Keith Kahle Papers

Keith H. Kahle (1909-1997) was an aviation pioneer, engineer, journalist, and founder of the Oklahoma City Flying School and Central Airlines of Fort Worth, Texas. Central Airlines served over one million passengers in six southwestern states from the 1940s to the 1960s, and was the first commercial airline to fly out of Meacham Field. As an advocate for the airline industry, Kahle worked with the Civil Aeronautics Board, was a member of the Civil Air Patrol during World War II, and in 1982, was inducted into the Oklahoma Aviation Hall of Fame. He was also an active supporter of the Democratic Party and the University of Oklahoma athletic program. Collection materials include personal journals, biographic material, business records, and photographic material.

Finding aid available here. Materials provided by Special Collections and Archives at the University of Texas at Arlington.

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Central Airlines pamphlet with football schedule

Front cover of a Central Airlines pamphlet, dated September 1, 1956, for a "schedule of all collegiate and televised football games."
Souvenir program for Central Airlines' Pre-inaugural Flight Ceremonies

Front and back covers of a souvenir program for Central Airlines' Pre-inaugural Flight Ceremonies held on December 1 & 2, 1956. The front side of the program reads "For Our Honored Guests On the Maiden Flights Commemorating New Service Oklahoma City to Denver via Enid, Liberal, Guymon*, Lamar* & Colorado Springs and Wichita to Amarillo via Liberal, Guymon* & Borger. *Service pending completion of airports." The back side of the program reads "The Airlanes now flown by Central Airlines" above a map of cities across Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas"
Central Airlines card

Small card, possibly a comment card, reading "To the Central Airlines Team, this will introduce our valued customer," with blank lines available for writing in a customer's name and location, followed by "Please extend every courtesy and consideration" and signed by Central Airlines President Keith Kahle; undated [ca. 1956].
Central Airlines wallet-sized football schedule

Front cover of a Central Airlines wallet-sized football schedule, 1956.
Central Airlines pamphlet

Front cover of a Central Airlines pamphlet, reading "New! Improved passenger service, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas--Connections--Coast to Coast" at the bottom, with the interior of the pamphlet detailing updated city routes, schedules, and fares, effective June 5, 1950. The interior also shows a map of cities in which Central Airlines services, spanning Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Texas.
Keith and Jean Kahle pictured with Ann Richards

Keith and Jean Kahle pictured with Ann Richards, left. Richards signed the top of the photograph with her name and "All the best to you Keith!" [undated, ca. early 1990s]

Keith Kahle Papers

Central Airlines pamphlet with football schedule

Souvenir program for Central Airlines' Pre-inaugural Flight Ceremonies

Central Airlines card

Central Airlines wallet-sized football schedule

Central Airlines pamphlet

Keith and Jean Kahle pictured with Ann Richards

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