and Academic Institutions 

Full color, hardcover $39.00 Make check to: 
Argie's Publishing 589 East Center St.
Provo, Utah 84606 801-373-5355 


Book has 319 pages, 225 pages with photos
 
 
 
  





Sunday, October 5, 2014

MORE THAN A TICKET MEMOIRS FLYING WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES FROM PROPS TO JETS Book Signing in San Jose, California with Margaret and Argie Hoskins


                                         Two former American Airlines stewardesses based
                                         in LAX in 1959. Argie was showing Lona her name
                                         on the bid sheet.

                                              And there is a dear passenger Margaret from 1959.

                                                   Margaret's niece Lorraine had this cake
                                                   made to celebrate my book:
                                                   MORE THAN A TICKET.

                                                                   San Jose trip.

                                         Passenger on the January 25, 1959 Boeing 707
                                                       Inaugural Flight, Margaret.

                                          Passenger Margaret with two former American Airlines
                                                       Stewardesses: Joan and Argie







                                          Memorial coin from the Boeing 707 Inaugural Flight.
                                          Margaret made it into a necklace to wear.


                                                              Margaret and Argie
                                                     Somewhere in the clouds of time,
                                                       We met, embraced, and parted,
                                              Moments remembered from here to eternity.
                                                                              ---Argie

     If I were to title this response to life, I would call it CHANGE IN FLIGHT PLAN
The Friday before the exciting trip, the car thanked us for a 60,000 mile maintenance check by the Volvo dealer, and it was ready for a road trip to California. I was thrilled to take this touring adventure with Gene; the clothes laid out for my anticipated book signing in San Jose; even the pens that wouldn't bleed on the books. Details all taken with serious intent.
     Followed by a week of madness. It happened! The main water line from street to house decided to tell us that it was old, well it had been under the ground since 1926, old house you know. Expensive! A planned three day doTerra convention and in a spare moment corn to freeze for winter grab detoured the packing. Now! As the suitcases were down and readied for the trip, Lucy Dog and the two cats started to fuss. Stop it! We are going! Then a phone call from my dear cousin announced that they had the opportunity to visit at the same time of our extended trip (San Jose, Los Angeles, Prescott and Vegas.) Oh, no! I want to see Effie! After a round of Doctor visits, I thought we were ready to go. Well, yes, I should freeze the peaches that were waiting to be done. Uh oh! After a trip to the heart doctor, the doc said, “Good to go!” Wow!
     Next Friday with the car packing done, we were ready to drive to San Jose for the signing. I said I wanted to relax and soak in the tub for a moment before we said farewell to our home and animals. Why wouldn't the hot water faucet turn off and why was the tub filling faster than I could dip the water out of tub into toilet! “GENE, turn the main water line off!!” He hurried for tools, out to the curb and down on his knees. Off went the water and out went his back!
     After waiting for someone of fix the plumbing problem. And I call it a problem, not the usual word I use, challenge, our time had run out to make the trip to San Jose by driving. Knowing that an airplane could get us there on time for the Saturday celebration for the book signing, I went for it. (Aborting the trip was unthinkable, considering all the preparatory work that was already well in motion in San Jose, plus travel plans made by two other former stewardesses who were based in LAX at the same time as I, had been invited.)
     Now to get to the airport! And Saturday morning at 3:00 AM, as I went to the garage to get the car out, the sprinkling system was geysering! Then I discovered that the low beam light warning indicator was on! No!
I was determined! It rained big sheets of water all the way to the airport. I missed a turn to the right parking lot, had to circle and land in the right spot. Gene had a difficult time getting to the plane. Back really hurt! We had experienced opposition.
We made it to the plane to find that some dear soul had upgraded our ticket to first class. Tears came to say, “Thank you!”
     Lorraine, the niece of 97 years Margaret who had been a passenger on the Boeing 707 jet Inaugural Flight, met us at the airport. What a rewarding welcome.
Off to the care center for the day's activities.
The Atria Chateau Gardens chef had prepared Inaugural Flight food, with all the trapping of gracious dining. And there was Auntie Margaret! Yes, Margaret with her bright mind, engaging personality, and warm greeting was alive and happy! After meeting her on January 25, 1959, she as a passenger and I as a stewardess on that historic flight from Los Angeles to New York, this current meeting also felt historical. Incidentally, New York had her winter coat on to welcomed us with a band, and interested and interesting people to greet us.
     After the photographers took tons of pictures we went down to the large activity room. “Auntie” Margaret shared with me that Liz Taylor had once recuperated at this facility. The activity director was a lovely young lady who had designed the setting which was astonishing. As we approached the room, I was surprised to see a landing strip positioned on the floor with all the markings created with white tape. A banner which read American Airlines and plane windows to look through. Auntie Margaret walked down the strip with all the guest standing or seated with some of us behind her. Some of us included two other former American Airlines stewardesses whom I invited to join me on this super adventure.   



     We had all been based in LAX at the same time. Lona had been on the New York to London Inaugural Flight and Joan on the Inaugural Flight from Los Angeles to Philadelphia. And I on the Inaugural Flight from LAX  to New York. The room was decorated with American Airlines colors hanging all over the place. So Charming!
     The activity director . . . did an outstanding job with the voices from the 50s belting it out with love in their hearts. And yes, there was Dino with his amazing voice to charm the attentive group for this very special day for Auntie Margaret, made possible by her dear and dedicated niece Lorraine.
     It was so fun for me to sign book after book as I acquainted myself with the care center's friendships and Margaret's terrific family. A reunion which Lorraine had pulled together family not only from California but from Las Vegas and Oregon for Auntie Margaret to enjoy and some of whom she had not seen for years. Can you imagine the hugs of joy! This was so fun for me!
     One of Margaret's friends came over to the signing table after I had spoken a few words to announce that we belonged to the same church. Something that I had said impressed her to ask. Connections everywhere!
     And then to return to Lorraine's lovely home for a delectable meal host by Lorraine and her dear family. Food arranged by the family.... and well you know the Italians, they are so friendly and warm. Loved it!
     Next day Sunday. After another meal at the Green Cow/Sherwood Inn we happily went back to see Auntie Margaret.


      I love that lady! One of my dear former passengers aboard that first transcontinental jet flight with the great company of American Airlines.
     On Saturday, a gentlemen had come to the table wanting to buy a book. They were all gone. It saddened me because he really wanted a book. Going back to Lorraine's home, I dug deeper into my bag and there was another book. So on Sunday I was honored to give a veteran my book: More Than a Ticket, And that moment was more than a ticket. My heart spun out of control as his grateful eyes and heart said thank you. That is what life is all about. Giving! MORE THAN a TICKET
     And cousin Effie and her husband will be here tomorrow for an exciting visit. Plans change and things work out for the better with a peaceful landing.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

MORE THAN a TICKET MEMOIRS FLYING with AMERICAN AIRLINES from PROPS to JETS


                                                     AUTHORED BY ARGIE HOSKINS

Thanks for taking a look.  You will enjoy my book.  American Airlines 707 Jet Stewardess
Post: More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets
Link: http://americanairlinesstewardess.blogspot.com/2014/08/more-than-ticket-memoirs-flying-with.html



More Than a Ticket  Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets
 
Table of Contents 

Acknowledgment

Part One: My Life as a Stewardess 
Chapter 1:   A Young Girl from Animas Valley
Chapter 2:   Following My Restless Spirit
Chapter 3:   Stewardess School
Chapter 4:   Grooming for Graduation  
Chapter 5:   First Flights  
Chapter 6:   A Visit Home
Chapter 7:   Based in and Flying from Los Angeles
Chapter 8:   VIP Passengers before Jet Travel 
Chapter 9:   The First Jet Flight 
Chapter 10:  Four Friends for the Jets 
Chapter 11:  VIP Passengers after Jet Travel 
Chapter 12:  Final Flights
Part Two: On Wings of Time 
Willis Heath Proctor: PILOT AND TRAINER, 1927–1957  
Roy G. Jacobson: MECHANIC AND FLIGHT ENGINEER, 1941–1984 
MaryLou Parkes Whipple: SECRETARY AND STEWARDESS, 1955–1959 
Audrey Radziwon McGinty: STEWARDESS, 1957–1967, 1972–1976 
Gerry McMasters Lockhart: STEWARDESS, 1957–1959 
Polly Harlan Viertel: STEWARDESS, 1957–1958 
Joan Scofield Sheldon STEWARDESS, 1959–1961  
Margaret Bassetti: PASSENGER, JANUARY 25, 1959  
Robert Cawley: PASSENGER  
Diane Miller Engelskirger: STEWARDESS, 1961–1966  
Judi Stilwell Martino: STEWARDESS, 1963–1968


Tony Vallillo: CAPTAIN, 1977–2008  
Contributors Pictures
Argie’s Challenges for Success 

Over 250 pictures by impressive  professional photographers and personal pictures by contributors.






Tuesday, August 19, 2014

More Than a Ticket Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets




I have dedicated these words with love and respect to my flying friends. This book is an expression of appreciation for the community of American Airlines. A community which was my world in the 1950s. 

Libraries and Academic Institutions ISBN - 13
978-1500875923 


http://www.amazon.com/dp/0578147955
US market 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0578147955
United Kingdom 

http://www.amazon.de/dp/0578147955
Germany 

http://www.amazon.es/dp/0578147955
Spain 

http://www.amazon.fr/dp/0578147955
France 

http://www.amazon.it/dp/0578147955
Italy 

Book stores and online retailers Ingram 1-615-793-5000 

Charities to receive % of profit:
The National MPS Society
Acacia Shade, Children with Disabilities in Ghana (Africa) Orton Dyslexia Society
National Kiwi Fund
LDS Humanitarian Fund 


"No one has ever become poor by giving." Anne Frank


“More Than a Ticket   Memoirs Flying with American Airlines from Props to Jets” authored by Argie Hoskins 

Cover: Boeing has given permission to use their photo of the new Boeing 707 leaving Seattle for Los Angeles for the Inaugural Flight. That photo is on the cover with me in my brown 1957 American Airlines uniform. I was on the Boeing 707 Jet Inaugural Flight on January 25, 1959. 

This book welcomes the reader with snapshots during the golden age of flying from carrying mail to a time when excited passengers were treated as guests and everyone dressed in their Sunday best to board American Airlines. It is engaging and appreciated.We served the flying public with much, much "More Than a Ticket." We had time to hang coats, learn names, have a conversation, serve a delicious meal and hold babies. You will feel the excitement of times gone by and get a glimpse of how the atmosphere of air travel has changed through the years. The drama of time has created a different picture. 

My book "More Than a Ticket"
Part one: "My Life as a Stewardess," takes the reader on a journey with a shy country girl to the city, but she is still a country girl as she becomes a confident stewardess serving all passengers, including the rich and famous, making everyone feel at home. How did she do it?


Part two: "On Wings of Time," features short stories from American Airlines stewardesses, pilots, flight engineers, and passengers. Both the young and old, casual readers and aviation enthusiasts will be delighted with these memoirs from the contributors. 


Stewardess Argie, "Am I cut out for this job?" “They say I am Dyslexic and with a sequencing challenge.” However, "I did it!" "Make friends with your cognitive gifts that once felt like monsters." (Stewardess on American Airlines Boeing 707 jet service inaugural jet flight across the country and also did public relations work for American Airlines.) 

Jon, son of pilot Heath Proctor, "My father was a pioneer airmail pilot." "Dad’s AA retiree ID card, with employee number 02 on it!" (Father is deceased.) 

Curt, son of AA mechanic and later a Flight Engineer Roy Jacobson, "I'll never forget the smell of jet fuel." "We would go through the hangars and look at the planes." (Father is deceased.) 

Stewardess MaryLou, "A secretarial job opened a few miles from home with American Airlines' engineering office which I took and loved. I never wanted to leave." (MaryLou was on the Electra team and subsequently became an AA stewardess.) 

Stewardess Audrey, "Once a stewardess, always a stewardess." (Flew as a “stewardess” and then as a “flight attendant.”) 

Stewardess Gerry, "I was really nervous when I arrived because the other girls waiting to be interviewed were wearing business suits, high heels, gloves, and some were wearing hats. I was wearing a broomstick skirt and sandals." (Housemate who flew on Boeing 707s with me.) 

Stewardess Polly, “Interviews are over, and besides, you aren’t the type.” (Polly became an outstanding Stewardess.) 


Stewardess Joan, "Important faces stood out in the crowd." "Jet fate." (Face in the crowd was a younger man who  became her husband.)


Passenger Margaret, now age 97, "I thought he was getting a little too friendly (taxi cab driver.”) 

Passenger Bob, "I don’t know what I mumbled, but when the plane started to roll forward to take off, she sat down beside me, smiled, and one of her soft hands covered my gripping knuckles, and we were off and flying." (Bob had been a passenger in two near misses before this flight.) 

Stewardess Diane, "I told him that I would meet him at the gate. After we finished deplaning, I thought to myself, 'Did I do the right thing?'” (A passenger without a ride to his home near where Diane lived.) 

Stewardess Judi, "... meeting President Kennedy and then my husband are hard to top! (Husband was a famous singer/actor.) 

Engineer to Captain Tony, "There were no real flight simulators in those Pleistocene days, so all of the flight training for the new jets was done in the airplane." (Tony was responsible for training AA jet pilots.) 

Somewhere in the clouds of time, we met, embraced, and parted. Moments remembered from here to eternity. —Argie