As a successful Cumberland business man, W. Donald Smith, actively promoted local aviation following World War II. His son, Bill, related that, as the owner of area shoe stores, his father was in New York purchasing footwear and happened to visit the Abercrombie and Fitch’s unusual sporting store. On display was a shiny new low wing Ercoupe aircraft. Don was immediately enamored with this intriguing airplane and proceeded to purchase it. After delivery he learned that it was manufactured at Riverdale, MD and he proceeded to obtain a franchise from the aircraft company enabling him to sell Ercoupes. His son recalls that as many as thirteen Ercoupes were purchased by local business and professional individuals after WW II. Dr. Royce Hodges, II, Dr. Rhett Rathbone, Dominic Indolphi, John Liebaugh, George Ruhl, Dr. Walter Himmler and Dr. Ralph Ballin became proud owners of Ercoupe aircraft.
In 1947 Don purchased a luxurious and sophisticated four place, low wing, retractable gear, all metal Navion which was powered by a 205 hp engine. The Navion was produced by the Ryan Aircraft Company in California but was found to be underpowered. When Don took delivery of the Navion, with his companion George Ruhl, the pair had to fly the low route eastbound over the Rocky Mountains. About 1950, Don purchased a Beechcraft Bonanza, an even more practical craft that is still produced today in updated versions. Once again George Ruhl accompanied Smith when they flew the aircraft to Cumberland from the Beechcraft factory at Wichita, Kansas. Several years later Don Smith owned a Beechcraft Debonair, followed by a twin engine Piper Aztec, and three twin engine Piper Navajos, the last of which was the larger Piper Navajo Chieftain.
W. Donald Smith with his 1950 Model C Beechcraft Bonanza
When his son-in-law, and later United State Senator, J. Glenn Beall, Jr., soloed the Smith family Ercoupe, a celebration for the occasion was well attended at Don’s residence on Camden Avenue. Ample champagne highlighted the refreshments served for the evening’s revelry. Don also encouraged Dr. Ralph Ballin, a local physician and FAA Medical Examiner, to learn to fly and later Ralph purchased Don’s prized Ercoupe and the Beechcraft Debonair.
As a member of the Cumberland Airport Commission for several years, Don Smith used his political influence as well as financial support to promote the Cumberland Airport in variety of ways.
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Wings Over Cumberland 