The Flying Schoolmarm (SMI)

Helen Cox Bikle (1902-1992) had two careers.  Most local people knew her from her many years spent teaching at Smithsburg, but before that, Hagerstown born Helen Cox Bikle was pioneer of aviation and once flew a solo flight that Amelia Earhart said she would have hesitated to fly by herself.  Bikle was the first licensed female pilot in Maryland, and a founding member of The Ninety-Nines, the league of the first women aviators in America.  Helen Cox Bikle was also the first licensed female flight instructor in America.  Presented by Joanie Gerber, vice president of the Smithsburg Historical Society and great-granddaughter of Helen Cox Bikle.  Please register online or call the library 301-824-7722.