Some of our best Sunrise Rotary Breakfasts are those that educate AND give a glow of pride for Marshfield! Last weeks breakfast offered SO much interest and history that I had to make a choice. I can focus on the rich history aviation in Marshfield or one of the Nations leaders in the commuter airline industry. I have chosen the later of the two. For those of you who have not met Mr. Shwery, let me introduce you.
Roy P. Shwery has been deeply involved in aviation since 1939 when he soloed in Janesville at the age of 16. In 1950, he received his ATP Rating, and had at that point acquired all pilot ratings available. He also has an A & P mechanic's license, and has accumulated approximately 28,ooo flying hours.
As a member of the armed forces in World War II, he flew co-pilot command in medium and heavy bombers until discharged in 1946. Upon discharge, Mr. Shwery chose filling a position as an instructor in Marshfield, Wisconsin. After a brief time he purchased a Navion aircraft, which was used for charter. In 1948 the fixed base operation in Marshfield was purchased. Active development of a charter business, as well as flight instruction, aircraft sales, maintenance and gas sales followed.
Mr Shwery has been acknowledged as on of the pioneers in the commuter airline industry. There have been several articles written in national publications focusing on is efforts in the commuter airline development, some of which have been included in the Reader's Digest.
In the early 1960s, the City of Marshfield had acquired the services of Republic Airlines (then known as North Central Airlines), but the service at the time was inadequate and ill-times. In 1964, Mr. Shwery brought into existence one of the first commuter airlines, Midstate Airlines, with one round trip daily from Marshfield to Wisconsin Rapids to Milwaukee, and then to Chicago O'Hare, with a return in the evening. With an increased demand for services, additional flights were added, and several more cities were included until eleven different cities became involved in the rout system. A fleet of six Beech 18s were in service until 1968, when the Beech 99's were purchased. In 1977 the fleet was again changed to Swearingen Metroliners.
Roy P. Shwery is recognised today as a pioneer in the commuter airline industry. He served three years on the Board of Directors for the Commuter Airline Association of America (CAAA) during its formative years.
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