The First Plane in Inverness
by Janice Ferguson as told to Frank Macdonald
The first airplane to land in Inverness was not for a joyous occasion.
On March 13, 1948, Johnny Ferguson, age 33, died suddenly of diphtheria. There was a terrible snow storm raging and no cars were getting through to Inverness.
Johnny’s brother, Roddie, was attending St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish and was desperately trying to get home for his brother’s funeral. The train would not arrive until 7 p.m. and the funeral was at 3 p.m.
Roddie called a priest friend who located an airplane belonging to Eastern Airlines, a private club with a small field in New Glasgow. The pilot was willing to fly Roddie and his cousin-in-law, Leo LeFort through the storm.
They boarded the three-seater prop plane at St. Martha’s Hospital in Antigonish. A short time (35-40 minutes) later, the ski plane landed on a frozen MacIsaac’s Pond. The ice was cracking under the plane but held up for both the landing and the later lift-off.
A picture of the plane was taken by Sarah Beaton who was among the large number of people who turned out to witness the arrival of the first plane in the town.
Roddie and Leo arrived in time to attend the funeral of Johnny Ferguson.
Johnny Ferguson: father of Janice Ferguson
Mina MacFarlane: Johnny’s wife and Janice’s mother
Roddie Ferguson: Johnny’s brother
Characters • Ferguson, Janice • Ferguson, Johnny • Ferguson, Roddie • Stories • Storytellers • told by Frank Macdonald • told by Janice Ferguson | Dave Ferguson May 20, 2006
