ST. LOUIS - If you've ever wondered where Lambert-St. Louis International Airport gets its name, you're not alone, and it's that very question Linda Kingsley submitted for this week's Hey Heidi.
The airport is a busy place, a spot thousands of people pass through daily and most likely have no idea whose name hangs on the wall.
"Yes, Albert Bond Lambert is the person whose name is on the airport. He's the one who first selected the site," said Daniel Rust, assistant director of the Center for Transportation Studies at University of Missouri-St. Louis. He has a Ph.D. in transportation history and is literally writing the book on Lambert history.
Lambert first selected the land in 1920, but that's just a small part of this story. Lambert was known as the dean of aviation.
"In fact, Orville Wright taught him to fly in 1910," said Rust.
Lambert was born in 1875 with an unparalleled passion for flying. He first became a licensed balloonist before becoming a licensed pilot.
He was the first person in St. Louis to have a pilot's license, and without Albert Bond Lambert, Charles Lindbergh's famous flight probably wouldn't have happened because most people thought the idea was crazy.
"But he went to Lambert here in St. Louis, and said, 'Hey I have this idea' and Lambert said, 'Oh, I believe in you, and I'll put the first $1,000 towards your endeavor," said Rust. "And with that seed money others got on board and funded his flight and the rest is history so they say."
Lambert was also a very good golfer. Rust says he helped the United States earn a silver medal in the 1904 Olympic Games.
So the next time you're rushing to your gate at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, take a minute to appreciate the fascinating man the place is named after.
Next week, Heidi will answer Mary Bryant's question about the significance of the Blues' mascot, Louie. Look for the answer Thursday, April 16.
HEY HEIDI
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