Minerva Bloom

Allan Mcelhiney: One Man's Vision Minerva Bloom

With more than 100 vintage photographs. Nothing in the history of Ft Lauderdale had greater impact in its prosperity, than the Naval Air Station (NASFL) established in 1942. Recognizing this fact, the Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Historical Association can be traced to one man: Allan McElhiney a former WWII sailor who devoted much of his life to preserve a part of history. When the war ended the base closed its doors. Progress was about to eradicate the past to make way for a new Airport, but thanks to the long fight of a visionary man who saw the significance of safeguarding a bygone era, a Naval Museum was established. Flight 19 is one of the great aviation mysteries. It flew out of NASFL in 1945 to vanish into the Bermuda Triangle. In addition, a 19 year old future US President lived at NASFL as a young Ensign to train as a torpedo/bomber pilot. This is the inspirational story of one man who's commitment to the cause of preservation has encouraged many to look into our past, to safeguard our future.